The Suzuki Wagon R (Japanese: スズキ・ワゴンR, Suzuki Wagon'āru) is a kei car manufactured and marketed by Suzuki since 1993. The R in the name stands for Revolution and Relaxation.[1] The Wagon R uses a "tall wagon" configuration to maximize cabin space within kei car dimensional restrictions. The Wagon R is also sold by Mazda as the AZ-Wagon from 1994 to 2012 and as the Flair from 2012.

Suzuki Wagon R
Seventh generation Japanese Suzuki Wagon R
Overview
ManufacturerSuzuki
Also called
  • Mazda AZ-Wagon (1994–2012)
  • Mazda Flair (2012–present)
Production1993–present
AssemblyJapan: Kosai, Shizuoka (Kosai Assembly Plant)
Body and chassis
ClassKei car
Body style4/5-door hatchback
Layout
Related

The Wagon R has been the best-selling kei car in Japan since 2003.[2] In 2008, Suzuki produced its three-millionth Wagon R.[3] Sales reached 5 million at the end of February 2010.

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

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First generation
 
First generation Wagon R 4-door (right-hand side)
Overview
Model codeCT21S/CT51S/CV21S/CV51S
Also calledAutozam AZ Wagon
Mazda AZ Wagon
ProductionSeptember 1993 – October 1998
Body and chassis
Body style4/5-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,335 mm (91.9 in)
Length3,295 mm (129.7 in)
Width1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Height1,640–1,695 mm (64.6–66.7 in)
Curb weight720–820 kg (1,587–1,808 lb)

The first generation Wagon R is 1,640 mm (64.6 in) high, or 255 mm (10.0 in) taller (170 mm (6.7 in) internally) than the JDM Suzuki Alto sold at the same time (which was exactly the same length and width). 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 (driver's) side, it was introduced at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show.[4] 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.[5] 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 (MC-21S/11S/22S/12S; 1998)

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Second generation
 
Suzuki Wagon R (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model codeMC21S/MC11S/MC22S/MC12S
Also calledMazda AZ Wagon
ProductionOctober 1998 – September 2003
Body and chassis
Body style4/5-door hatchback
RelatedMaruti Suzuki Wagon R (first generation)
Powertrain
Engine
TransmissionCVT
3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,640–1,685 mm (64.6–66.3 in)
Curb weight730–900 kg (1,609–1,984 lb)

1998 saw the introduction of the second-generation Wagon R in Japan.

The larger (non-kei) Wagon R+ was replaced in 1999 - this was brought to Europe in 2000, with larger engines and was sold as the Suzuki Wagon R+. 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-Wide, also introduced in summer 2000. This generation of Maruti Suzuki Wagon R in India was produced until 2010.

Third generation (MH21S/MH22S; 2003)

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Third generation
 
Suzuki Wagon R (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model codeMH21S/MH22S
Also calledMazda AZ Wagon
ProductionSeptember 2003 – September 2008
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine
TransmissionCVT
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,635–1,655 mm (64.4–65.2 in)
Curb weight810–940 kg (1,786–2,072 lb)

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 (like the previous Wide and + versions) 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 0 km/h (0 mph) to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 15 seconds.

Fourth generation (MH23S; 2008)

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Fourth generation
 
Fourth generation Suzuki Wagon R
Overview
Model codeMH23S
Also calledMazda AZ Wagon
ProductionSeptember 2008 – November 2012
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
RelatedMaruti Suzuki Wagon R (second generation)
Powertrain
Engine
TransmissionCVT
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,660–1,675 mm (65.4–65.9 in)
Curb weight800–930 kg (1,764–2,050 lb)

The fourth generation Wagon R was launched in Japan in September 2008 along with the sportier Stingray, AZ Wagon and AZ Wagon Custom variant (the latter two manufactured for Mazda). 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 K6A engines with the latter developing an output of 64 PS (47 kW), 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)

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Fifth generation
 
Suzuki Wagon R FX Limited (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model codeMH34S/MH44S
Also calledMazda Flair
ProductionSeptember 2012 – January 2017
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motorWA04A
TransmissionCVT
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,425 mm (95.5 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,640–1,660 mm (64.6–65.4 in)
Curb weight780–870 kg (1,720–1,918 lb)

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 (67.8 mpg US, 3.5 L/100 km EU or 81.4 mpg UK).

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.[6]

Sixth generation (MH35S/55S/85S/95S; 2017)

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Sixth generation
 
Suzuki Wagon R Hybrid FX (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model codeMH35S/55S/85S/95S
Also calledMazda Flair
ProductionJanuary 2017 – present
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
PlatformHEARTECT platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
  • 657 cc R06A DOHC I3 (2017–2020)
  • 658 cc R06D DOHC I3 (2020–present)
  • 658 cc R06A DOHC turbo I3
Electric motorWA05A
WA05C
TransmissionCVT
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Curb weight730–850 kg (1,609–1,874 lb)

The sixth generation Wagon R range was launched in Japan on 1 February 2017. This iteration comes with an upgraded ISG (integrated starter generator) 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 13 km/h (8 mph).[7]

On 27 August 2021, a derivative model based on the sixth generation was created, called Smile.

The facelifted regular model was unveiled on 2 August 2022, along with the introduction of Custom Z model.[8]

Sales

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Year Japan
Wagon R
Regular

Series[9]

Custom Z[10] Smile[11]
2001 238,273
2002 159,891
2003 177,123
2004 211,929
2005 236,702
2006 221,065
2007 226,715
2008 205,352
2009 201,530
2010 195,105
2011 160,440
2012 195,700
2013 186,090
2014 175,367
2015 108,107
2016 81,134
2017 114,710
2018 108,013
2019 90,046
2020 66,061
2021 68,970 30,675
2022 82,213 35,718 82,213
2023 82,213 72,235 72,235

References

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  1. ^ "Suzuki Car Name FAQ". Suzuki Japan. Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  2. ^ "Suzuki Wagon R 1st-Half Best-Selling Car for 5 Straight Years". Japan Corporate News Network KK. 6 October 2008. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  3. ^ Garrett, Jerry (2007-11-25). "Small Things in Good Packages". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
  4. ^ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (10 March 1994). Automobil Revue 1994 (in German and French). Vol. 89. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag. pp. 519–520. ISBN 3-444-00584-9.
  5. ^ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (6 March 1997). Automobil Revue 1997 (in German and French). Vol. 92. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag. p. 348. ISBN 3-444-10479-0.
  6. ^ "【MAZDA】ニュース". Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  7. ^ "New Wagon R Can Creep by Using Only Motor - HOME - Solar Power Plant Business". techon.nikkeibp.co.jp. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  8. ^ "スズキ、軽乗用車「ワゴンR」、「ワゴンR スティングレー」を一部仕様変更し、新たに「ワゴンR カスタムZ」を設定して発売" [Suzuki partially changes the specifications of the mini passenger cars "Wagon R" and "Wagon R Stingray", and sets and releases the new "Wagon R Custom Z"] (Press release). Japan: Suzuki. 2022-08-02. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  9. ^ "スズキ ワゴンR 新車販売台数/売れ行き(生産台数)と生産状況は?生産工場も - 株式会社アイディーインフォメーション" [What is the Suzuki Wagon R new car sales volume/sales (production volume) and production status? Production factory too - ID Information Co., Ltd.]. id-information.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  10. ^ "スズキ ワゴンRカスタムZ 新車販売台数/売れ行き(生産台数)と生産状況は?生産工場も - 株式会社アイディーインフォメーション" [Suzuki Wagon R Custom Z New car sales volume/sales (production volume) and production status? Production factory too - ID Information Co., Ltd.]. id-information.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  11. ^ "スズキ ワゴンRスマイル 新車販売台数/売れ行き(生産台数)と生産状況は?生産工場も - 株式会社アイディーインフォメーション" [Suzuki Wagon R Smile New car sales volume/sales (production volume) and production status? Production factory too - ID Information Co., Ltd.]. id-information.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-04-14.
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