4 models to be made at Suzuki's Gujarat plant - IAB Picks
Maruti Baleno to be the first model.
From various reports, we gather that four models will be manufactured at Suzuki’s plant in Mehsana, Gujarat: Maruti Baleno, Maruti Ignis, Maruti Dzire and Maruti Swift. Production will commence in January 2017 with an initial capacity of 2,50,000 units per annum, beginning with the Maruti Baleno. The Ignis, next-gen Swift and next-gen Dzire will follow later that year.
1. Maruti Baleno
The Maruti Baleno is available with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, along with a 5-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable transmission. A new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine will be added to the list of engine options later this fiscal, through the Maruti Baleno RS.
2. Maruti Ignis
The Maruti Ignis will launch in early 2017 with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines. The diesel engine could be offered with the SHVS system. It will be pitted against the Mahindra KUV100 as a crossover-styled hatchback in the B-segment.
3. 2017 Maruti Dzire
The next-gen Maruti Dzire's development and testing has commenced in India. Spy shots suggest that the redesigned model will also be a sub-4 metre vehicle. The engines, transmissions and equipment should be the same as the 2017 Swift, and could be launched in H2 2017.
4. 2017 Maruti Swift
The next-gen Maruti Swift will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. Based on the Baleno's platform, the all-new Swift will get an evolutionary makeover with an aggressive front fascia, and a comprehensively redone interior. The current petrol engine will continue, but it could be offered with the SHVS system, while the diesel model could feature a new engine developed in-house.