In April 2014, Pak Suzuki introduced the Wagon R to the Pakistani market. 10 years have passed since the tallboy hatchback has been on the market and more frustratingly, has remained unchanged from the time of its introduction a decade ago.
Related: Obsolete Suzuki Wagon R Nearing a Decade in Pakistan
The Pak Suzuki Wagon R is originally the second generation of the Maruti Wagon R which was produced between 2010 and 2018 in India and was replaced by the 3rd generation Wagon R in January 2019. But instead of India, Pak Suzuki sources the Wagon R parts & components from Indonesia where the 2nd gen Maruti Wagon R is available as Karimun Wagon R.
Interestingly, even the Karimun Wagon R was discontinued in Indonesia in November 2021 due to slow sales. However, according to Suzuki Indonesia, despite getting discontinued it will continue to produce Wagon R parts & CKDs for export markets as long as demand (in export markets) stays strong. Not to mention Pak Suzuki has been the biggest importer of Wagon R parts from Indonesia. But of late, Wagon R sales in Pakistan have witnessed a drastic low.
As of the first 7 months of this fiscal year, Pak Suzuki has managed to sell only 2,149 units of Wagon R rendering a monthly sales average of just 307 units. It was also reported late last year that Pak Suzuki will discontinue the Wagon R in 2023 and is likely to carry on with the Cultus (Celerio) hatchback in the 1.0L segment as an immediate replacement of Wagon R hasn’t been planned. Although the company displayed a new Wagon R model at the 2022 Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS), a formal announcement of its discontinuation is yet to be made.
Interestingly, if we observe PAMA sales charts, not a single unit of Wagon R has been produced during the last 3 months. The company is only selling the unsold units it has in stock. This does indicate that the Wagon R is finally going out of production in Pakistan. Moreover, there was no mention of Wagon R in the latest price hike announcement made by Pak Suzuki further cementing the reports that the end of Wagon R is just around the corner.
Suzuki Wagon R Stingray was showcased at PAPS 2022
Wagon R in Pakistan is currently priced at PKR 32.14 lac for the base VXR, PKR 34.12 lac for VXL, and PKR 37.41 lac for the top-spec AGS trim. Pak Suzuki has yet to formally announce Wagon R’s retirement or the specifics of its replacement. Although the Wagon R Stingray was on show at PAPS, it is very doubtful that it would be introduced because its price will coincide with other Suzuki hatchbacks.
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The local auto industry is going through the toughest of times in terms of sales, but assemblers are still able to make profits out of the situation. While some automakers try to boost their profits by launching more pricey vehicles, Pak Suzuki solely depends on the 660cc Alto. In these circumstances, it will be very interesting to see the company’s move regarding the replacement of Wagon R or the introduction of a newer generation model. But one thing is for sure, it is time to say Sayōnara to the current one.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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