Maruti Celerio diesel production starts in Manesar, launch in April - Report

First self-developed diesel engine from the Japanese manufacturer.

Maruti Suzuki has started production of the Celerio diesel at its manufacturing facility in Manesar, as these spyshots show. The SOP (start of production) is consistent with previous reports which stated that the Celerio diesel will have its market launch just after the previous financial year came to a close.

Save for the 'DDiS' badges on the front fenders, the Celerio diesel does not sport any design changes. The highlight of the car is of course the engine, which will be the first self-developed diesel engine from the brand. A two-cylinder 0.8-liter unit is expected to produce about 52-58 hp and 150-160 Nm of torque, while returning a class-leading 30.1 km/l.

The Celerio diesel will be India's most fuel efficient car (excluding the BMW i8), if the reported 30.1 km/l holds true. Maruti may also offer the diesel Celerio with the automated manual transmission (AMT), making it the least expensive automatic diesel car in the country.

Also read: Suzuki Ciaz ‘Aero’ with body kit (India-bound) debuts at Bangkok Show

The Celerio diesel, like the petrol, would be offered in trims such as LDi, VDi and ZDi, with the latter getting features like dual front airbags, ABS, alloy wheels and a music system with steering mounted controls.

Rivals: Chevrolet Beat Diesel, Hyundai Grand i10
Expected Price: INR 4.6-5.7 Lakhs.
Tentative Launch Date: April 2015

[Source: GaadiWaadi]