Maruti launches BS-IV WagonR

Domestic car major Maruti Suzuki India Ltd on Friday launched a new version of its second largest-selling compact car, WagonR, priced between ₹3.28 lakh and ₹3.81 lakh.

The new car complies with the stricter Bharat Stage-IV emission norms that came into effect in 13 big cities of the country at the beginning of this month.

"The new WagonR demonstrates the growing research and development capability of the company," said Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. "We are confident that the new WagonR will further strengthen the leadership position of Maruti Suzuki in the A2 segment."

In 2008-09, Wagon R lost its number two position in the list of best selling cars to arch rival Hyundai i10. Nakanishi said the company is more concerned about meeting the demand adequately than worry about marketshare.

"I am more worried about capacity constraints and we are trying to improve our output, which is stretched as it is," he said. 'We are trying to start operations in the (yet to be built) new plant as early as possible from our stated 2012 target.'

The car now has a fuel efficiency of 18.9 km per litre, 11 per cent more than the outgoing model. It is also 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent dearer.

The existing WagonR, launched in 1999, sold 8.8 lakh units.