The BoosterJet motor is currently reserved for export markets but will be made in India for higher economies of scale as Suzuki is looking to achieve 99 percent localisation.
Despite having ticked the right boxes with the Baleno, it was disappointing to see Maruti Suzuki not introduce the BoosterJet 1.0-litre motor in the Indian market, even though it will be offered in European countries. While the decision has been made in favour of competitive pricing, the turbocharged petrol engine will be manufactured in India as the automaker aims to achieve 99 percent localisation on the premium hatchback.
The move is part of Suzuki’s plan to make the Manesar manufacturing facility a global production hub for the Baleno. Even its home market Japan will be getting the premium hatchback as a CBU import shipped from the Indian facility. Given the high economies of scale and lower labour charges, producing the Baleno in India makes a lot of sense, especially since the domestic demand is also expected to be high. Moreover, complete local production will help keep prices extremely competitive on the model and its spare parts.
That said, the BoosterJet engine won’t be making it on the Baleno at the time of launch. Instead, Maruti has opted for the tried and tested 1.2-litre K-Series petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines paired to a 5-speed manual and a CVT unit. In comparison, the 1.0-litre direct-injection, turbocharged motor belts out 110 HP of power and 170 Nm of torque in overseas markets. The sophisticated tech involved on the unit has prompted the automaker to not offer the same at present.
The new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol BoosterJet engine is a part of Suzuki’s new family of direct-injection turbocharged petrol engines which also includes a larger 1.4-litre mill. With local manufacturing underway, one cannot miss on the eventuality of the engine making it to the domestic market. Reports have iterated that the new engine will also power the next generation Swift which is an extremely important product for Maruti in India and hence, it is only evident that the automaker starts offering the same starting with the Baleno in a year or two.
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