Maruti imports 1,500 units of the 1.6L diesel engine for S-Cross (A-Cross) - Report

Expected to launch in mid-2015.

As this screenshot from import-export website Zauba.com, shows, over 1,500 units of the Fiat-made 1.6-liter MultiJet diesel engine have been imported to Gurgaon, India for 'captive consumption'. The importer, though not mentioned on the website, is Maruti Suzuki which plans to use the engine on its forthcoming SX4 S-Cross.

For the Indian market, the crossover is likely to be called Maruti A-Cross. The 1.6-liter diesel engine, which is available on the S-Cross sold in Europe, is capable of 120 PS and 320 Nm of torque, and is matched to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Though the vast quantity of import suggests Maruti would use this engine on the A-Cross, it remains to be seen if the company continues importing the engine, or commences local assembly under license from Fiat, like how it manufacturers the 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel engine. Local assembly will no doubt help Maruti price the A-Cross far more competitively.

Also read: Suzuki iM-4 concept showcased at Auto Shanghai 2015

The A-Cross will also be sold with a petrol engine, which in all probability could be the 1.4-liter K-Series unit that powers the Ciaz and Ertiga. This engine makes about 92 PS and 130 Nm of torque, and is paired to 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions on the Ciaz.

Rivals: Hyundai ix25, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Mahindra Scorpio
Expected Price: INR 8-11 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Mid-2015 in India

[Source - TeamBHP]