Premier Automobiles Limited, the domestic auto maker, is likely to introduce a 1.3 litre Multijet powertrain in its compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) Rio. The new engine will churn out an impressive 75 bhp power. It is anticipated that the new motor will have the same configuration as Maruti Suzuki Swift and Tata Vista.
Earlier, the company was contemplating to introduce the diesel version of Rio by April 2012, but due to some unfavourable circumstances the launch got postponed by a couple of months. Since the car maker is now all set to roll out its new diesel version, it is believed that the Rio diesel will embrace the showrooms by the end of July 2012.
The new model will be fitted with the same well-acclaimed 1.3 litre Multijet diesel engine, made by Fiat. Prior to Premier, auto makers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata and Chevrolet have incorporated the same engine in their highly-appreciated models. Premier has inked a three-year agreement with the Italian auto giant and will be assimilating the Multijet powertrain in Rio.
Rajeev Kapoor, Managing Director, Fiat India said, “We are currently in talks with Premier to supply diesel engines. It will be the 1.3 litre Multijet, 75 bhp engine which we are also supplying to Maruti Suzuki. We are going to announce within a month about the number of engines and the duration of contract. This engine will be fitted in their compact SUV Rio.”
The incorporation of a Multijet motor will permit Premier to re-introduce its diesel powered Rio in BS4 markets. Its earlier BS3 compliant model was banned in 13 cites of the country, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai, because of non-compliance with the BS 4 emission norms.
On the other hand, the 1.2 litre petrol version of Rio is in compliance with BS4 emission norms and is on sale throughout the country. Analysts believe that the launch of the revamped diesel version is quite important for the car maker’s stake in the Indian auto industry as the demand for diesel SUVs is tremendously increasing, especially in the light of continuous hike in petrol prices.
