Suzuki, the Japanese auto maker, seems busy in developing a new 1.5-litre four cylinder engine for the Indian auto market. Sources close to the development process have hinted that the auto maker had already designed an 800 cc diesel engine, which Maruti is anticipated to start using soon. Reportedly, this engine is developed on a modular platform, and therefore there are multiple derivatives of it are expected. Along the 800 cc engine, the auto maker is developing two derivatives of a four-cylinder engine, namely a 1.5-litre one for India and a 1.6-litre variant for Europe. Experts believe that these derivatives are differentiated as Indian government levies higher excise duty on cars having engine bigger than 1.5-litre.
A company insider told ET, "This new engine is expected to complement the existing Fiat multi-jet engine and will not replace it. The aim is to offer wider choice to the customers. The first probable product (with the new diesel engine) is expected to the next-generation Ertiga, even the future SUV and a new MPV is expected to be powered by this 1.5-litre engine.”
It must be noted that currently, Maruti Suzuki sources its diesel engines from Fiat. The source said that the recently launched Ciaz sedan is also likely to get the newly developed engine when it is upgraded in a couple of years. However, the Maruti spokesperson said that the company will not comment on its future products. It is being said that the auto maker is planning to develop its own family of diesel engines, rather than sourcing them from third-party manufacturers.
The Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited told ET that despite being a bridge in the prices of petrol and diesel, it is expected that the diesel powered cars will witness a relatively strong demand. “If Suzuki develops a diesel engine family, for sure it will help Maruti Suzuki,” he added. With the development of new technologies, the diesel cars are expected to exempt the shortcomings on refinement under the review of petrol-powered versions. Also, diesel offers a better fuel economy, which happens to be a major consideration for Indian buyers.
Engineers working in the development of new engine said that the auto maker started working on this power plant way back in 2009-2010. The senior analyst at HIS Automotive, Gaurav Vangaal said that developing its own 1.5-litre engine will give more flexibility to Maruti for its B-segment models. "In this competitive world of auto industry, the consumer choice for getting more performance driven power train cannot be undermined. I would say every customer is important to maintain leadership dominance and if you don't offer anyone else will and not giving an option to choose from, simply brings you out of the competition," he added later.
On the similar lines, the Editor of Autocar India, Hormazd Sorabjee said, “The real dilemma is whether Maruti Suzuki should be investing in their own diesel engine. The introduction comes at a time, when the world is moving towards more stringent emission norms. When India moves towards the next level of emission norms, the diesel engine will have to upgraded, which will push the cost up and may make diesel cars less competitive.”
