Maruti previews Wagon R facelift with CNG test mule

UPDATE - follow-up to Maruti Suzuki Wagon R facelift spied testing: A heavily camouflaged Maruti Wagon R test mule was seen on roads, indicating a possible facelift for the third‑generation model launched in 2019. The mule runs on CNG and carries an under‑body fuel tank, suggesting future CNG versions will keep boot space free. New styling cues include fresh detailing on the halogen headlamps, a revised grille, a smoother front bumper and lowered air‑inlet trims. At the rear, the bumper shows slight tweaks and vertical reflectors replace the current horizontal ones, while the tail‑lamp shape stays the same. Inside, only minor details were visible and no major cabin changes were noted. Maruti is likely to keep the 1.0‑litre three‑cylinder petrol and CNG engines for lower trims, but the top‑spec 1.2‑litre K12N could be swapped for the three‑cylinder Z12E from the Z‑Series, as seen in recent updates to the Swift, Dzire and Baleno. Prices are expected to rise modestly above the current ex‑showroom range of Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 7.24 lakh, where the Wagon R currently competes with the Maruti Celerio and Tata Tiago.