Suzuki is in the advanced stages of development of a new 1.6-litre, four cylinder diesel engine for Europe as well as a 1.5-litre version for use primarily by its Indian operations.
The Economic Times of India reported Maruti Suzuki will use the new engine as well as the recently developed 800cc diesel which it is expected to start using soon. That engine is built on a modular platform so multiple derivatives of it are expected and ET said the carmaker is working on two derivatives of a four-cylinder engine.
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Diesel engines continue to attract strong demand in India although the government levies higher excise tax on vehicles with engines above 1.5 litres, the reason why Suzuki is developing a separate variant for this market. Maruti, India’s top car maker by volume, currently sources diesels from Fiat.
ET learned the new 1.5-litre engine is expected to complement the existing Fiat multi-jet engine and will not replace it. The aim is to offer a wider choice to customers. The new engine is likely to be used in the next next-generation Ertiga and refreshed Ciaz sedan.
