Suzuki developing 1.5-litre diesel for upcoming compact SUV

With an aim to stop relying on Fiat, Suzuki has begun developing its own range of diesel engines. These engines will be used in its future range of cars. This is the first attempt by the Japanese manufacturer to design its own diesel power plants.

The first diesel from Suzuki will be an 800 cc, 2-cylinder unit and is expected to be introduced in 2015. Suzuki intends use it in a small commercial vehicle and test it extensively before refining it for use in its passenger cars.

Suzuki plans to join two 800 cc 2-cylinder engines to form a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder unit, which will be downsized to 1,500 cc to avail of tax benefits. This unit is likely to be used in the production version of the XA-Alpha compact SUV, which was showcased at Auto Expo 2012. Codenamed YBA, it is likely to replace the Suzuki Jimny globally and will be the manufacturer’s entry level off-roader.

Suzuki has been depending on Fiat for the supply of MultiJet diesel engines and has been very successful selling cars like the Swift diesel, Dzire and Ertiga powered by them. However, it is now becoming clear that the company wants to be self-sufficient as far as diesel technology goes.

Source: Autocar India