Indian Suzuki distributor Maruti Udyog has introduced a diesel engine option for the Esteem saloon together with a range-wide update.

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India’s Esteem is based on Suzuki’s Swift saloon and differs from a larger model of the same name once sold in North America.


All versions have new seat fabric, a new grille and new speedometer dial colour while the LXi gains an internally adjustable door mirror and full wheel covers.


Higher specification AX and Vxi models gain a rear spoiler with high-mount stop lamp, wider tyres with full wheel covers, keyless entry and alarm system, rear defogger, body colour door handles,upgraded stereo and wood finish centre console.


The diesel Esteem, intended especially for southern Indian continent markets was introduced after an “extremely encouraging” response to the (Suzuki Alto 900-based) Zen Diesel, Maruti said.

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The Esteem diesel is powered by Peugeot’s TUD5 1527 cc, 57hp diesel engine (used in Europe in the 106 and also Citroen’s Saxo).


Maruti claims the Esteem diesel delivers a best in class power to weight ratio and is offerering the new engine option with optional power steering.

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