Maruti Ertiga, Vitara Brezza To Gain Bigger, Powerful 1.5L Diesel Engine
Maruti Suzuki’s popular models including Ertiga, Vitara Brezza and Ciaz will receive the upcoming new 1.5-litre diesel engine
It is no secret that Maruti Suzuki is working on a bigger 1.5-litre diesel engine, which will replace the efficient 1.3-litre DDiS engine. With BS6 emission norms coming in 2020, the existing 1.3-litre diesel engine sourced from FCA will be discontinued and won’t be available for future models. It is quite wiseful from Maruti to develop an all-new diesel engine to effectively replace the existing engine before BSVI emission norms coming into effect.
In fact, Maruti Suzuki’s new engine is in its advanced stage and is currently been tested with multiple models. The new Ertiga has been spotted with this new engine, which clearly suggests that it could be the first Maruti to receive this powertrain. This powertrain will be coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Not just Ertiga, Maruti’s sub-4 meter SUV Vitara Brezza is also likely to receive this powertrain. Not just diesel, the Brezza facelift will also receive a petrol version. Previous media reports claim that the small SUV could receive the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine that produces 100.5bhp and 150Nm of torque. Instead, the company could opt for the new 1.5-litre K15B engine with SHVS mild-hybrid system that powers the new Ertiga and Ciaz facelift. This engine is capable of producing 104bhp and 138Nm of torque.
If rumours are to be believed, the new diesel engine could also receive Maruti’s mild-hybrid SHVS system. This will help to achieve higher fuel efficiency. It is expected to deliver over 100bhp of power and close to 250Nm of torque. Maruti is also considering a sportier six-seater Ertiga, which could arrive in 2019. We believe that this engine will eventually make its way to Maruti Suzuki Ciaz as well. The company is also working on the next-gen Ciaz, which is likely to be launched in 2020-21.It is quite early to comment whether Maruti Baleno, Swift and Dzire will receive this engine. The addition of bigger capacity diesel engine will significantly increase the prices of these models.
Talking about the brand’s product strategy, Maruti will soon launch the Baleno facelift and a micro SUV based on the Concept Future S. The company is also considering a sportier Swift RS, which could be launched in the second quarter of 2019. Maruti Suzuki is currently gearing up for the launch of new-gen WagonR, which will go on sale in January 2019.
