Rumour: Hyundai to upgrade its 1.2L diesel to BS-VI norms

According to a media report, Hyundai is likely to upgrade the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder diesel engine to meet BS-VI emission regulations that come into effect on April 1, 2020.

As most carmakers are planning to discontinue the small capacity diesel engines from their line up, Hyundai reportedly sees this as an opportunity. Tata Motors could be scrapping its 1.05-litre diesel engine which powers the Tiago and the Tigor. Mahindra is also expected to discontinue the 1.2-litre diesel that powers the KUV100, while Maruti Suzuki may not offer the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre Multijet diesel in its cars, which would leave a gap in the market.

The main reason why small capacity diesel engines are being discontinued is the cost involved in upgrading these to meet the new regulations. Unlike Tata, Mahindra and Maruti, Hyundai already has a small capacity Euro 6 diesel in its global portfolio. Therefore, the cost of upgrading to BS-VI has been greatly reduced. 

In its present configuration, Hyundai's 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder diesel engine produces 74 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm @ 1,750-2,250 rpm. 

Reports also suggest that Hyundai is also developing a new BS-VI compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine that is expected to be offered on the Verna facelift. It is likely to come in two states of tune.

Source: Autocar India