– 1.5 diesel might debut in the Ciaz
– 1.3 DDiS engine to be phased out soon
Maruti is right on track with its 1.5-litre diesel engine that will replace the ageing 1.3-litre DDiS unit by 2020. The engine is most likely to debut in the Ciaz and then make its way into the other models. As of today there were a lot of issues slowing down the arrival of the new engine, cost and reduced interest in oil burners being the primary reasons. Maruti had mentioned that the diesel engine in BSVI avatar is likely to cost almost Rs. 2.5 lakh more than the petrol version in similar trim and that looks difficult to justify.
However we think diesels will always warrant a need especially in SUV’s and crossovers. The 1.5-litre, in-house developed diesel will be apt, promising not only more power but better economy as well. The 1.3 DDiS unit for long has been the most widely used engine in Maruti’s stable but will not be upgraded to meet BSVI regulations. Specifications for the new engine will be out soon, keep watching this space for more!