Premier to start deliveries of the Rio 1.3L diesel on August 2

Premier will begin deliveries of the Rio equipped with the 1.3 litre Multijet diesel engine sourced from Fiat India from Thursday, 2nd August 2012 through its dealers in select cities across the country.

As we informed you yesterday, the engine technology is badged ‘CRDi4’ in the Premier Rio. The prices of the Premier Rio CRDi4 start at 6.7 lakhs (ex showroom Pune). It is offered in black, white, red and silver body colors.

Premier's assembly plant in Maharashtra can manufacture up to 1,000 units/month. The company asserts that the commonality of the engine will enhance parts and maintenance all over India.

Premier 1.3L CRDi4 engine

The 1.3-liter diesel engine produces 72 bhp @ 4,000 rpm and 183 Nm @ 1,800-2,400 rpm. Technologies available on this engine are a fixed geometry turbocharger and an intercooler. It is driven through a 5-speed manual transmission. The same 1.3L engine is available in Maruti, Tata Motors, Fiat cars, and will debut on the Chevrolet Sail later this year. It is being used on hatchbacks and sedans in various sizes and segments.

The 1.3L engine has a fuel economy of 19 kmpl, according to Premier, who have not clarified if the figure is ARAI certified.

Premier's sales and service network consists of 55 dealers that is being raised to 100 by December 2012. It is also in the process of installing 200 authorized service outlets across the country dubbed PASS (Premier Authorized Service Stations) to support the Rio.

Premier Rio Brochure listing the CRDi4 variant

[can't see the brochure above? Head over to Issuu]