Suzuki Wagon R


The Suzuki Wagon R is a kei car manufactured and marketed by Suzuki since 1993. The R in the name stands for Revolution and Relaxation. The Wagon R uses a "tall wagon" configuration to maximize cabin space within kei car dimensional restrictions.
The Wagon R has been the best-selling kei car in Japan since 2003. In 2008, Suzuki produced its three-millionth Wagon R. Sales reached 5 million at the end of February 2010.

First generation (CT21S/CT51S/CV21S/CV51S; 1993–1998)

The first generation Wagon R is high, or taller than the JDM Suzuki Alto sold at the same time. The R used the same 660 cc F6A three-cylinder engines as did the Alto and other Suzuki kei cars. Originally with two doors on the left side and a single door on the right side, it was introduced at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show. In August 1996 the more common, symmetrical five-door setup became available and soon supplanted the earlier body style. For model year 1994, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan.
The rebadged Autozam AZ Wagon was presented in September 1994. Also using the F6A engine, this model was marketed through Mazda's Autozam network as part of an OEM deal. After April 1997, this was sold as the "Mazda AZ Wagon."
A bigger first generation Wagon R, the Suzuki Wagon R+, was added in early 1997 and manufactured in Japan until the end of 2000 for the European market. The car featured a wider body and the K10A naturally aspirated engine with 996 cc and four-cylinders. The same Wagon R+ was also available with a 1.2 litre K12A engine.

Second generation (MC21S/MC11S/MC22S/MC12S; 1998–2003)

1998 saw the introduction of the second-generation Wagon R in Japan, with the redesign of the Wagon R+ and replacing it in 1999 - this was brought to Europe in 2000, with larger engines. This larger version is also produced in Esztergom in Hungary by Magyar Suzuki and in Gurgaon, India by Maruti Suzuki. The Opel Agila is a badge engineered version of the Suzuki Wagon R+, also introduced in summer 2000. This generation of Maruti Suzuki Wagon R in India was produced until 2010.

Third generation (MH21S/MH22S; 2003–2008)

The third generation Wagon R was launched in Japan in September 2003 for the Wagon R's tenth Anniversary, but now only as a 660 cc K6A-engined kei car - no oversized version was developed. The third generation was then facelifted in September 2005 and replaced three years later.
The Stingray, first seen in February 2007, is a sportier version of the third generation Suzuki Wagon R. The name is an homage to the "Sting Ray" Fronte introduced in 1970. In addition to a more aggressive front end treatment, the Stingray also received clear taillights. Alloy wheels and an aero kit were also standard. The 660 cc engine was powered by a turbocharger, further enhancing the speed and acceleration. On average, the Stingray went from to in about 15 seconds.

Fourth generation (MH23S; 2008–2012)

The fourth generation Wagon R was launched in Japan in September 2008 along with the sportier Stingray, AZ-Wagon and AZ-Wagon Custom variant. Significant differences for the new generation include larger rear doors, which incorporate quarter glass, eliminating the need for a D pillar arrangement. Powertrain options include naturally aspirated and turbocharged 660 cc engines with the latter developing an output of, mated to a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. As with many other Japanese market models, customers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions.

Fifth generation (MH34S/MH44S; 2012–2017)

The fifth generation Wagon R range was launched in Japan in September 2012 with an optional mild-hybrid system marketed as "ENE-CHARGE," and an energy-saving electric air conditioning system marketed as "ECO-COOL". With the R06A engine combined with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, the ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and power assist to the internal combustion engine and can also run certain electrical equipment, enabling mileage up to 28.8 km/l in Japan's JC08 driving cycle.
For Mazda variants, the fifth generation Wagon R models are marketed as Mazda Flair and Stingray models are rebadged as Mazda Flair Custom Style. Both the Flair and the Flair Custom Style were launched in October 2012.

Sixth generation (MH35S/MH55S; 2017–present)

The sixth generation Wagon R range was launched in Japan on 1 February 2017. The new Wagon R was leaked on the internet in January 2017. The new model closely resembles the first, second and third generation Wagon R, but is of a more updated design. This iteration comes with an upgraded ISG and increased capacity for the hybrid battery. Due to the improved battery and ISG, the Wagon R is capable of driving alone on its hybrid battery up to 10 seconds if the speed is kept under.

Wagon R-Wide

The [|Wagon R-Wide], introduced in February 1997, is a slightly larger car, exceeding the kei car specifications, with larger engines: 996cc, 996cc Turbo and 1.2-litre engine. The Wagon R-Wide was sold as the Wagon R+ in the European market with the atmospheric versions of the 1.0 K10A and the 1.2 K12A. The only other tall wagon style car sold in Europe around the time of its introduction was the Daihatsu Move. The car was made in Japan. It was not galvanised and it was prone to rust, especially in the sills, after years of use in Central and Northern Europe. The Wagon R-Wide was slightly facelifted in May 1998, and this updated Wagon R-Wide was also sold in Europe under Wagon R+. In Europe, the first generation was sold from 1997 until May 2000.
Between 1999 and 2001, it was also built in Colombia by GM Colmotores, who sold it as the Chevrolet Wagon R+. This was equipped with the naturally aspirated K10A four-cylinder engine.
In Indonesia, the facelifted first generation Japanese Wagon R-Wide is sold as the Suzuki Karimun and was produced locally from 1999 until 2006 and offered with a 1.0-liter petrol engine, whilst in China it forms the base for Changhe Beidouxing. The Big Dipper is available with an indigenously built 1.0-liter engine based on the old F10A, or with the more modern 1.4-liter K14B engine.
The Wagon R-Wide is succeeded by the Solio, which was initially named as the Wagon R Solio in Japan.