Maruti Wagon R CNG crosses 3 lakh sales milestone

In 2010, Maruti Suzuki introduced the CNG variant of the popular Wagon R into the Indian market. Back then, CNG was a whole new concept, and the consumers were not ready for it. However, ten years down the line the sales figures, of the number of units sold, tell an encouraging tale. The sales record indicates that the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG version has crossed the landmark figure of three lakhs cars sold. It is a significant feat, that signals not just consumer-acceptance of bi-fuel vehicles, launched by Maruti Suzuki, but also that company proved itself, with a new fuel system. Today, the Wagon R CNG model is the highest-selling CNG car across the country, and that speaks volumes of the car’s performance.

In a recent interaction, the marketing and sales, executive director, of Maruti Suzuki India, Mr Shashank Srivastava, had this to say about the significant accomplishment - ‘Since its debut in 1999, Wagon R has over 24 lakh happy customers, and it’s the first car for nearly half of them. The milestone of three lakh sales of Wagon R S-CNG is yet another testament to the immense faith bestowed on us by our loyal customers. Maruti Suzuki has persistently strived to offer sustainable mobility options to its customers.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is a top-selling car manufacturer in India—a proven and high in demand brand. The Wagon R, popularly known as the tallboy, because of its substantial headroom, remains a favourite of the middle-class. It is an excellent car, affordable and suitable for small families.

The company has discontinued the diesel-engine variants of the model. Instead, the company focused on improving the fuel-efficiency of the petrol variants and were successful in doing so. Subsequently, the company introduced green fuel cars, powered by the latest S CNG technology. These CNG powered vehicles do not pollute as music and are suited for the environment. They also improve fuel efficiency and drivability.

At present, the Wagon R is in its third-generation. The model has been a winner—consistently topping the sales charts in the small, hatchback car segment. Considering that it is the highest-selling car in its category, the CNG variant of the Wagon R has strengthened its position as the unchallenged leader among CNG powered, small cars.

The Wagon R offers two engine options in the petrol variant—1.0-litre and 1.2 litres. However, the CNG version is available only in the 1.0-litre version. The CNG version is offered as a bi-fuel option, of petrol and CNG. The Wagon R 1.0-litre petrol model puts out 68hp, while the CNG version puts out 59bhp @ 5500 rpm. The CNG version has a 998cc engine and gives mileage of 32.52 km/kg, presumably the best in this range of cars. The Wagon R S-CNG models come with an auto fuel swop switch.

The petrol variant is available in two transmission options - 5-speed AMT (automatic manual transmission) and 5-speed manual, but the CNG variant is manual. The bi-fuel model of the Wagon R comes fitted with a CNG kit consisting of a 10.8kg or 60 litres (water equivalent) capacity natural gas tank. It is a sophisticated system with a leak-proof design and completely safe.

Maruti Suzuki has introduced the S-CNG technology in only two variants of the Wagon, namely the LXi and LXi (O) models, and has several safety features installed in the cars. Both variants of the Wagon R CNG boast of some remarkable safety features, such as driver-side airbag (the LXi (O) has airbags for the front passenger seat as well), advanced ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), seat belt reminder that alerts and beeps, speed alert system, rear parking sensors, central locking and childproof back door lock. The car system is fitted with dual electronic control units with intelligent injection system for better performance, which translates into a smooth and quick pick up.

The instrument cluster on the CNG variant displays the following indicators - gear shift indicator, headlamp ON warning, door ajar warning lamp, low fuel warning, distance to empty and fuel consumption (both average and current) indicators. 

The interiors are plush and comfortable. Overall, the Maruti Wagon R CNG is an all-out winner, deserving of the acclaim it receives.