Maruti Suzuki recently filed a trademark application for the ‘S-Assist’ name in the country. While there is no official word on it, the Maruti ‘S-Assist’ moniker is likely to be used for its clutchless manual transmission. Car manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia are already offering iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) on its product lineup. Read – 3 New Maruti Suzuki SUVs Ready For India Launch
The clutchless manual gearbox is essentially a hybrid of manual and automatic gearbox setups. In this system, driver doesn’t need to push a clutch pedal while shifting the gears manually. It includes a sensor with the gear lever that signals a TCU (transmission control unit) whenever driver is about to change gears. The TCU further informs a hydraulic actuator to engage and disengage the clutch plate while shifting gears.
In other updates, the Indo-Japanese carmaker is gearing up to launch the new-generation Maruti Suzuki Celerio. The hatchback will witness significant design changes and feature upgrades along with a more powerful petrol engine. The 2021 Maruti Celerio will sit on the Heartect platform and is likely to feature a longer wheelbase. In fact, the overall dimensions will also be stretched. The hatchback will come with the 82bhp, 1.2L K12 petrol and 1.0L K10 petrol engine options.
The new-generation Maruti Vitara Brezza is scheduled to arrive during 2021 festive season. Similar to the new Celerio, the subcompact SUV will switch to the Heartect platform that will make it stiffer and safer than before. Under the hood, the 2021 Vitara Brezza is likely to feature the 1.5L K12B naturally aspirated petrol engine with the stronger hybrid system. If it happens, the SUV’s new model will be more fuel efficient than before.
With the generation change, the Vitara Brezza will receive a new 6-speed automatic gearbox instead of a 4-speed unit. The compact SUV is reported to get a factory-fitted sunroof along with features such as a wireless charger, a digital instrument console and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. More details on the Maruti S-Assist are likely to be revealed in near future. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews.
