The Maruti Wagon R's Swivel Seat Enhances Accessibility

How the new swivel seat option increases accessibility and convenience for passengers with disabilities and the elderly.
The main features of this new functionality include where and how it is being implemented.

For the Wagon R hatchback, Maruti Suzuki has included a new swivel seat option to make it easier for elderly and disabled people to get in and out of the vehicle. This innovative feature is presently offered at over 200 Arena dealerships in 11 cities as part of a pilot initiative.

The objective is to improve accessibility and comfort for those who might find traditional car access difficult.

What's the Swivel Seat?

Passengers with limited mobility will find it easier to sit down or stand up with less effort thanks to the swivel seat's ability to rotate the front passenger seat outward. Instead of replacing the factory-fitted seat, it is installed as a retrofit kit that fastens to the current seat. This indicates that no significant structural alterations have been made to the car and the original seat is still in place.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has tested and verified the kit to fulfill necessary safety standards, and installation is quick (approximately an hour at authorized dealerships). Additionally, manufacturing flaws are covered by a three-year warranty.

Where and Who Can Get It?

Starting with the 2019 model year, Wagon R vehicles will have the swivel seat option. The function is being implemented in a few locations as part of a pilot program, although pricing has not yet been disclosed.

Maruti Suzuki has stated that it may increase availability based on feedback and customer interest. The firm is making a significant move toward inclusive mobility for all types of drivers and passengers by making the Wagon R even more accessible.

Why It's Important

Due to their cost and usefulness, small automobiles such as the Wagon R have long been popular in India. Maruti Suzuki is meeting a particular accessibility demand that many elderly persons and those with physical disabilities encounter by introducing this swivel seat. The corporation might persuade other automakers to take accessibility improvements into account by incorporating such an easy-to-use technology into a mass-market model.