It will be the most fuel efficient non-hybrid passenger vehicle in India.
Maruti has started shipping the first batch of the Celerio diesel to its dealerships across the country. Seen here are spyshots of the demo cars which will be used for training and test-drive purposes. As can be seen, the cars sport decals saying 'DDiS 125', which is meant to highlight the torque output of the car.
Powering the Celerio diesel is Suzuki's first self-developed diesel engine, which will be a 0.8-liter two-cylinder turbocharged unit. While the power figure of this engine is expected in the whereabouts of 50 hp, it will develop 125 Nm of torque, hence the badge.
Initially, the diesel Celerio will be paired to a 5-speed manual transmission, though later on its lifecycle it could receive a 5-speed automated manual transmission as well. In a recent interview, the Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, Mr. Kenichi Ayukawa, said that the Celerio diesel will return close to 30 km/l, making it the most fuel efficient non-hybrid passenger vehicle in India.
Also read: Maruti Swift celebrates 10th anniversary with 1.3 million sales
The Celerio diesel is expected to come in four variants - LDi, VDi, ZDi and ZDi Opt. The top-end variant is sure to get dual front airbags, ABS, alloy wheels, rear wiper and washer, a 2-DIN music system with steering-mounted controls, electrically adjustable wing mirrors and driver-seat height adjustment.
Rivals: Hyundai Grand i10, Chevrolet Beat Diesel
Expected Price: INR 4.6-5.7 Lakhs.
Tentative Launch Date: Next month (reported)
[Source: GaadiWaadi]
