Maruti’s diesel engine plans for India have changed, again: Report

Maruti Suzuki officially exited from the diesel car market with the introduction of BSVI emission norms in India last year. However, India’s number car maker was working to make its newly developed 1.5-litre diesel engine compliant with the new norms. Maruti Suzuki planned to re-introduce the diesel engines in its line-up with the upcoming Jimny and all-new Vitara Brezza. However, the manufacturer has now shelved the plans.

According to Mobility Outlook, Maruti Suzuki is shelving the plan of launching the diesel engine citing return on investment issues. The decision was originally taken by the parent company – Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.

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The original plan included re-introducing the diesel engines with its upcoming Utility Vehicle model line-up. The number 1 manufacturer plans to launch as many as five new utility vehicles by 2023. The line-up includes models like the much-awaited Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the all-new Vitara Brezza.

Rising diesel prices among other reasons

Maruti Suzuki also gave the rising price of diesel as another reason to not re-introduce the diesel engine options in the Indian market. The brand is also focussing on the electrification of its models with the high prospective of electric cars becoming more popular in the future.

Diesel fuel saw one of the highest rises in the recent future. In FY21, the price of diesel increased by Rs 18.58 in the national capital. The price of diesel fuel, which was Rs 62.29 on 1st April 2020 became Rs 80.87 a litre on 31st March. The price difference between petrol and diesel is also now much lower than before. The gap is now only Rs 10.

Maruti Suzuki also planned to offer popular models like the XL6, Ertiga, Ciaz, and the Vitara Brezza with the diesel engine. Interestingly, Maruti Suzuki’s rivals like Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors continue to offer diesel engine options with their line-up in India.

Upcoming launches from Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki is all set for its big-ticket launch for the festive season, in the form of the all-new second-generation model of Celerio hatchback. The compact hatchback has already been spied a few times and seems to have undergone a complete change in its design.

The new Maruti Suzuki Celerio is expected to come with both 1.0-litre petrol and 1.2-litre petrol engine options, with both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox options. The new Celerio will take on cars like Tata Tiago, Hyundai Santro and Datsun Go.

Maruti Suzuki is also testing the WagonR EV in India is expected to launch its first EV in the Indian market next year.

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