Suzuki might be developing a new 1.5-litre diesel engine for India

Suzuki is developing a small capacity 800cc engine and it has been reported on several occasions. Now, it seems like the Japanese company is developing a new four-cylinder 1.5-litre diesel engine for the Indian market.

The new engine might be built on two capacities - 1.5-litre and a 1.6-litre. The 1.5-litre derivative is mainly targeted at India to avail of the tax benefits, whereas the 1.6-litre engine will be for Europe. 

"This new engine is expected to complement the existing Fiat MultiJet engine and will not replace it. The aim is to offer wider choice to the customers," said one of the people close to the company." The first probable product (with the new diesel engine) is expected to be the next-generation Ertiga, even the future SUV and a new MPV are expected to be powered by this 1.5-litre engine," this person said.

The source mentions that Maruti won’t stop using the MultiJet engine, rather the new engines will be an addition to the diesel range. Details are scarce on the new family of diesel engines under development, but we might get a taste of things once the small capacity engine makes its debut. 

Honda has done a decent job with its maiden diesel engine - Earth Dreams technology. These are still early days to comment, but we don’t expect Suzuki’s first engine to be a breakthrough in diesel technology.