The Maruti Suzuki WagonR is one of India’s most popular and trusted hatchbacks, known for its affordability, reliability, and practicality. Over the years, the WagonR has gone through several upgrades to stay relevant in the competitive Indian automobile market. One of the most significant improvements is the introduction of the K-Series engine, which has enhanced the vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the WagonR K-Series, exploring the features, performance, and why it continues to be a favorite among Indian car buyers.
What Is the K-Series Engine?
The K-Series engine is a compact and lightweight engine developed by Maruti Suzuki to offer improved performance, better fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. This engine has become a key feature in many of Maruti Suzuki’s models, including the WagonR. It comes in two variants for the WagonR—K10B 1.0-liter engine and K12M 1.2-liter engine—both offering a great balance between power and efficiency.
Key Features of the K-Series Engine
- Lightweight Construction: The K-Series engine is designed with an aluminum engine block, which reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, contributing to better fuel economy and performance.
- Fuel Efficiency: The engine is optimized for fuel efficiency, a critical factor for Indian car buyers. Both the 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter engines deliver excellent mileage.
- Low NVH Levels: Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels are minimized, making for a smoother and quieter driving experience.
- Reduced Emissions: The engine complies with BS6 emission norms, ensuring that the WagonR is environmentally friendly.
| K-Series Engine Variant | Engine Type | Power Output | Fuel Efficiency |
| K10B 1.0-liter | 3-cylinder, 998 cc | 67 bhp @ 5500 rpm | 21.79 km/l (petrol), 32.52 km/kg (CNG) |
| K12M 1.2-liter | 4-cylinder, 1197 cc | 82 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 20.52 km/l (petrol) |
WagonR K-Series: Performance and Driving Experience
The WagonR K-Series is available with two engine options, catering to different types of drivers. Both engines offer a great balance between power, performance, and fuel efficiency, making the WagonR a versatile option for city driving as well as longer journeys.
K10B 1.0-Liter Engine
The K10B 1.0-liter engine is the smaller of the two options, but it offers sufficient power for everyday driving. The 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine produces 67 bhp and 90 Nm of torque, making it perfect for urban driving, where fuel efficiency and ease of maneuvering are key priorities. The engine also comes with a CNG variant, which further enhances its cost-effectiveness.
- Power Output: 67 bhp
- Torque: 90 Nm @ 3500 rpm
- Fuel Efficiency: 21.79 km/l (petrol), 32.52 km/kg (CNG)
K12M 1.2-Liter Engine
The K12M 1.2-liter engine is more powerful, delivering 82 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. This variant is ideal for those who want a bit more performance from their WagonR, especially on highways or longer trips. The K12M engine provides a better power-to-weight ratio, ensuring quicker acceleration and a more enjoyable driving experience.
- Power Output: 82 bhp
- Torque: 113 Nm @ 4200 rpm
- Fuel Efficiency: 20.52 km/l (petrol)
Driving Experience
The WagonR K-Series is designed to offer a comfortable and smooth driving experience. The lightweight K-Series engine ensures that the vehicle is easy to handle, especially in city traffic. Both engines come with a 5-speed manual transmission, and there’s also the option of an AGS (Auto Gear Shift) variant for those who prefer automatic driving. The ride quality is good for a hatchback in this price range, and the high ground clearance ensures that the WagonR can easily tackle Indian roads.
| Engine Variant | Power | Torque | Transmission |
| K10B 1.0-Liter | 67 bhp | 90 Nm @ 3500 rpm | 5-speed manual / AGS |
| K12M 1.2-Liter | 82 bhp | 113 Nm @ 4200 rpm | 5-speed manual / AGS |
Fuel Efficiency: A Key Selling Point
One of the main reasons why the WagonR K-Series is so popular in India is its fuel efficiency. The K-Series engine is designed to maximize fuel economy, which is essential for cost-conscious buyers. The 1.0-liter engine offers an impressive 21.79 km/l for the petrol variant, while the CNG version takes it to an even more remarkable 32.52 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the market.
The 1.2-liter engine provides slightly lower fuel efficiency at 20.52 km/l, but this is still excellent given the higher power output. The combination of good mileage and low maintenance costs makes the WagonR K-Series a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
| Fuel Type | K10B 1.0-Liter Engine | K12M 1.2-Liter Engine |
| Petrol | 21.79 km/l | 20.52 km/l |
| CNG | 32.52 km/kg | Not available |
Design and Interior of the WagonR K-Series
While the focus of the WagonR is often on its performance and fuel efficiency, the car’s design and interior features are also noteworthy. The WagonR has undergone several design upgrades over the years, resulting in a modern, boxy, yet practical shape that maximizes interior space.
Exterior Design
The WagonR’s boxy design is intentional, as it allows for a more spacious cabin and better visibility. The car is equipped with halogen headlamps, a bold grille, and large windows for a more airy feel. The tall-boy stance of the WagonR makes getting in and out of the car easier, especially for taller individuals.
Interior Comfort and Features
The interior of the WagonR K-Series is spacious and comfortable for its segment. The tall roofline offers plenty of headroom, and the seats are designed for comfort during long drives. The dashboard is modern, with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Other notable features include:
- Steering-mounted controls
- Adjustable driver seat
- Rear parking sensors
- Dual airbags and ABS with EBD
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats for more cargo space
| Feature | Details |
| Infotainment System | 7-inch SmartPlay Studio with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay |
| Safety | Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors |
| Interior Space | Spacious with tall roofline, 60:40 split rear seats |
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 7-Seater
Pricing of WagonR K-Series
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR K-Series is one of the most affordable hatchbacks in India, offering great value for money. The pricing varies depending on the engine option (1.0-liter or 1.2-liter), transmission type (manual or AGS), and whether it’s the petrol or CNG variant.
Estimated Price Range
- 1.0-Liter Petrol (K10B): ₹5.50 lakh – ₹6.50 lakh (approx.)
- 1.0-Liter CNG (K10B): ₹6.40 lakh – ₹6.90 lakh (approx.)
- 1.2-Liter Petrol (K12M): ₹6.50 lakh – ₹7.20 lakh (approx.)
| Variant | Price Range |
| 1.0-Liter Petrol | ₹5.50 lakh – ₹6.50 lakh |
| 1.0-Liter CNG | ₹6.40 lakh – ₹6.90 lakh |
| 1.2-Liter Petrol | ₹6.50 lakh – ₹7.20 lakh |
FAQs About WagonR K-Series
What is the fuel efficiency of the WagonR K-Series?
The 1.0-liter petrol variant offers a fuel efficiency of 21.79 km/l, while the CNG variant delivers an impressive 32.52 km/kg. The 1.2-liter petrol variant has a fuel efficiency of 20.52 km/l.
Is the WagonR K-Series available with an automatic transmission?
Yes, both the 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter variants of the WagonR K-Series are available with Auto Gear Shift (AGS), providing the convenience of automatic transmission.
What safety features does the WagonR K-Series offer?
The WagonR K-Series comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and speed alert system, ensuring a safe driving experience.
Is the WagonR K-Series available in a CNG variant?
Yes, the 1.0-liter K10B engine is available in a CNG variant, which offers exceptional fuel efficiency of 32.52 km/kg.
How much does the WagonR K-Series cost?
The price of the WagonR K-Series ranges from ₹5.50 lakh to ₹7.20 lakh, depending on the engine option, transmission type, and fuel variant.
The WagonR K-Series is a perfect example of practicality, efficiency, and affordability. With its K-Series engine, the WagonR offers excellent fuel efficiency, reliable performance, and a comfortable driving experience. Whether you choose the 1.0-liter or 1.2-liter variant, the WagonR K-Series remains one of the best options for urban commuting and long-distance driving in India.