Maruti Suzki Wagon R AMT in the Offing: Report

Buoyed by the success of AMT models like Alto K10 and Celerio, Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest car-maker is now reportedly readying an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) version of its popular hatchback Wagon R.

A report of MotorOctane claims that Maruti is planning to bring AMT to its Wagon R as well as its entry-level small car Alto 800. Maruti's current AMT  line-up includes Celerio and Alto K10. Coming to Wagon R AMT, the engine line-up will be the same as that of the current version - 1.0L K-Series petrol engine, which churns out a power of 68PS and 90Nm torque, but in the AMT avatar of the model, the transmission will be handled by Magneti Marelli automated machine.

The report also notes that the supply constraints of the AMT will be handled well this time as the Italy's auto component Major Magneti Marelli is planning to increase the production to avoid long waiting period. The Wagon R AMT will be priced slightly higher than the current version and will be offered on the Vxi variant.

Auto majors like Tata Motors and Hyundai are also working on AMT models to cash in on the demands for AMT models in the country. Popular UV maker Mahindra is also testing its Quanto AMT on Indian roads. As for the engine, the Mahindra SUV is expected to draw the power from the same 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine, which can pump in 100 bhp at 3,750 rpm and 240 Nm of torque between 1,600-2,800 rpm.