Rumoured Maruti Ertiga 1.5 diesel with 6-speed MT spotted on test

The Maruti Ertiga was given a complete makeover this year, but its D13A 1.3-litre diesel engine that is future-unready has continued into the second generation. Come 2019, an all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine will replace this FCA-developed unit.

GaadiWaadi has posted fresh spy shots of what it claims is the Maruti Ertiga 1.5 diesel. The new engine in question is the E15A unit developed in-house. The same publication sharing the spy shots said in an earlier report that Maruti Suzuki will introduce this engine in late-2019. Some other publications have reported that MSIL is facing several challenges in meeting internal targets and deadlines for the in-house diesel motor.

The E15A 1.5-litre is expected to produce 110 PS and over 250 Nm of torque. One of the spy shots shows that the test mule is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, which will replace the 5-speed manual transmission offered with the current diesel engine.

Before replacing the D13A diesel engine with the E15A diesel engine, Maruti Suzuki will roll out a more luxurious, 6-seat version of the second-gen Ertiga. While the seven-seater is an Arena offering, the six-seater is planned as a NEXA-exclusive, reportedly. This version may bring additional features like LED projector headlamps and cruise control, besides different bumpers, wheels and colours. Maruti Suzuki has not confirmed a new diesel engine or the 6-seater Ertiga.

Also Read: Next-gen Maruti Wagon R production to start mid-January 2019

Back to the E15A diesel engine, expect it in every Maruti Suzuki model currently using the D13A diesel engine well before 31 March, 2020, including the Baleno, Ciaz, S-Cross, Swift and Dzire, if Maruti wishes to keep its diesel portfolio going. The hatchbacks and the sub-4 metre sedan may employ a de-tuned version, though.

[Source: gaadiwaadi.com]