Manufacturer Suzuki
Maruti Assembly Gurgaon, India
Japan Body style 5-door hatchback | Production 2001–2016 Class Mini MPV | |
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Also called Nissan Moco
Maruti Zen Estilo
Maruti Estilo
Suzuki Karimun Estilo | ||
The Suzuki MR Wagon is a 4-seater mini MPV manufactured by Suzuki for the Japanese market only, and also marketed in Japan by Nissan as the Nissan Moco under an OEM agreement. The model debuted in 2001, and since 2011 it has been in its third generation. It was launched in India by Maruti Suzuki as Maruti Zen Estilo in 2006, Maruti Zen Estilo was discontinued in 2009 and renamed as Maruti Estilo.
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The vehicle's name is somewhat misleading, as it does not sport a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (which is often abbreviated as RMR, or more commonly, MR). However, the name "Moco" was changed in some countries because of the Spanish language meaning of the word "moco" ("snot" or "booger").
First generation
The first generation model went on sale on December 4, 2001, featuring Suzuki's K6A kei car engine, in either naturally aspirated (40 kW / 54 hp) or turbocharged (44 kW / 60 hp) versions, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In all versions, the transmission was a four-speed transmission with column shift. A hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the first-generation MR Wagon was presented in 2005, using technology co-developed with General Motors.
The Nissan Moco version was presented as a concept car on the 35th Tokyo Motor Show in 2001 and only went on sale on April 10, 2002. The basic engine, drive and transmission choices were the same as for the Suzuki. The major difference between the Nissan and Suzuki versions was the Nissan's "wing" grille resembling that of the contemporary Nissan Primera P12. The sales of the Nissan version stabilized at about 3,000-4,000 units a month, actually exceeding the MR Wagon's sales.
Indian market
The first generation model went on sale in India in December 2006 as the Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo, supposedly to increase differentiation from the Maruti Suzuki Alto. The Zen Estilo was powered by the larger F10D 1.1L 4 cylinder (16-valve) MPFI engine that also powers the Wagon R in the Japanese market.
2009 Facelift
A facelifted variant was released in August 2009 as the Maruti Suzuki Estilo, losing the Zen moniker entirely. This transition has brought about a steady decline in sales, though the facelift brought significant improvements in performance and styling over the car's Japanese variants. The facelifted model featured refreshed styling and the Suzuki K10B 1.0-litre three-cylinder (12-valve) MPFI engine, producing a maximum power output of 68 PS (50 kW) at 6200 rpm and 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm. This model also sported a slightly stiffer rear three-link suspension setup in an effort to curb body roll and improve stability at high speed. Features such as rear fog light, rear defroster, new instrument console and new interior colours were also added to enhance appeal.
However, in February 2014, the Estilo was discontinued in order to make room for the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Celerio hatchback.
Indonesian market
The first generation model is sold in Indonesia as the Suzuki Karimun Estilo, replaced the first generation Wagon R based Suzuki Karimun. Production began in 2006 and sales began in 2007. A facelifted variant was released in 2009, also called Suzuki Estilo. The sales of the Karimun Estilo was discontinued in 2012-2013 in favor of Suzuki Splash. In 2013, IndoMobil Suzuki International announced that the Suzuki Karimun Wagon R would launched in Indonesia in October 2013, replacing the Karimun Estilo.
Second generation
The model's second generation was previewed at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, where a concept called Mom's Personal Wagon was presented, with many features intended to be useful for a mother driving her children, including food trays, a front bench seat and pillarless suicide doors on the left side (which is the curb side in Japan). None of those would eventually make it to the actual MR Wagon, which went on sale on January 20 (Moco on February 1) the following year, while on the other hand the model features the new keyless entry and start system. The engine, drive and shifter choice remained the same, with the same availability in both Nissan and Suzuki versions, but the gear shifter is now located on the instrument panel. As with the first generation, the cars are almost identical in outside appearance, but have different front end designs.
This generation of the MR Wagon has the MF22S chassis code. It was replaced in 2011.
Third generation
The third generation of the MR Wagon was launched in Japan on 20 January 2011. It carries the MF33S chassis code. A month later the Nissan Moco followed. It has the all new Suzuki R engine, which features variable valve timing and an unusually high compression ratio (11.0:1 for the naturally aspirated version).
As of 2013 the engines have been modified, and now features stop-start and other technology intended to lower consumption and emissions. This is currently (2013) the most fuel efficient wagon in the Kei class. In July 2013 the MR Wagon Wit, a better equipped model with a more traditional chromed grille, was introduced. The turbo engine is now restricted to the Wit TS, with all other versions offering the NA engine (L, X, Wit LS, Wit XS).
In December 2015, Suzuki announced that the MR Wagon would end its production. Sales of the MR Wagon ended on 31 March 2016, but the Nissan Moco sales ended on 31 May 2016.