Maruti Suzuki changes tack, to make BS6 compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine
16 Dec 2019
Maruti Suzuki, which had earlier announced plans to cease production of diesel cars in India and focus on selling petrol cars along with hybrid and electric models, is now planning to re-introduce BS6 compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine in the market in 2021, according to a new media report.
The Japanese-Indian car maker had announced to cease production of diesel cars for the Indian market as the Indian government announced a switch to BS6 emission norms by April 2020, skipping the BS V stage altogether. For Maruti Suzuki, this would have involved huge investment if it were to continue with diesel engines.
But, with several other carmakers like Mahindra refusing to part with diesel technology, Maruti Suzuki might have thought it unwise to leave the market when others are sticking to it despite the costs.
Maruti Suzuki is reported to have already started testing the BS6 compliant 1.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine. The report claims that Maruti’s existing mid-sized cars, including the S-Cross, Ciaz, Ertiga and XL6, will first receive the BS6 diesel engine. The Vitara Brezza will also get the diesel version on a later stage. It is expected that the next generation Brezza, due in 2022, will receive the diesel version.
What’s interesting is that Maruti Suzuki is also readying a new C-segment SUV. The new 7-seater premium SUV is rumoured to be called the new gen Grand Vitara and will challenge the likes of the MG Hector 6-seater, Tata Gravitas, upcoming Hyundai Creta 7-seater and others. This SUV will also be benefitted with the BSVI compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine.
For the hatchbacks and the small sedan – the Dzire, Maruti Suzuki will focus on petrol, hybrid and CNG fuel options. The company is yet to make an official announcement on the re-introduction of the BS6 1.5-litre diesel engine. However, cars like S-Cross, Ciaz and the Ertiga have been spotted multiple times with BS6 1.5L diesel engine.
With the deadline for discontinuing production of BSIII-compliant models looming near, many Indian manufacturers have resorted to discount sales to clear the stock of BS3 versions and the BS4 compliant models.
However, a lot of people have been waiting for the so called fire-sale that is expected to happen in Q1 of 2020. With BS6 emission norms coming into effect beginning 1 April, a large chunk of customers are sitting on the fence, waiting for the right deal and discount to come their way.