On December 15, 2025, Suzuki’s long-selling minicar model, the Wagon R , will undergo a major facelift. This update will not just add new features, but will also see a major overhaul of the model’s grade structure and the inclusion of the latest safety features, making it an unprecedented transformation.
For those currently considering purchasing a Wagon R, an important decision point is whether to buy the current model now or wait for the new model. In this article, we will explain in detail the changes to the new Wagon R and provide information on when to buy.
Major changes in the December 2025 minor change
Innovative grade consolidation: from 3 types to 1 type
The biggest change this time is the bold consolidation of the grade system .
Grades being discontinued:
- Standard “Wagon R” (normal body)
- Sporty model “Wagon R Stingray”
Continuing and strengthening grades:
- Concentrated on “Wagon R Custom Z”
This is a similar strategy to Daihatsu’s move to consolidate the Move into the Move Canvas. According to actual sales data from Suzuki dealers, many buyers of the Wagon R series choose the Custom Z, so this is a rational decision that meets market needs.
New Wagon R Custom Z grade configuration
The new model will be available in two trim levels:
1. Custom Z ZL (660cc naturally aspirated engine)
- 5-speed MT vehicle (FF/4WD)
- CVT vehicle (FF/4WD)
- Price: FF 1.5 million yen, 4WD 1.62 million yen
2. Custom Z HYBRID ZX (660cc mild hybrid)
- CVT vehicle (FF/4WD)
- Price: FF 1.75 million yen, 4WD 1.92 million yen
What’s noteworthy is that a 5-speed manual transmission will be available for the first time on the Custom Z. Previously, manual transmissions were only available on the standard model, but now they’re also available on the sportier Custom Z, providing an attractive option for those who want to enjoy driving.
Price revision: Price increase of approximately 200,000 yen
Due to the consolidation of grades and the expansion of equipment, the entry price will increase by approximately 200,000 yen:
Current model (reference price):
- Wagon R FX (MT): From 1,295,000 yen
New model:
- Custom Z ZX: From 1,551,000 yen
Although the price has increased, considering the significant improvement in equipment, which will be described later, it can be said that the cost performance has improved.
Significant evolution of safety equipment: Dual Sensor Brake Support II
Latest generation active safety system comes standard on all vehicles
The new Wagon R’s safety system will evolve from the conventional “Dual Camera Brake Support” to the latest “Dual Sensor Brake Support II (DSBSII).”
Key improvements:
- Expanding detection targets
- pedestrians
- car
- Bicycles (new)
- Motorcycles (new)
- Adding new features
- Low-speed brake support (forward/reverse)
- Departure notification function (supports preceding vehicles and traffic light changes)
- Continuation of existing features
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with full-speed tracking function
- Lane departure prevention function
- SRS side airbags and curtain airbags
This evolution in safety equipment brings it to the same level as the latest Suzuki vehicles such as the Spacia and Hustler, giving it an advantage over its competitors.
Standardization of comfort features improves convenience
All grades come standard with comprehensive equipment
LED headlights
are now standard on all grades, providing bright, energy-efficient lighting even on entry-level models. This is part of Suzuki’s recent strategy to raise the bar on equipment.
7-inch display audio
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible
- Bluetooth connection
- Backup camera as standard equipment
Suzuki Connect (Connected Services)
- SOS button/automatic emergency call
- Controlling the air conditioner with your smartphone
- Remote door lock/hazard lamp operation
- Vehicle location confirmation
- Security Alarm Notification
It supports both Type-A and Type-C USB power sockets
, and can also charge the latest smartphones.
Comfortable equipment exclusive to the higher grades
The Custom Z HYBRID ZX also comes with the following additional features:
- Electric parking brake
- Auto Brake Hold
This significantly reduces the burden of braking when stuck in traffic or waiting at traffic lights. This is a very advanced feature for a Wagon R class minicar.
Powertrain continues: proven, highly efficient system
Three types of powertrains available
The new Wagon R’s powertrain continues to use the highly efficient engines introduced in the 2020 model year:
1. Naturally aspirated engine
- In-line 3-cylinder 660cc “R06D type”
- Maximum output: 49ps/6,500rpm
- Maximum torque: 5.9 kgm/5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed MT/CVT
2. Mild Hybrid
- R06D engine + ISG (motor-equipped generator)
- Engine: 49ps/5.9kgm
- Motor: 2.6ps/4.1kgm
- Transmission: CVT
3. Turbo Mild Hybrid (Custom Z HYBRID ZT only)
- R06D turbo engine + mild hybrid
- Engine: 64ps/10.0kgm
- Motor: 3.1ps/5.1kgm
- Transmission: CVT
Excellent fuel economy
WLTC mode fuel consumption:
- Naturally aspirated CVT: 24.4km/L (FF)
- Naturally aspirated 5MT: 24.8km/L (FF)
- Mild Hybrid: 25.2km/L (FF)
- Turbo mild hybrid: 22.5km/L (FF)
The reason why MT cars have better fuel economy than CVT cars is because they are lighter and have less mechanical loss. MT cars are ideal for those who prioritize fuel economy while also seeking driving pleasure.
Exterior: Unified with the powerful design of the Custom Z
Styling that emphasizes presence and texture
The new Wagon R will be unified under the “Custom Z” design, with all models featuring the following features:
- Large front grille with plated decoration
- Sharp headlight design (all LED)
- Powerful bumper design
- Side character line
This will reduce the options for users who prefer the familiar standard body or the more aggressive Stingray, but the Custom Z’s balanced design will likely be accepted by a wide range of people.
Body size
- Total length: 3,395mm
- Overall width: 1,475mm
- Overall height: 1,650mm
- Wheelbase: 2,460mm
- Minimum turning radius: 4.4m
While the size makes the most of the minicar standard, the overall height of 1,650mm is a practical setting that can be used in multi-story parking garages.
Interior: A fusion of ease of use and modernity
Spacious interior space
The spacious interior space that is a hallmark of the Wagon R continues to be maintained. The distance between the front and rear seats is sufficient to allow four adults to sit comfortably.
Head-up display
Depending on the grade, a head-up display that projects speed and safety system information onto the windshield is available, minimizing eye movement and supporting safe driving.
Practical luggage space
It is designed to accommodate tall luggage and is suitable for a wide range of uses, from everyday shopping to leisure activities.
Comparison with competitors: Wagon R’s position
Comparison with Daihatsu Move
New Move
Move
- Price: L grade 1.6 million yen ~
- Full of advanced equipment
- It is about 100,000 yen more expensive than the Wagon R
The new Wagon R Custom Z ZL starts at 1.45 million yen, making it highly competitive in terms of price .
Comparison with Honda N-WGN
N-WGN
- Price: from 1.5 million yen
- Honda SENSING standard equipment
- The interior quality is highly rated
The Wagon R competes with it in terms of fuel efficiency and cost performance.
Comparison with Mitsubishi eK Wagon/Nissan Dayz
eK Wagon/Days
- Price: From 1.65 million yen
- ProPilot equipped grade available
- Higher price range than Wagon R
The new Wagon R’s strategy is to offer sufficient equipment while keeping the price low.
How to use it with Wagon R Smile
As part of the same Wagon R series, the **Wagon R Smile** with sliding doors will also continue to be sold.
Who should choose the Wagon R Custom Z (hinged doors):
- Emphasis on driving performance
- Looking for a lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicle
- I want to keep the price down
- I want to drive a manual transmission car
Who should choose the Wagon R Smile (sliding door):
- Families with small children
- Emphasis on getting on and off in narrow parking lots
- I want more family-friendly equipment.
In fact, data from Suzuki dealers shows that about 70% of Wagon R series buyers choose the Wagon R Smile. It’s important to choose the car that best suits your needs.
Should I wait for the new model or buy the current model? Criteria for deciding
People who should wait for the new model
✓ Dual Sensor Brake Support II, which emphasizes the latest safety features
, detects bicycles and motorcycles, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
✓ For those who want a Custom Z manual transmission,
this combination has never been available before. It’s worth the wait for those who want to enjoy driving.
✓ If you want an electric parking brake,
the electric parking brake and auto brake hold function available on higher grade models will greatly improve the comfort of everyday driving.
✓ For those who want to take advantage of the latest connected services
, Suzuki Connect’s smartphone connectivity function will provide a new way of living with your car.
✓ If you plan to keep the car for a long time
, for more than 10 years, a new model equipped with the latest features will be more comfortable to use for a long time.
Who should buy the current model?
✓ If you prefer the standard body or Stingray,
the new model will be unified with the Custom Z, so if you want a different design, the current model is your last chance.
✓ Want to buy it for as cheap as possible?
Current models have been on the market for some time, so there is plenty of room for price negotiation and you may be able to reduce the total amount you pay.
✓ If you need a car immediately and cannot wait for delivery, you can select a car in stock to receive it sooner.
✓ Even the current model, which doesn’t require the latest equipment
, is equipped with basic safety features and is sufficient for everyday use.
Release date and pre-order information
Important Schedule
- Pre-orders begin: Around the end of November 2025
- Official announcement and release date: Monday, December 15, 2025
Once advance orders begin, you will be able to inspect the actual vehicle at the dealer and receive a detailed quote. By starting negotiations early, you can be sure to secure the body color and grade you want.
Delivery date forecast
Although the semiconductor shortage and parts supply issues have been improving in recent years, delivery times may be extended depending on the popularity of new models. It is advisable to sign a contract early.
About the OEM supply model
The Wagon R is supplied to Mazda as the “Flair” and to Mazda Autozam as the successor to the “AZ-Wagon” on an OEM basis. The changes to the new Wagon R are expected to be reflected in these models as well.
Those considering purchasing from a Mazda dealer can expect the basic specifications and price to be the same.
Summary: The 2025 Wagon R is worth the wait
comprehensive evaluation
This minor change in December 2025 will be a major overhaul rather than just an improvement .
Key benefits:
- Latest safety features standard on all vehicles
- Fully equipped for comfort
- MT setting to Custom Z
- Electric parking brake (higher grade)
- Enhancement of connected services
Points to note:
- The price will increase by approximately 200,000 yen.
- Fewer grade options
- Normal/Stingray body discontinued
Final decision point
Cases where we strongly recommend waiting for the new model:
- Safety comes first
- Assuming long-term holding
- I’d like a Custom Z manual transmission car.
- I want to enjoy the latest equipment
Cases where the current model is worth considering:
- I want to keep the budget as low as possible
- I like the normal/Stingray design
- Immediate delivery required
Future developments
In recent years, Suzuki has been actively working to improve its equipment and price competitiveness, and the new Wagon R is a model that embodies this strategy.
Advance orders will begin at dealerships from the end of November, with the car set to go on sale in December 2025. We recommend contacting your local Suzuki dealer early to find out about the availability of test drive vehicles and when you can check out the actual vehicle.
**The Wagon R is a renowned car that has led the minicar market for over 30 years since the first generation in 1993. **The new Wagon R Custom Z inherits that tradition while evolving to meet modern needs.
If you are considering purchasing one, we hope that the information in this article will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.
