Suzuki once again significantly impacted the Japanese compact car market with the launch of the 2024 Wagon R Smile. This model, which underwent a facelift, is praised for its retro design combined with practicality. The changes made in this version are the first major updates since its original release three years ago, with interior and exterior upgrades and advanced safety and convenience features.
Starting at 1,489,400 JPY (approximately 11,000 USD), the Smile offers excellent value for money. It replaces the previous Wagon R’s hinge doors with sliding doors, featuring a unique exterior design and improved convenience. With this facelift, the Smile goes beyond its cute image, clearly showcasing its practicality and overall appeal.
Is It Only for Women? It’s Suitable For Everyone
The main update focuses on the front design. The grille and bumper have been redesigned with smoother curves to create a more approachable look. New retro-inspired colors, like Top Grey Metallic and Soft Beige Metallic, are also notable. The oval headlights, framed with a chrome line, enhance the vehicle’s vintage appeal. Additionally, the two-tone roof offers 12 variations, targeting those who seek a balance of practicality and style.
The interior boasts ergonomically redesigned panels and harmonized armrest colors, enhancing comfort and sophistication. The copper gold accents remain, and new colors like Reflection Gray and Moss Blue have been added to provide more options, appealing to a wider range of drivers.
Practicality Meets Efficiency: The Smile’s Versatile Features and Performance
While the Smile is often considered a cute car, it stands out practically. All trims have Dual Camera Brake Support II, offering low-speed brake assistance, lane departure prevention, and traffic sign recognition. The hybrid model also includes EPB, Auto Hold, and Adaptive Cruise Control, providing features beyond typical compact cars.
The Smile’s powertrain prioritizes efficiency for urban driving with 52 horsepower and 6.1 kgf·m (44.9 lb-ft) of torque in 2WD. Despite being a 660cc hybrid compact car, it delivers a combined fuel efficiency of over 25 km/l (58.7 mpg), ensuring high efficiency in daily driving. The sliding door design also enhances its versatility for family use.
Surpassing Existing Demand
A Trendsetter in the Compact Car Market
The Smile results from Suzuki’s thorough understanding of consumer preferences and lifestyles in the Japanese kei car market. Initially appealing to female drivers who prefer compact and practical cars, it has also attracted attention from middle-aged and male drivers who appreciate retro design and functionality. The Smile’s versatility makes it a well-rounded option.
The response on social media has been positive, with comments highlighting the car’s appeal. For example, some users mentioned that they typically don’t like bulky designs but find Smile’s design appealing. In contrast, others expressed interest in purchasing the car if a manual transmission model with a turbo engine becomes available. Among recently launched compact cars, the Wagon R Smile and models like the Daihatsu Move Canvas and Honda N-ONE play a key role in shaping the compact car design trend.
