It is reported Maruti is quietly working on a two-cylinder 800cc diesel engine.
The home grown engine is expected to find a place under the hood of Suzuki's new small car that would replace the Maruti A-Star and the Estilo in India. Regular Indian Autos Blog readers know that the car has already started testing in Europe.
Financial Express reports that according to its sources, the new car would be showcased at the Auto Expo 2014 and the diesel engine will go on board sometime in the later stages of the year. The car in question is internally known by the codename YL7.
During the launch, the car will be available with the 1.0 litre K-Series petrol motor. Details about the new 800cc diesel engine are a bit sketchy at this point in time, but Maruti is likely to target a fuel efficiency of 30kpl.
Currently, the smallest oil burner available in India is the Chevrolet Beat's 1.0 liter motor which is nothing but the Fiat 1.3 MultiJet minus one cylinder. While the upcoming 2014 Hyundai i10 is expected with a diesel engine, it would be a 1.1-liter unit and Hyundai is planning to position it above the current i10. Introducing a compact and frugal diesel motor in the entry level hatchback segment could help Maruti stay on top of its game.
[Note: The image of the current A-Star is added for illustration purposes only.]
[Source: Financial Express]
