Maruti Suzuki BS6 Diesel Engines To Launch Next Year On Select Models: Here Is Why!

Maruti Suzuki is expected to revive its 1.5-litre in-house developed diesel engine in BS6 format. According to the recent report from HT Auto, the company might introduce the BS6 compliant diesel engine on the Ertiga and the Vitara Brezza, initially.

The company decided to end production of the diesel engine model for the BS6 era. This is because the market predicted that the demand for diesel engines will reduce due to the new emission norms and increased manufacturing costs to make it BS6-complaint.

However, much to everyone's surprise, the demand for diesel engines are still as strong as ever. Brand's like Kia and Hyundai currently offers diesel power units on most of its model range sold in the country. This includes some of the important models such as the Seltos, the Creta, the Venue and the Verna.

According to the sales reports released by the brands, customers choosing any of the above-mentioned models prefer diesel engines. The majority of sales from the Creta are of the diesel powertrain, while the Seltos has received a 50:50 response for the diesel and petrol powertrain options.

As a result, Maruti Suzuki being Indian's largest automaker is missing out on major sales number by not offering a diesel powertrain in the segment. The company have decided to re-capture its popular diesel market share by introducing the BS6 compliant units next year.

The company is yet to confirm the speculated move for re-entring the diesel segment in the market in the BS6 era. However, adding to the speculations the report also reveals that, Maruti Suzuki is making changes to the layout of its Manesar production facility to accommodate the production of BS6-compliant diesel engines.

Speaking about the engine itself, all signs point towards brand introducing its 1.5-litre engine that powered a host of models during the BS4 emission standards. This includes the Ciaz, the Ertiga and the Vitara Brezza. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produced a maximum of 94bhp and a peak torque of 225Nm mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

However, owing to the increased power figures from the diesel engines offered by the brand's rivals, Maruti might also revive the famous 1.6-litre diesel engine that powered the S-Cross crossover hatchback back in the day. The 1.6-litre engine, in its BS-IV avatar, churned out 118bhp and 320Nm of torque.

Thoughts About The Maruti Suzuki BS6 Diesel Engines Launching Next Year

Maruti Suzuki does not offer a diesel engine option with any of its models currently sold in the market. The brand is missing out on a substantial market share, which is currently being capitalized by its competitors. As a result, the company is looking to enter the diesel market to win back sales in the BS6 era.