Suzuki -Third Generation- MR Wagon (MF33S) Wit

It's been two years since Suzuki launched the third-generation MR Wagon, which I think it's the geekiest of the kei cars targeted for the geeks. Although, the front view looks kinda disappointing to me because it kinda looks like it's been in the state of panic, what's redeeming to me is the fancy gizmo on the interior called the TOUCH PANEL AUDIO in which I can do the swiping on the touch panel.

Wait a minute, if the face of the current MR Wagon wasn't quite stylish, how about adding a different kind of cocktail for the current MR Wagon? Yep, it's time to welcoming back the stylish version of the MR Wagon called the MR Wagon Wit.

2014 Suzuki MR Wagon Wit

Well, for the new MR Wagon Wit, it seems that the disappointing front view as seen on the standard model has been wiped out from its misery and now it kinda looks like an...uh...honey I shrunk the Nissan Elgrand. Really, this new MR Wagon Wit now looks like a mini-Elgrand to us? Yep, it really looks like a Nissan Elgrand to us and it seems that the new front view really wants us to play some optical illusion tricks to us. Feels like we're living in the fun house without the house prefix...and the fun. Sorry.

2014 Suzuki MR Wagon Wit

So, implementing for the 2014 model year, both the normal MR Wagon and the brand new Wit model gained Suzuki's ENE-CHARGE and ECO-COOL as implemented on last year's new Wagon R. In case you are wondering how ENE-CHARGE and ECO-COOL works, do you want me to sound like James May? If not, you know the drill. If yes, let's make it shorter, okay?

Suzuki's ENE-CHARGE provides a regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy during deceleration into electricity stored from its lithium-ion battery, which is used to power the vehicle's electrical components while ECO-COOL is an air-conditioning system that keeps cool air flowing even when the engine was shut off by its idling stop system, relying on the fan that blows air over a cold sink in the aircon's evaporator into the cabin. Get it now? Good.

Anyway, thanks to the ENE-CHARGE and ECO-COOL, both the normal MR Wagon and the MR Wagon Wit can accumulate a fuel consumption based on JC08 Mode standards of 30kmpl. I repeat, 30KMPL. 3-0-K-M-P-L. Surprisingly, that matches the fuel consumption of the current Wagon R with ENE-CHARGE and that's not all because starting now, a turbocharged 660C DOHC VVT engine is now an exclusivity for the Wit and with the promising 27kmpl, the turbocharged Wit is about 1kmpl more than the turbocharged Spacia Custom. You heard that right.

2014 Suzuki MR Wagon Wit interior

2014 Suzuki MR Wagon Wit interior

Of course, on the interior, you can still expect the same peripherals from the standard model as well as the available Touch Panel Audio which I find this gizmo to be my favorite until the Peugeot 208's touch screen struck me through but for the new Wit, having learned its lesson from its big sister, the Alto Lapin Chocolat, the interior is now sporting a two-tone color for both the seats and the panel so you can expect a fair bit of class and glamour lurking through the new Wit.

So, if the normal MR Wagon's not quite perky for the geeks, would you consider one? Well, because of all of that Holy Guacamole around here, the new MR Wagon Wit starts at around 1,290,450 Japanese Yen. Simple as that,

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

TNP27 beware. Suzuki's MR Wagon Eco reaches 27.2km/L

2013 Suzuki MR Wagon ECO

Suzuki's 2013 MR Wagon Eco features an improved R06A engine, CVT, and idling stop function promises a fuel economy of 27.2km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode Test Cycle. This fuel economy puts an extreme caution on Daihatsu's TNP27 Move, even though this latest Daihatsu Move comes with e:S Technology that provides 27km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode Test Cycle. Sorry, TNP27, but that wasn't enough because a car company named Suzuki's throwing whatever they can to be the most fuel efficient car company in Japan. Could the Suzuki-Daihatsu rivalry get any better?

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/989609/

2012 Nissan Moco deserved the TNP27 treatment...finally

2012 Nissan Moco 660cc X Idling Stop

If you recalled that in March 10, 2011, Suzuki launched the Idling Stop variant for the 2012 MR Wagon, launched since January 2011, well ladies and gentlemen, it seems that the 2012 Nissan Moco followed suit as it received its idling stop function, making it the fifth member of the Nissan Pure Drive range!

Scoop:

http://carview.co.jp/green/news/0/4020/

As the 5th member of the Nissan Pure Drive range, the 2012 Nissan Moco X Idling Stop grade provides the wondrous idle stop and go feature that brings the 2012 Moco's R06A engine (a new 660cc engine developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation) to a complete stop when stationary. With that, the fuel efficiency is a record breaking 27.0km/L. This is Nissan's TNP27 or should we say "トマール猿人" for sure? (Laughing)

(we're still waiting for Subaru when will the Stella Custom be equipped with the turbocharged RS variant!)

The "Touch Panel Audio" feature on the 2012 Suzuki MR Wagon/Nissan Moco

2012 Suzuki MR Wagon

2012 Nissan Moco

When we think about "touch screens", what goes on our mind? We are addicted to everything touchy. We often get hooked with our iPhones and iPod Touches because if it touches, it goes. How does a carmaker like Suzuki created the first "touch panel audio" exclusively on the new 2012 MR Wagon? It's simple, they want to create a feature so addicting that music lovers would love to "touch" it whatever they want. Despite the ugly exterior, both the new 2012 MR Wagon and its Nissan version, the 2012 Moco, provided one addicting feature that targets the music lovers. It's like the iPad minus the apps.

2012 Suzuki MR Wagon's Touch Panel Audio

Check out the video showing how does this "Touch Panel Audio" (タッチパネルオーディオ) work:

Wasn't that addicting to use the new "Touch Panel Audio" feature mounted on the 2012 Suzuki MR Wagon and 2012 Nissan Moco? Plug your iPod using the USB and this would be one heck of an enjoyment. Maybe this "MR" naming in the MR Wagon should have been called "Music Room" because of the addictive "Touch Panel Audio" feature.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Youtube credit to user: aboutcar

Idling Stop variant for the new MR Wagon makes a two-way tie with Daihatsu's TNP27 Move!

2012 Suzuki MR Wagon

With the continuous rise of gas prices and with the "War Zone" getting worse, people are looking for fuel-efficient cars no matter what lifestyles they are, and there is good news for the 2012 Suzuki MR Wagon, launched since January 2011; the X variant of the MR Wagon receives the much awaited "idling stop" system which will make it a two-way tie with the king of gas-misers, the TNP27 Daihatsu Move!

Scoop (Japanese Only):

http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/142860/

If the latest TNP27 Move has a fuel economy of 27.0km/L (10-15 Mode), the Idling Stop variant for the new MR Wagon can go further for just 27.0km/L (10-15 Mode) thanks to the idling stop system that allows the MR Wagon's R06A engine to automatically shut off when stopped during traffic.

2011 Daihatsu Move Custom

Impressive, now looks like the new MR Wagon with the idling stop function dethrones the Toyota Vitz and the Toyota Vitz dethrones the Nissan March K13, so now the three kings of low fuel consumption are the Toyota Vitz, Suzuki MR Wagon, and the Daihatsu Move, for now...

2011 Toyota Vitz RS

Never see that thing coming, but I have a probability that the TNP27 Move will soon be dethroned by some future Daihatsu based on the e:S concept as seen on the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, right now we have to make do with the latest Three Kings of TNP such as the Vitz, MR Wagon, and TNP27 Move.

Nissan -Third Generation- Moco

2012 Nissan Moco

In January 20, 2011, Suzuki launched the new, third generation, MR Wagon that is packed with the new R06A engine that has an impressive fuel economy, making it the most fuel efficient in all of Suzuki's lineup. However, in terms of design, some people don't like the new front face because it looks somewhat sad and worried, or somewhat crazy. I guess the Nissan version of the new Suzuki MR Wagon, the new Moco, has the solution and the new Moco's face is much more impressive than the new MR Wagon's face.

2012 Nissan Moco

The new third-generation Nissan Moco, designated as MG33S, takes center stage to the Nissan's kei car range ranging from the Suzuki-sourced to the Mitsubishi-sourced, such as the Roox (based on the Suzuki Palette/Palette SW), Kix (based on the Pajero Mini), Clipper Rio (based on the Town Box), and Otti (based on the eK Wagon). On front, it abandons the Primera-like design from the previous two generations, making way to the new front grille based on the standard Nissan Roox (NOTE: The ordinary Roox, not the Highway Star version of the Roox). The new front grille really gives a charming smile to women from their 20's to 30's.

2012 Nissan Moco interior

Good thing the iPod Touch-like touch screen, as found on the new MR Wagon, is added as one of the options for the new Moco, but if you look closely on the seats, much to say that the decor keeps it more fashionable for the Japanese women. The seats on the new Moco is much more oriented than the two-tone seats found on the +Hana variant of the Toyota Passo, making it an obvious choice for the women with the sense of style.

Despite differences, the new Moco is outfitted with Suzuki's new R06A engine, in Natural Aspiration and Turbo versions. The NA version of the R06A engine has the fuel economy of 25.5km/L, making it the most economical in all of Nissan's kei car lineup. Power output of the NA version of the R06A engine is about 54PS and torque output is about 6.4kg-m. The turbo variant has increased the R06A's power output by about 10PS and torque output increased by about 3.3kg-m.

My thoughts about the Moco:
Adapting the new concept of "Deca Moco", it's time to go Loco Moco over the new Moco, Japanese ladies. The new Moco's front face is much more better than the crazy front view of the new Suzuki MR Wagon, even when they are twins. The new Moco and the new MR Wagon may have different looks but they have the same feelings. If you have to choose between the new MR Wagon and the new Moco, what would it be? Find out for yourself...

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Suzuki -Third Generation- MR Wagon (MF33S)

The term "MR" in the MR Wagon nameplate does not mean "mister" and it's not referring to a midship engine, or rear-wheel drive kei car just like the Mitsubishi i. MR in the MR Wagon name stands for "Magical Relax", but before explaining the latest generation of the Suzuki MR Wagon, time for a little history class.

Launched in 2001, the Suzuki MR Wagon is a kei car targeted at female Japanese customers. The MR Wagon was also sold in India as the Maruti Zen Estillo (now Maruti Estillo) and rebadged by Nissan as the Moco, also sold in Japan. In January 2006, the MR Wagon made a full change following with the Nissan Moco in February 2006. For two generations, this Magical Relax Wagon has been the most relaxing kei car for female customers thanks to its adorable design, relaxing interior, and impressive fuel economy.

2012 Suzuki MR Wagon

Now on January 20, 2011, the Magical Relax Wagon is on its full model change as the Suzuki MR Wagon reaches its third generation and is now made for young drivers, both male and female, well sort of...

As the Mama Wagon is now made even more cuter, what to expect more from the new MR Wagon; the front face is now made into more of a worried look. For the past two generations, the MR Wagon always had its smiley face, but now, the look of the third-generation MR Wagon feels like this cute compact's worrying and panicking about something, but can the panicky look panic the buyers saying that this looks "vanilla-ish" and "plain".

2012 Suzuki MR Wagon interior

Despite the plain interior, there is a special surprise at the new interior. The new MR Wagon has a touch-screen in place of a conventional FM/AM/CD/MP3 player. This new player has the feel of an iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad and it's a great convenience that owners can swipe various options such as listening to music from the radio/CD/MP3,

The new Suzuki MR Wagon is equipped with the new R06A engine. A new 660cc engine has a power output of 54PS/6,500rpm and a fuel economy of 25.5km/L. The fuel economy of this new engine makes the MR Wagon the most fuel-efficient in all of Suzuki's lineup but this is not well enough to outsmart the TNP27 of the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move. It comes with the innovative CVT for improved fuel efficiency in the city and on the highway. For those who need turbo, there's a variant for that! The MR Wagon T has a turbocharged R06A engine that has a power output of 64PS/6,000rpm and a fuel economy of 22.5km/L. No matter which engine type you choose, you will have to make it through with the panicky face of the new Suzuki MR Wagon.

My thoughts about the MR Wagon;
The new face of the new MR Wagon made me worried that this may not be like it among kei car enthusiasts because they still prefer the new Daihatsu Move because of its TNP27 concept. The target for the new MR Wagon is always young Japanese people looking for fuel-efficient Suzuki cars. The new MR Wagon is the most fuel-efficient in all of Suzuki's variants but not quite fuel-efficient against the three kings of fuel efficiency such as the Nissan March K13, 3rd-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris, and the TNP27 Daihatsu Move. Anyway, sales of the new Suzuki MR Wagon start now and the third-generation Nissan Moco may follow shortly this mid-February 2011.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Leaked brochure of the 2012 MR Wagon shows its new face...

2012 Suzuki MR Wagon leaked brochure

Believe it or not, this leaked brochure shows the new face of the 2012 Suzuki MR Wagon and this new face gives somewhat of a sad look...

Still, this will be targeted for several young Japanese women. With the idling stop added, the new MR Wagon can go to about 25.5km/L.

Find out if the new MR Wagon hits Japan this January 2011. A new Nissan Moco may follow...

Photo: Response.jp

Suzuki teases 2012 MR Wagon with an interior!

2012 Suzuki MR Wagon interior

It seems that Suzuki teases JDM kei car enthusiasts with the first look of the interior of the 2012 Suzuki MR Wagon, coming to Japan this January 2011.

With details remain scarce, this interior gives us the clue of the new model, especially with the new touch screen!

What I heard that the new MR Wagon will be equipped with the idling stop system, but it's not fuel efficient enough against the latest Daihatsu Move.

More updates next month...