2025 Maruti Wagon R: There’s nothing low-key about the upcoming 2025 Wagon R, and Maruti Suzuki is reportedly adopting a “dhakad” (powerful/strong/impressive) approach for what is set to be the new generation tall-boy hatchback that will be produced across the Indian carmaker’s lowest-budget spectrum.
Arriving in showrooms by the middle of 2025, this new take on India’s favorite practical car is intended to bring a much-needed freight of personality to the segment that doesn’t upend the value proposition that’s made the wagon a perennial bestseller.
2025 Maruti Wagon R: Breaking the Budget Car Mold
2025 Maruti Wagon R “I think people have this image — a fixed image, what a budget car should be,” says Rajesh Sharma, who owns a Maruti dealership in Pune. “The new Wagon R is set to overturn that perception.
My customers had an early look at the design last month at a dealer preview, and let me tell you, the word ‘boring’ didn’t enter any of their conversations.
That’s quite the compliment for a model that for decades has favored function over form. The redesigned Wagon R retains the model’s signature upright silhouette, the practical proportions that translate into wondrous interior space in a small footprint, but will cover it in punchier sheetmetal with sharper character lines and a more striking face.
Wider, more planted stance at the front with a honeycomb grille almost spanning the width, flanked by slim LED headlamps.
The lights have a unique L-shaped LED signature which bleeds into the bumper to create a “light blade” effect (which is what Maruti’s design team calls it), effectively widening the car’s face.
More prominent wheel arches accommodate larger 15-inch alloy wheels (previously 14-inches) with a diamond-cut two-tone finish on the range-topping variants along the sides.
The window line climbs more steeply at the rear, giving it a more exciting shape while still providing the kind of headroom Wagon R buyers want.
“The idea was to prove that practical need not mean plain,” says a senior designer at Maruti’s R&D centre, asking not to be named.
The ‘dhakad’ design direction is about creating something that has presence and personality, but without complicating surfacing that would add cost to the manufacturing process.
Important Technology at a Feel-Good Price
2025 Maruti Wagon R Inside, the 2025 Wagon R carries on the overhaul with an updated dashboard focused on a 9-inch free-standing touchscreen.
This screen, which comes as standard with all variants except the base, also includes the option of wireless Android auto and Apple CarPlay, which used to be the preserve of the pricier models in Maruti’s range.
The instrument cluster is also digitally revamped through a 7-inch TFT screen that’s flanked by traditional dial gauges for speed and fuel level.
This semi-digital setup means you can get the information display you want without the additional cost of a fully digital setup, keeping the Wagon R well positioned on the budget end of the spectrum.
That last point is particularly notable, as interior materials get a significant upgrade. Rich, soft-touch panels replace much of the hard plastics seen in the model previously found in production and the seat upholstery is made of a durable outdoor fabric, only with newer patterns.
While the per-chassis cost items remains, the steering wheel — borrowed from more expensive Maruti products — comes with integrated controls for audio and phone functions, across the range.
“The interior changes surprised me the most,” said Priya Patel, a Wagon R customer who participated in a focus group for the model’s redesign.
“It doesn’t feel like they’ve just checked boxes to keep the price low anymore. It’s thought into making it feel special.”
Powertrains That Reflect Changing Times
2025 Maruti Wagon R The 2025 Wagon R is based on evolved versions of the tried and tested 1.0-litre K10C and 1.2-litre K12N engines, served with their helping of upgrades to comply with the latest emission regulations and improve utility.
Thanks to the addition of a turbo, the smaller engine is now good for 68 horsepower (up from 67) and 90 Nm of torque and the 1.2-liter option offers 82 horsepower and 113 Nm.
Both engines are paired with either a 5-speed manual or the revised Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) now dubbed as “EZ Drive” by Maruti.
This system, which is already augmented with newer software to reduce the bumps while shifting and improve low speed coziness in traffic—issues commonly found in AMT systems.
Perhaps the most notable new entrant is the new factory-fitted S-CNG option with both engine choices.
This integrated system frees up almost the entire luggage space by housing the CNG cylinder under the car floor instead of in the trunk — a more common scenario for aftermarket CNG kits.
“If you look at current fuel prices, the demand for CNG has skyrocketed,” says Vikram Thakur, a Maruti sales executive from Ghaziabad.
“The new under-floor tank design means you don’t have to compromise between running on cheap fuel or carrying your luggage. That’s a huge selling point for budget-conscious families.”
Safety Gets Serious
In what seems like a response to went up scrutiny over Indian vehicle safety standards, the 2025 Wagon R is getting significant safety equipment upgrades on all variants.
All versions get six airbags as standard as well as ABS, electronic stability control and hill-hold assist.
Upper trims bring a reversing camera with distance markers, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The body shell itself has been further strengthened along with more high-strength steel, with Maruti claiming a “noticeable” gain in crash protection for “marginal increase” in weight.
There are no official crash test results yet, but company representatives are confident of a solid performance.
2025 Maruti Wagon R Priced to Keep Its Crown
While the new-gen meets some major upgrades in terms of design, features, and safety, Maruti has also made efforts to ensure the Wagon R continues to be the value leader in the segment.
Expected prices start at around ₹5.99 lakh for the entry-level 1.0L variant and go all the way up to ₹8.75 lakh for the top-end fully-loaded 1.2L ZXi+ (ex-showroom).
The price will see the 2025 Wagon R sitting a touch above the older model but lower than the pricier hatchbacks, so it remains an attractive proposition for those in search of value, while offering enough upgrades to warrant the small hike in pricing.
“The Wagon R has always been smart value and not just cheap transport,” says automotive analyst Deepak Joshi.
“This new version maintains that philosophy by spending its upgrades in places that customers give a crap about, not wasting them in purposefully added (read: expensive) features that read great in brochure form but don’t really enhance the ownership experience.”
Having made its debut in the Indian market over 30 lakh units already sold, the Wagon R has carved its niche when it comes to reliable family vehicles.
With its “dhakad” makeover, the 2025 model adds emotion to the rational strengths that already made it a favorite, which indeed, is something that can also appeal to younger buyers without turning off practical-minded buyers who helped make it a perennial best seller for over two decades now.