2026 Maruti WagonR Facelift Spied – New 3 Cyl Engine, Underbody CNG Likely

Maruti Suzuki appears to be preparing an update for WagonR, with a fully camouflaged test mule spotted testing on public roads. Despite the extensive camouflage, there are hardly any major exterior changes visible, suggesting that the bigger update could be under the bonnet.

WagonR currently starts at Rs 4.99 lakh, with the range extending up to Rs 6.97 lakh, ex-showroom. Petrol and CNG powertrain options are available, along with manual and AMT gearboxes. With the updated model, these choices are expected to continue, although the 1.2-litre petrol engine could undergo a significant change.

WagonR Facelift Spied Under Full Camouflage

Spy shots credit to What The Fuel show the WagonR test mule covered almost entirely in camouflage. However, its familiar tall-boy proportions and overall body shape appear unchanged. This suggests Maruti could be working on a relatively minor facelift rather than an extensive redesign.

At the front, the headlamp positioning looks familiar, although the heavy camouflage conceals the grille and bumper. The side profile appears largely unchanged as well. At the rear, WagonR’s characteristic vertically positioned tail lamps continue alongside the rear windscreen.

The test mule appears to be a mid-spec variant. It rides on steel wheels and doesn’t have a rear wiper. Turn indicators are positioned on the front fenders rather than the ORVMs, while fog lamps are also missing. A glimpse of the cabin doesn’t reveal any obvious major changes. Maruti could introduce feature and equipment revisions with the facelift, but these cannot be confirmed from the test vehicle.

1.2L 3-Cylinder Engine Could Be The Big Update

The more significant change is expected under the bonnet. Maruti Suzuki has been gradually replacing its older 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine with the newer Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit. Swift and Dzire have already made this transition, followed more recently by Baleno facelift. WagonR could now become the next Maruti model to receive the three-cylinder engine.

In Baleno, Z12E produces 83 hp and 112 Nm. As seen with other Maruti models that moved from the four-cylinder engine to the newer three-cylinder unit, outright power output has reduced, while fuel efficiency has improved.

A similar approach can be expected with WagonR, although specifications are yet to be confirmed. Current WagonR is available with both 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines. It remains to be seen how Maruti restructures the engine lineup when the updated model arrives.

Petrol And CNG To Continue

Both petrol and factory-fitted CNG options are expected to continue with new WagonR. The CNG version could also receive packaging improvements. One possibility is an underbody CNG tank arrangement, similar to what Maruti has introduced with Brezza CNG.

Such a setup could free up more usable luggage space compared to the conventional boot-mounted CNG cylinder. However, the spy shots don’t provide enough evidence to confirm that WagonR is testing this arrangement, so this remains a possibility for now.

Launch Expected Later This Year

WagonR’s existing lineup includes LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi Plus trims, with prices ranging from Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 6.97 lakh. An increase in prices can be expected when the updated model arrives. With testing now underway, new Maruti WagonR is likely to launch later in 2026. Based on the test mule, visual changes could be limited, with the powertrain update potentially becoming the main talking point.

Source