Maruti Celerio might be launched in diesel avatar too

For people who are not in know, India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India is working on a small 800cc diesel engine to power several of its entry level hatches and an LCV. Earlier, it was rumoured that the company would launch the A-Star successor (Celerio) in diesel avatar too, because the car was spotted testing in India before the Celerio launch.

This engine will initially be fitted in the LCV, codenamed as Y9T, which is expected to be launched in early 2015. And the Celerio diesel will be launched only after the compay finds the engine to be suitable for the small car.

Details are not out yet on the new 800 cc diesel engine, but it is being speculated that the motor will offer high fuel economy and develop low-end torque for enhanced performance. Since the AMT variant is more popular than MT version, therefore probability of MSI offering diesel motor in AMT version is high. Celerios's base petrol variant is available for sale at a prelusive price of Rs 3.76 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). However, the diesel version is likely to be Rs 80,000 pricier than petrol model. The vehicle will face fierce competition from Beat diesel and Tata's upcoming hatchback (replacement of eV2) that could be launched in India by 2015.

Launched in February 2014, Celerio has been a huge success. Until now, MSI has received close to 40,000 bookings for Celerio. Looking at the spiralling demand for the hatchback, MSI has ramped up production to 10,000 units a month from 5,000 units. Availability of Celerio in automated manual transmission has added to its viability as it eases the effort to drive in extreme traffic conditions.

Maruti will soon induct a ZXi trim of AMT variant, this trim will come equipped with added features like audio system with Bluetooth telephony, keyless entry, steering mounted audio controls, front airbags, rear window wiper and washer. Celerio's ZXi MT variant already offered the aforementioned features. Powering Celerio is a 1.0 litre K-Series motor engendering a maximum power output of 68 PS and a top torque of 90 Nm. Maruti claims a fuel economy of 23.1 kmpl for manual and AMT variants.