Suzuki released the Wagon R Smile, a light wagon, in August 2021. Its round headlights and retro aesthetic make it a popular choice, especially among women. However, some people have expressed dissatisfaction with the car, saying it “won’t sell” and “it’s creepy.” In this article, we’ll delve into the truth behind the negative opinions surrounding the Wagon R Smile, thoroughly examining its appeal and features, and comparing it with competing vehicles.
Background of the birth of Wagon R Smile
The background to the appearance of the Wagon R Smile is a change in trends in the minicar market. In recent years, minicars have come to value not only practicality but also design and individuality.
Female users in particular are looking for cars with cute designs and stylish colors. The success of the Daihatsu Move Canvas is a clear indication of this trend.
To meet these market needs, Suzuki developed the Wagon R Smile, which is based on the Wagon R and places greater emphasis on design.
Features of Wagon R Smile
As its name suggests, the Wagon R Smile features a friendly design that evokes a smile.
- Exterior : Round headlights, a front grille with chrome accents, and a two-tone body give it a retro and cute impression.
- Interior : The bright ivory-based interior color and colored instrument panel create a stylish and comfortable space.
- Sliding doors : The rear seats feature sliding doors on both sides, making it easier to get in and out and to access child seats.
- Safety : Equipped with Suzuki Safety Support, it comes with a full range of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, false start prevention function, and lane departure warning function.
- Fuel economy : Achieves excellent fuel economy of 25.1km/L in WLTC mode.
Wagon R Smile sales status
The Wagon R Smile has been selling well since its launch. In September 2021, it ranked third in the minicar sales rankings, making it a popular model.
However, some people are saying that it won’t sell. This is likely because the Wagon R Smile hasn’t become an explosive hit like the Move Canvas.
The Move Canvas has maintained a high ranking in the minicar sales rankings for a long period of time since its release in 2016. On the other hand, the Wagon R Smile has only recently been released and has not yet achieved the same name recognition or popularity as the Move Canvas.
2023 sales volume
The annual sales volume for Suzuki Wagon R Smile in 2023 was 72,235 units.
| year and month | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | 7,157 units |
| February 2023 | 7,299 units |
| March 2023 | 7,735 units |
| April 2023 | 4,853 units |
| May 2023 | 5,448 units |
| June 2023 | 5,519 units |
| July 2023 | 6,063 units |
| August 2023 | 5,590 units |
| September 2023 | 6,369 units |
| October 2023 | 5,640 units |
| November 2023 | 5,777 units |
| December 2023 | 4,785 units |
| total | 72,235 units |
Suzuki Wagon R Smile registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2024
Sales in the first half of 2024 are expected to be lower than in 2023.
| year and month | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | 5,983 units |
| February 2024 | 7,603 units |
| March 2024 | 9,758 units |
| April 2024 | 6,129 units |
| May 2024 | 6,037 units |
| June 2024 | 6,905 units |
| July 2024 | 7,083 units |
| September 2024 | 5,611 units |
| total | 55,109 units |
Suzuki Wagon R Smile registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Regarding the “disgusting” comments
While there are many positive comments about the Wagon R Smile’s design, such as “cute” and “stylish,” there are also some negative comments, such as “it’s gross.”
Reasons why you might feel unwell include:
- Round headlights : Some people find the design of round headlights to be childish and cheap.
- Front grille design : The decorative chrome front grille is intended to create a sense of luxury, but some people find it too flashy.
- Two-tone color : Two-tone color bodies give a stylish and unique impression, but some people may find them unsettling and childish.
Design preferences vary from person to person, and while some people find it “gross,” many others find it “cute” or “stylish.”
Comparison between Wagon R Smile and Move Canvas
The Daihatsu Move Canvas is the car most often cited as a competitor to the Wagon R Smile. The two cars have similar target demographics and basic concepts, and share a retro design with round headlights.
However, there are some minor differences between the two models. The Move Canvas has better fuel economy than the Wagon R Smile and is priced slightly higher. The design of the Wagon R Smile is more cute, while the Move Canvas has a simpler and more subdued look.
| item | Wagon R Smile | Move Canvas |
|---|---|---|
| Body size | Overall length 3395mm x overall width 1475mm x overall height 1695mm | Overall length 3395mm x overall width 1475mm x overall height 1655mm |
| engine | R06D type 660cc | KF type 660cc |
| fuel economy | WLTC mode 25.1km/L | WLTC mode 27.4km/L |
| price | 1,296,900 yen to 1,713,800 yen | 1,496,000 yen to 1,875,500 yen |
| design | A more rounded and cute design with sliding doors | Simple and calm design |
| Interior | Bright interior with an ivory theme | A calm interior with a beige theme |
| safety equipment | Suzuki Safety Support | Smart Assist III |
Who is the Wagon R Smile recommended for?
The Wagon R Smile is recommended for the following people:
- People who like cutely designed cars
- People who want the convenience of sliding doors
- People who mainly drive around town and want a fuel-efficient car
- People who want a car with plenty of safety features
- People who want a unique car
Points to note when choosing the Wagon R Smile
When choosing the Wagon R Smile, you should pay attention to the following points.
- Rear seat living space : The Wagon R Smile is relatively tall for a kei car, with an overall height of 1,695 mm, but the head clearance in the rear seats is narrower than that of the Move Canvas.
- Luggage space : With the rear seats folded down, the luggage space is smaller than that of the Move Canvas.
- Price : The Wagon R Smile is priced lower than the Move Canvas, but it is still on the expensive side for a minicar.
The future of Wagon R Smile
Although it has only been a short time since its release, the Wagon R Smile has already shown strong sales, and a certain level of demand is expected to continue, particularly among female users.
However, competition in the minicar market is intensifying, and for the Wagon R Smile to become a long-selling model, further improvements to its appeal and product strength are required.
A word from the editorial department
Some people say that the Wagon R Smile is not selling well and that it is disgusting, but in reality, it is a car that is gaining popularity due to its cute design and the convenience of its sliding doors.
Compare the Move Canvas and choose the vehicle that best suits your needs.
I hope this article will be helpful for those who are considering purchasing a Wagon R Smile.
Wagon R Smile
