Suzuki Z-Series Z12 engine is a 3-cylinder unit replacing the popular K12 engine
When you think about Maruti Swift you also think about the peppy K12 engine under the hood. The free revving 4-cylinder motor offers good performance both around the city and out on the highway. Now the time has come for its replacement and Suzuki is ready with it.
The Japanese carmaker will introduce the new Z-Series engine to replace the K-Series unit. The Z12 engine will make its debut in the new generation Swift next year. It will replace the K12, 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated motor.
Yes, that is 1 cylinder less and downsizing always hurts the petrolheads. However, the specifications of this engine are yet to be known officially. It is expected to offer a similar power output but the torque would be higher. Since it is down to 3 cylinders and each cylinder now at 400cc in capacity, the volumetric efficiency and torque could improve.
We all know the carmaker has high fuel efficiency targets and that’s the reason for this downsizing. Reportedly, the new Z12 engine loses free-revving nature of the K12 motor and instead it is more inclined towards stronger pulling power at the bottom-end since its primary usage will be in the city.
For now the Z-Series engine will have the Z12 1.2-litre unit but in the future we can expect Suzuki to come up with different engine capacities for different products. Apart from the new Maruti Swift, the Z12 engine is expected to power the Baleno, Fronx, Ignis and Eeco in the near future.
What are your thoughts on this transition of one of the most popular engines in India? Will you miss the fun to drive nature of the K12 or do you like the more efficient Z12 version that will offer high fuel efficiency and will be light on your pocket?