By April 2020, Maruti will discontinue the diesel variants of its models. This news comes in the wake of new stringent BS-6 norms kicking in from next year.
As we all know, from April 2020 strict BS-6 emission norms will kick in. All vehicles in India will need to be equipped with BS-6 compliant engine, to be sold in India. Post the deadline, no BS-4 vehicle can be produced or sold.
Automotive brands are hot on their heels to roll out the BS-6 vehicles well in time. A couple of them might launch their updated vehicles later because of a considerable inventory in the market.
In a shocking turn of events, Maruti has revealed that it would phase out diesel cars by April 2020. No diesel car post the deadline.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Smart-Hybrid launched with BS-6 Engines
Currently, Maruti has the 1.3 Litre DDiS and the newly developed 1.5 Litre DDiS engine. The former engine is sourced from Fiat, which will soon be replaced in the existing models by the new 1.5 Litre engine.
However, the manufacturer will also discontinue the new engine as well. It debuted with the Ciaz and will be soon introduced in Ertiga, Brezza and S-Cross.
Reports state that the 1.5 Litre diesel unit might make a comeback sometime later. This engine is inhouse developed and has taken nearly 1000 crores to be developed.
Currently, Maruti’s portfolio consists of 12 passenger vehicles, out of which 8 models are available with petrol and diesel engines. Diesel cars make up to nearly 30% of sales.
Also Read:Maruti Ertiga New Diesel engine to be launched soon – Details
To top it, Vitara Brezza is only available with the diesel engine. This indirectly confirms that the sub-4 metre SUV will soon get a petrol engine. Brezza is the best selling SUV in India.
With the inclusion of the mild-hybrid SHVS system with the petrol engines, the fuel economy will increase by a bit.
