Maruti's 1.5-litre diesel engine will not come before 2018

Maruti Suzuki has been developing a 1.5-litre diesel engine for its upcoming Vitara Brezza (YBA) SUV. This engine was supposed to be debuted in 2016. However, the company seems to have hit problems sorting out the unit's refinement. This has led to the company postponing its launch by a couple of years.

The Vitara Brezza is now expected to be launched with the same 1.3-litre, Fiat-sourced diesel engine that is used in other Maruti vehicles. Maruti's new engine is not expected to be ready before 2018. It could be used in the Vitara Brezza at a later date.

Maruti has already developed an 793cc, 2-cylinder diesel engine for the upcoming Celerio hatchback. This unit produces about 47 BHP and 125 Nm of torque. The engine will also be used in the company's Y9T commercial truck, which is expected to be launched in the coming months. The 1.5-litre engine has been built by combining two of these engines together to make a 1.6-litre power plant. It has then been downsized to make it eligible for excise benefits.

Maruti is not planning to source a 1.5-litre engine from Fiat as it is not economically viable.

Source: Autocar India