Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the upcoming YRA hatchback. Export markets will get this engine first, followed by the Indian market.
Half a decade ago, Maruti Suzuki started its ‘Kitna deti hai?’ ad campaign. It showed the love for high fuel efficiency of Indian consumers. Back then, Maruti was the only one focusing on fuel efficient cars. But, in the past few years, other manufacturers such as Chevrolet and Honda have also entered the fuel efficiency war with their ultra-frugal diesel engines. In order to gain back this advantage, Maruti has started a drive to ensure it never falls behind in the fuel efficiency parameter.
In order to increase fuel-efficiency of its cars, Maruti plans to bring a turbocharged version of its 1.0-litre K-Series engine which powers the Celerio, Alto K10 and the Wagon R currently. This turbocharged mill would first be introduced in the upcoming premium hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki YRA. This hatchback will be positioned above the Swift and will compete with other premium hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo. The export models of the YRA will get the turbocharged engine first and later the powertrain will be offered in the Indian market as well. The downsized engine would help extract more fuel efficiency whereas the turbocharger would ensure that the car has enough punch.
Maruti Suzuki has been working on clawing back the mileage king title. The launch of the diesel Ciaz which beat the Honda City diesel in terms of fuel efficiency by a whisker was the first part of the strategy. The Japanese automaker also plans to add start-stop system in most cars from their line-up within the next few years to increase fuel efficiency. The Celerio diesel, expected to be launched around April this year, will get an all-new 800cc diesel engine which is expected to return an astonishing fuel economy of 30-35 km/l! It will most likely be the cheapest and the most fuel-efficient diesel car when it is launched.
Source – Business-Standard.com
