Rumour: Maruti successfully tests Ciaz 1.5L diesel

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A Maruti Suzuki insider has claimed that the company has 'successfully' tested the Ciaz sedan with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Maruti is reportedly planning to plonk larger engines in the Ciaz to make it more competitive against its direct rivals and the claimed tests appear to be the first step in this direction.

The Ciaz is currently available with a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine which is rated at 89 BHP and 200 Nm of torque. This is the smallest and the least powerful engine in the segment. While the Ciaz is performing well in India, customers have constantly and repeatedly complained about the car's engines being underpowered. The 1.3-litre power plant has also started to feel old and outdated, and in the 89 BHP tune, it suffers from a significant amount of turbo lag as well. Moreover, since the engine is sourced from Fiat, Maruti has to pay hefty royalties to the Italian automaker. This eats into Maruti's profit share.

Therefore, the company has decided to replace the 1.3-litre engine with a larger and more powerful 1.5-litre unit. Output figures haven’t been revealed as yet. This power plant has been developed in-house by Suzuki, which helps eliminate the need for any royalty payments. In addition to the larger diesel engine, Maruti is reported to be working on a 1.5-litre petrol mill as well. This engine is likely to replace the current 1.4-litre unit. Both the new engines are expected to be launched in the Ciaz in 2018.