Maruti to launch smallest 800 cc diesel engine

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Looking to kick-start a dampening diesel car market, Maruti Suzuki India is planning to launch an 800 cc diesel engine Celerio in the current financial year. Both Celerio and the company's Light Commerical Vehicles (LCVs) will use this engine. According to ET Now, the 800 cc diesel engine will be the smallest in the market. Currently Chevrolet Beat's 1,000 cc diesel engine is the smallest.

A Maruti Suzuki official told ET Now that the diesel engine will be developed at the auto major's Gurgaon plant. The official also told ET Now that the mileage of the diesel engine will be close to 30 km/litre.

Local market leader Maruti Suzuki doesn't have any of its models on the list of the top 15 fuel-efficient cars that ET has prepared based on data announced by auto makers.

While Honda became the mileage leader due to what it calls the "Earth dreams" technology launched in diesel, Maruti Suzuki faltered after being the No.1 in fuel efficiency for more than a decade with the Alto small car. Currently, its most fuel-efficient car, the DZire compact sedan, delivers 23.4 km to a litre of diesel and is at the 19th spot according to data collated by ET.

The numbers claimed by the companies were achieved in ideal road-test conditions and may vary in the real world bumper-to-bumper traffic. Fuel-efficiency is a factor that alone can swing purchase decisions in India. It is critical for the success of products and companies have been investing huge amounts in new technologies to deliver more distance to every litre of fuel.

Honda's diesel-powered City gives 26 kilometres to a litre. Analysts say fuel efficiency is a key reason for the success of the recently launched fourth-generation City, with customers waiting for about four months to take delivery. Powered by an all-new 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, City's mileage claim is certified by Automotive Research Association of India. The diesel version of the Amaze delivers 25.8 kms.