Will Maruti Suzuki Reintroduce The Explosive Fiat 1.6 Diesel With The New BS6 S-Cross In India?

• Rumours suggest that Maruti Suzuki might bring back the Fiat-sourced 1.6 diesel engine.
• The crossover was being tested for emissions.
• Various rumours hint at Maruti reintroducing the 1.6 diesel engine in its BS6 avatar.
• The 1.6-litre MJD diesel unit produces 120PS and 320Nm.

Various rumours were doing the rounds suggesting Maruti Suzuki might reintroduce the Fiat-sourced 1.6-litre diesel engine. And what we have now are spy shots of the facelifted S-Cross 1.6 diesel being tested for emissions. The crossover, which was seen sporting the 1.6 and DDIS badges, was carrying emissions testing equipment attached to its tail pipe. Maruti had earlier made it clear that it will pull the plug on the 1.3-litre MJD once the BS6 comes into play. Meanwhile, the S-Cross is also expected to gain a petrol motor in the coming months. Key rivals for the S-Cross include the Hyundai creta, Nissan Kicks and the Renault Captur.

Going by the S-Cross you see here, it is also probable that Maruti Suzuki might relaunch the BS6-compliant 1.6-litre diesel engine instead of the inhouse-developed 1.5-litre diesel. The homegrown carmaker had earlier hinted that it will update the 1.5-litre diesel for BS6 compliance, provided there is sufficient demand. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is also the more viable option in comparison since it belongs to a lower tax category. So, unless there is a strong case for the 1.6-litre diesel engine, we don't see Maruti Suzuki offering it against the 1.5-litre diesel which was specifically developed for our market.  

Various reports also state that Maruti Suzuki might offer the 1.6-litre diesel engine in other models. The Fiat-sourced 1.6-litre diesel engine was offered only in the pre-facelift S-Cross and was discontinued due to poor demand. The 1.6 engine in its BS4 version produced a healthy 120PS and 320Nm, and was a favourite among enthusiasts for its strong power delivery.

Maruti Suzuki is also expected to offer the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine in the S-Cross in the next few months. The sole powerplant on offer with the S-Cross right now is the 1.3-litre DDIS that is set to be phased out before April 2020. The 1.6-litre diesel making a comeback is definitely music to our ears, but whether we should hold our breath is still a question that only Maruti can answer.

Source: GaadiWaadi