Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel

After a huge success of petrol version of its mid-size sedan Maruti SX4, the company is now planning to launch a diesel version of the SX4 in the county in the first quarter next year. The SX4 diesel model will come powered by a 1.3L turbo charged engine which will be comparatively more powerful and more fuel efficient than the existing 1.3L diesel engine of Maruti Swift and Ritz, and Dzire.

Though both the petrol and diesel variant share common looks, the main draw for this variant of the Maruti Suzuki SX4 will clearly be its extremely efficient diesel engine. Market trends show that consumers are slowly but steadily shifting towards diesel engine mainly due to the lower cost and improved performance. The Maruti Suzuki Diesel Sx4 is going to give the other new diesel cars a stiff competition both in terms of price range and efficiency.

The assembly of the engine in Maruti SX4 diesel will go on stream from January 3rd, 2011. Maruti Suzuki currently sources diesel engine production technology from Italian car maker Fiat. The launch of a diesel engine will enable the Maruti SX4 to compete more promptly against the likes of Hyundai Verna Transform, Volkswagen Vento, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Optra Magnum. The Maruti SX4 diesel model is expected to be launched in the price bracket of Rs 8 to 10 lakh.

Engine & Specification of the SX4 Diesel

The Maruti SX4 diesel version will come powered by a 1.3L turbo charged engine that has been refined with the help of some additional performance enhancing features. The car would be delivering a peak power of 90 bhp along with a peak torque of up to 200Nm, same as its petrol counter part. The Maruti SX4 diesel is expected to be carrying both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission versions. While the wheel base of the car will be 2500mm, the ground clearance is expected to be in the range of 180mm to 190mm.

Performance of the SX4 Diesel

The 1.3L turbocharged engine of Maruti SX4 diesel has been refined with the help of some additional performance enhancing features. The 1.3L engine of SX4 diesel is not only more powerful but is also more fuel efficient as compared to the 1.3L engine used in diesel version of Maruti Swift, Ritz and Swift Dzire. The car will come compatible with BS-IV emission norms and will be carrying a comparatively low emission level. A superb stability and smooth riding has been ensured with the help of independent suspension (with gas filled McPherson strut) at front along with anti-roll bar and semi independent torsion beam type fork at rear (mated with gas filled shock absorbers). The acceleration and pick-up characteristics of the car are yet to be revealed by the company, however, SX4 diesel is expected that be a bit faster as compared to its petrol counterpart.

Exterior, Interior & Safety of the SX4 Diesel

The design, style and features of Maruti SX4 diesel would be almost similar to the existing petrol version of the car. The same sharp-looking head lights, horizontal oval shape fog lamp cluster, honeycomb radiator grille and black matt shade front grille would be used at the exterior of SX4 diesel. The car is also expected to come in high priced variant with leather upholstery, carrying leather wrapped steering wheel, all leather seats and leather accent front and rear door trims. An integrated audio system and AC with automatic climate control are also expected to find place in the car. The safety features are expected to be the same as available with the petrol variants that comprises of side impact protection beam, front door lock canceller, ABS with EBD and intelligent Computerized Anti-Theft system (iCATS).