Maruti Ciaz 1.5L diesel variant tested successfully - Report

Maruti Ciaz to get bigger and more powerful engines.

Maruti Suzuki's new 1.5-litre diesel engine rumours have circulated for years. Now, citing an insider, a Team-BHP report says that the company has successfully tested the 1.5-litre diesel engine in the Maruti Ciaz, suggesting that the rumoured engine is advancing towards a commercial rollout.

[caption id="attachment_270159" align="aligncenter" width="880"] The 1.5-litre diesel engine could debut in the facelifted Maruti Ciaz expected to arrive next year. IAB's rendering of the 2018 Maruti Ciaz pictured.[/caption]

Maruti Suzuki started selling the Maruti Ciaz through Nexa outlets this April, but no matter how differently the company tries to position it, the fact that its diesel engine is the least powerful in its class and attracts the most complaints, is no secret. The 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit develops just 66 kW (88.47 hp) and 200 Nm of torque. In comparison, the Honda City's 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine produces 73 kW (100 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, while the Hyundai Verna's 1.6-litre U2 CRDi engine develops 123 PS and 26.5 kg.m (259.88 Nm) of torque. The VW Vento and Skoda Rapid offer 110 PS and 250 Nm from the 1.5 TDI engine.

According to the report, the 1.3-litre diesel engine would be dropped once the in-house 1.5-litre diesel is ready for the market. Also set for a replacement, is the car's K14B 1.4-litre VVT petrol engine that is tuned to deliver 68 kW (91.15 hp) and 130 Nm of torque. This engine too falls behind competitors in performance, with reports citing a 1.5-litre engine set to take its place. Maruti Suzuki may introduce both engines directly in the facelifted Maruti Ciaz anticipated next year.

[caption id="attachment_141428" align="aligncenter" width="880"] A 1.5-litre petrol engine to take the place of the K14B 1.4-litre VVT petrol engine is also reportedly in the works.[/caption]

Also See: Next-gen 2018 Maruti Ertiga (Maruti YHA) rendered

The Maruti Ciaz is available in Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha grades, with prices starting at INR 7,65,879 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the petrol model. With GST in effect, the prices of the diesel mild-hybrid model have increased, with the range now starting at INR 9,42,975 (ex-showroom Delhi) instead of INR 7,88,690 (ex-showroom Delhi) previously.

[Source: Team-BHP]