Big Maruti Suzuki Cars Likely to Get BS6 1.6-litre Diesel Engine
Maruti Suzuki is busy in upgrading its existing petrol line-up to meet the upcoming BS6 emission norms. The company has already introduced BS6 compliant Swift twins, Baleno, Ertiga, XL6 and the S-Presso. Maruti Suzuki has also announced to completely cease the production of diesel cars in India. A new media report claims that Maruti Suzuki is planning to reintroduce the Fiat-sourced 1.6-litre diesel engine.
For people not in the know, the 1.6-litre Fiat-sourced MJD unit was introduced in the Maruti S-Cross in 2015. However, it was discontinued with the introduction of the updated S-Cross. The report claims that Maruti Suzuki will introduce this engine in select premium models including the S-Cross, XL6 6-seater premium MPV and the upcoming Vitara SUV.
Maruti Suzuki believes that the cars above 10 lakh will continue to have a decent demand for diesel powertrain. The company currently has 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel and the in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel engine. However, the powertrains are not going to be upgraded to meet the upcoming BS6 emission norms. Our sources also suggest that Maruti Suzuki has already stopped producing diesel engines and is only concentrating on upgrading its petrol-powered cars to BS6 emission norms.
Maruti Suzuki is readying an all-new premium SUV, which is expected to be launched in our market in late 2020. The new model could be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo in concept form. The concept is likely to preview the next generation Vitara SUV, which is scheduled to be launched in the international markets in 2021-22. The SUV will challenge the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks.
