Which Maruti Cars Could Get A BS6 Diesel Engine?

Would people pay the premium to have a diesel variant of one of these? Maruti thinks so

Maruti’s announcement to discontinue all its diesel engines in the BS6 era post-April 2020 carried one simple loophole -- if there is a public demand, they’ll bring it back. Well, it seems the bigger Maruti Suzuki models could get a diesel engine variant where the jump in price is not expected to deter customers as much as it would with smaller models.

The return of the Maruti diesel engine in the BS6 era was hinted by a recently spied S-Cross. It was spotted with badges of a 1.6-litre diesel engine running an emission test, likely to be compliant with the upcoming BS6 norms. The updated 1.6-litre diesel engine could find its way into other models as well.

Here’s a list of Maruti’s current models that could potentially get a BS6 diesel option in the future:

1. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

The S-Cross compact SUV was the first model to be sold via the Nexa chain of premium showrooms. It used to be offered with two diesel engine options: the 1.3-litre that was offered from Swift onwards and a 1.6-litre unit. With the 1.3-litre diesel unit not getting the BS6 update, the 1.6-litre could be reintroduced with the necessary updates, as spied testing recently. The S-Cross will also get a petrol engine option and is expected to be launched at the 2020 Auto Expo.

2. Maruti Suzuki XL6

Based on the Ertiga, the XL6 is a more upmarket MPV crossover. It gets revised styling, especially its front fascia and uses captain chairs in the middle row to be a comfy 6-seater. It was launched with a BS6 1.5-litre petrol engine only and may benefit from the added choice of a BS6 diesel engine as well.

3. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

The Ciaz sedan is one of the most affordable sedans in its segment with high value for money. It was the first Maruti model to get the new 1.5-litre diesel engine that was developed in-house. This engine is still BS4-compliant, tuned to an output of 95PS/225Nm mated to a 6-speed manual. It also gets the choice of the outgoing 1.3-litre diesel engine and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The Ciaz is expected to continue offering a diesel option similar to its rivals such as the Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

4. New compact SUV

While the S-Cross already fits this segment, it isn’t one to take on premium competitors such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. There have been reports of a new Maruti Suzuki compact SUV for the Indian market to fill that gap, which would be bigger than the S-Cross and with more features. This new compact SUV in question should be the next-gen of the global-spec Suzuki Vitara and would need to offer a BS6 diesel option likes its rivals.