Fifth Generation Suzuki Wagon R (MH34S)

While nearing for its 20th anniversary next year, Japan's cult favorite kei car, the Suzuki Wagon R, is now on its fifth incarnation and with all that regeneration do come with a surprise.

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

We heard that right ladies and gents. By regenerating the Wagon R into a completely new form, this new model now comes with the a new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge') and an energy-saving electric air conditioning system dubbed "ECO-COOL". With the R06A engine combined with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, this new ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and at least some level of power assist to the internal combustion engine while it can also run certain electrical equipment. With all that technology, the new Wagon R can get up to 28.8km/l in Japan's JC08 driving cycle (67.8mpg US, 3.5lt/100km or 81.4mpg UK).

2013 Suzuki Wagon R interior

All that physics and science lesson about using hybrid-car like technology on this kei car is a bit absurd. Some people would think that they're driving a hybrid kei car but no. There's no such thing as a hybrid kei car because it's so absurd. The most fuel efficient petrol car in the world as of now was the Alto Eco with its fuel economy of 30.2km/L in Japan's JC08 Driving Cycle, which is .2km/L more than the Daihatsu Mira e:S. This story about Daihatsu vs. Suzuki is becoming a history in the making because as I observed about Daihatsu and Suzuki throwing everything they've got to become the most fuel efficient car brand in the world and since the implementation of the JC08 cycle in the autumn of 2011, things have changed. Mira e:S is once the most fuel efficient car in the world for being 30km/L but in the 2011 holiday season, it was short-lived with the arrival of the 30.2km/L Alto Eco. 

Well, that was a long story short but anyway, the all new fifth generation Wagon R's 28.8km/L fuel economy though, it was sure enough to slit the throat of Daihatsu's TNP27 Move. I should call this one the TNP28.8 because it's more efficient than the Move. Another round for Suzuki in the game of "Who's the most fuel efficient car maker in the world?"

For the pricing, well, you won't be disappointed. It's 1,109,850 Japanese Yen for the FX model and it's 1,249,500 Japanese Yen for the FX Limited. I think this new model has more value than the Daihatsu TNP27 Move's pricing so what do you get for your spare change? Your guess is as good as ours, folks.

To clarify; the normal Wagon R has two trim levels; the FX and the FX Limited. Both of them are 2WD but they can have an optional 4WD powertrain for added stability but not quite a punch indeed. Colors? Let's see...Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic, Innocent Pink Pearl Metallic, Superior White, Pearl White, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Luna Grey Pearl Metallic*, and Mysterious Violet Pearl*.

*available only on FX Limited

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

So, what about this? The Stingray version of the new Wagon R? Of course, you get the same SUZUKI GREEN Technology I've mentioned above, well you know, the ENE-CHARGE and the ECO-COOL system as told but for style wise, this is like the Daihatsu Move Custom with a Suzuki badge on it. I mean if I park this new Stingray next to the current Daihatsu Move Custom, they look exactly the same from every angle and they both have the same 660cc Turbo engine developed exclusively for them. Of course, the new Stingray does have a turbocharged R06A DOHC VVT engine that produces 64PS of power, 12 more than the Natural Aspiration engine and the fuel economy is now dropped to about 26.8km/L.

The base model, the X, costs 1,333,500 Yen while the turbocharged T model costs 1,496,250 Yen and they both come with an optional 4WD powertrain. Exclusive for the Stingray was this Phoenix Red Pearl color.

For a phenomenal kei car that is nearing its 20th anniversary next year and it slits down the TNP27 Daihatsu Move's throat, the all new Wagon R is a Japan-only kei car that represents the brand that is striving to be the most fuel efficient car maker in the world. Once again, the Daihatsu vs. Suzuki battle goes on and on and on and on until one of them will have to throw in the towel. If I said Japan-only, I DO MEAN IT so back off, idiots living from India and Pakistan. These cars are not for you. Thank You.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation