Maruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker, will launch a series of new cars and facelifts of existing cars this year. The company is gearing up for the launch of much-awaited Celerio diesel. The production of the diesel hatchback has already commenced at the company's Manesar plant, and the vehicle is ready to hit the showrooms. If reports are to be believed, the diesel Celerio will be launched in India by mid April, 2015. Adding to it, the company will also launch the highly anticipated S-Cross SX4 crossover in May this year.
The Celerio diesel looks identical to the petrol model; however, the car will get the DDiS badge. Under the bonnet of the hatchback will be a newly developed 792cc twin-cylinder turbo diesel engine that also powers the Y9T LCV. It will be smallest turbo diesel engine that is likely to develop around 50bhp of power. Moreover, the Celerio diesel will be the country's most fuel-efficient car with mileage rumoured around 30kmpl. It will take on the likes of Chevrolet Beat and Ford Figo, and is expected to be priced around Rs. 4.5 to Rs. 5.5 lakh. This engine is also expected to power the next-generation Wagon R hatchback, which is scheduled to be launched in 2016-17.
On the other hand, the S-Cross SX4 is a crossover that measures 4,300mm in length, 1,765mm in width and 1,575mm in height. The crossover will be offered in two diesel engine options - a 1.6-litre multi-jet and a 1.3-litre multi-jet. While the powerful 1.6L unit is good for 120bhp of power and 320Nm of torque, the 1.3L MJD motor develops 90bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Both the engines will be paired to a six-speed manual gearbox.
