Published : 14 September 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
Maruti Suzuki are preparing an update for the WagonR, with a heavily camouflaged test mule spotted testing on public roads. The 3rd-generation WagonR was introduced in 2019 and received a facelift in 2022. The latest test vehicle suggests that Maruti could be preparing another update for the tall-boy hatchback.

Despite the extensive camouflage, the overall proportions and silhouette appear familiar, suggesting that the upcoming model could retain the existing design with relatively minor styling revisions.
The more significant development could be under the bonnet. The test mule is likely being used to test Maruti’s new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder normal petrol engine, which was first introduced in the current-gen Swift and is now available with the Baleno facelift as well. The updated WagonR is also expected to retain the 1L normal petrol and CNG powertrain options.
Spy shots show the WagonR test mule almost completely covered in camouflage. Despite this, its familiar tall-boy proportions and overall body shape remain visible.

The front-end design appears identical to the current WagonR. The headlamp positioning is also the same as the current model. The front turn indicators appear to be mounted on the fenders rather than the ORVMs, while fog lamps are also absent.
The side profile does not show any obvious changes, while the rear continues with the WagonR’s characteristic vertically positioned tail lamps alongside the rear windscreen.

The spy shots do not reveal any major changes to the cabin. However, Maruti could introduce equipment and feature revisions with the facelift.

The biggest expected change to the WagonR could be its 1.2L normal petrol engine. Maruti Suzuki have been replacing their older 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with the newer Z12E 1.2-litre 3-cylinder unit. The Swift and Dzire have already received the newer engine, while the Baleno facelift is the latest Maruti model to make the transition. The WagonR could now become another model to adopt the Z12E engine.
In the Baleno facelift, the new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine produces 83PS and 112Nm. Compared to the 4-cylinder engine it replaces, the Z12E has one less cylinder and is tuned with a focus on efficiency.
The change could affect refinement, as a 3-cylinder engine inherently produces more vibration than a 4-cylinder engine. How well Maruti manages this in the WagonR will be important as the hatchback is positioned as a practical family car.

The current WagonR range is priced from Rs. 5.0 lakh to Rs. 7.24 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered in LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi Plus variants.
The updated WagonR is expected to command a higher price, especially if Maruti introduces additional features alongside the new engine.
With testing now underway, the 2026 Maruti WagonR facelift could launch later this year. The exterior changes appear relatively limited from the first test mule, suggesting that the powertrain update could be the more significant development.

Also Read: Maruti Baleno Petrol, CNG Variants Explained — Which One To Buy?
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Content Writer
Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

























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