Thanks to advances in hybrid technology, it may now be possible to offer a full hybrid setup even with entry-level cars like the WagonR.

The Maruti WagonR has remained among the preferred options since its introduction in India in 1999. Currently in its 3rd generation, the Maruti WagonR uses a 1.0 liter K-series engine. CNG option is also available with WagonR.

Next-generation fully hybrid WagonR

Latest reports indicate that the next-generation WagonR in Japan could be equipped with a full hybrid setup. If true, WagonR could become the first mini-car to feature a fully hybrid system. In Japan, the full-hybrid WagonR is expected to come with a 0.66-liter Inline 3 DOHC hybrid engine. While the ICE engine will generate 54 hp, the electric motor will contribute 10 hp. The torque output will be 58 Nm and 29.5 Nm respectively. The hybrid powertrain will have a continuously variable electric transmission (eCVT).

In terms of dimensions, the full-hybrid WagonR in Japan will measure 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide and 1,650 mm high. It will have a wheelbase of 2,460 mm and a curb weight of 850 kg. In Japan, the next-generation WagonR is expected to switch from hinged doors to sliding doors.

High mileage expectations

Even though a full hybrid setup generates relatively fewer emissions, users will be more interested in the monetary gains that the next-generation WagonR might have to offer. This becomes even more important as the fully hybrid WagonR will have a relatively higher acquisition cost. Similar to CNG, the full hybrid WagonR can reduce running costs by delivering higher mileage. Although official figures have not been revealed, we can get an idea by looking at the fuel efficiency of the powerful Grand Vitara hybrid.

One of Popular compact SUVsthe Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid offers the best fuel efficiency in the segment, i.e. 27.97 km/l. This is already better than the 25.19 km/l (AGS) of the existing WagonR. Assuming the full hybrid WagonR is designed for high fuel efficiency, the mileage could easily exceed 30 km/l. The fuel efficiency could be even higher than the current CNG variant of the WagonR, which offers an impressive 33.47 km/kg.

WagorR full hybrid – Prices

Full hybrids are generally more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. And with an affordable car like WagonR starting at just Rs 5.55 lakh, it may seem like the full hybrid version will be significantly more expensive. But reports indicate that the price of the fully hybrid WagonR will be quite affordable. In Japan, the fully hybrid WagonR is expected to be available at a starting price of 1.3 million yen. This amounts to around Rs 7.22 lakh.

Certainly more expensive than the current model, but not by much considering it has a fully hybrid setup. The top-end variants of the WagonR full hybrid could cost around 1.9 million yen (around Rs 10.55 lakh). The top-end variant (ZXI+ AGS) of the India-spec WagonR is available at a starting price of Rs 7.21 lakh. The CNG variants are available in the price range of Rs 6.45 lakh to Rs 6.90 lakh.

Talking about the India launch, Maruti has already started working on an affordable hybrid system for small cars. These will likely come with the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine. It is likely to power their cars like WagonR, Swift, Dzire, Fronx, etc.

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