Spied - Maruti Celerio diesel snapped and videotaped

The Maruti Celerio diesel was snapped and videotaped while it was on test recently. Gaadi Waadi, who spotted this test mule in North India, reports that the engine was considerably more silent compared to a past spotting wherein the diesel engine made itself audible.

[Head to YouTube if you're unable to view the video above.]

The Celerio diesel is an important car for the company as it debuts Maruti's first self-made diesel engine in a passenger car (the Maruti Y9T LCV using the same engine is expected to launch shortly before the Celerio diesel). The engine in question is a compact 800 cc two-cylinder unit with a turbocharger fitted to it. It will be paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox as Maruti is unlikely to offer their automated manual transmission (AMT) on the diesel Celerio, to keep the cost in check.

Early reports estimate that the Celerio diesel will average around 30 km/l under ARAI test conditions, making it India's most fuel efficient car. A market launch though is expected only next year, but it should happen by the end of this financial year (April 2015).

Competitors: Hyundai Grand i10, Chevrolet Beat

Expected Price: INR 4.75 - 5.75 lakhs, ex-Showroom

[Images from Gaadi Waadi]