Suzuki's first self-developed diesel engine.
Maruti, on the back of announcing a net profit increase of 60 percent, is gearing up to introduce parent company Suzuki's first ever diesel engine. This engine is reported to be an 800 cc twin-cylinder unit, and will launch on the Celerio hatchback first.
Given its diminutive size, this unit is expected to break all records for fuel efficiency. Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, did not lay out the fuel efficiency claim of this engine, but said it will be "closer to" 30 km/l.
Maruti currently leads in the fuel efficiency department with the 2015 Dzire (26.59 km/l) and the Ciaz (26.21 km/l). However, the diesel engine on these cars, and across its range in India and abroad, is borrowed from Fiat. In India, Maruti uses the 1.3-liter Fiat-sourced MultiJet engine, while markets abroad also make use of the 1.6-liter MultiJet engine.
Initially, Maruti will manufacture 1 lakh units/annum of this small diesel engine, before expanding production capacity and application to other vehicles.
Also read: Maruti Wagon R to get 'Idling Stop' technology for higher mileage
Post its launch on a passenger vehicle, the engine will be used on Maruti's first LCV for the domestic market, which is codenamed 'Y9T'.
Rivals: Hyundai Grand i10, Chevrolet Beat Diesel
Expected Price: INR 4.6-5.7 Lakhs.
Tentative Launch Date: Coming months
[Source: EconomicTimes]
