HomeCar NewsMaruti Celerio diesel launch this fiscal, is it worth waiting?

Maruti Celerio diesel launch this fiscal, is it worth waiting?

This all-new diesel engine under development autonomously by Maruti Suzuki is outlined to be a two-cylinder unit with total displacement of about 800cc. Smaller than Chevrolet Beat’s 3 cylinder diesel power plant with 936 cubic centimetres, that produces 58 bhp max. power at 4,000 rpm and 150 Nm peak torque at 1,750 rpm. While Beat carries ‘car with smallest diesel engine’ tag in India, Celerio is expected to grab the title by end of 2014 or early 2015.

The dubiety that arises in general is related to NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels of Celerio, especially when it shares power source with an SCV (Small Commercial Vehicle). The 2 cylinder diesel mill in Celerio better be well balanced, otherwise it will result ‘bummer’ of the year.

As for CodeY9T LCV, NVH concerns should not affect sales, as it is quite common in vehicles in the category. Until the launch of Celerio diesel, Maruti goers are left with bigger budget choices consisting of Ritz diesel (from Rs. 5.27 lakhs to Rs. 6.16 lakhs) and Swift diesel (starting at Rs. 5.46 lakhs through 6.71 lakhs), all prices mentioned are ex-showroom Delhi.

Currently, Celerio comes with 1.0 liter three cylinder petrol engine that gives out 67 bhp max. power at 6,000 rpm and 90Nm peak torque at 3,500 rpm. With 5 speed manual and all new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) variants, Celerio became new hero of small cars, receiving over 35,000 bookings in first 2 months of conception.

As far as answering the question, will Celerio diesel be worth it’s wait, we don’t think so. It seems Maruti is a little late to launch a diesel small car. Recent sales report says that buyers are no longer preferring diesel powered small cars, as the difference between the price of diesel and petrol is reducing. And it is believed that price of diesel and petrol will be same in the near future.

Another point, small car buyers in this segment look for affordable cars with decent mileage. Celerio petrol already offers a claimed mileage of 23.1 kmpl and is affordably priced.

Then why is Maruti launching a diesel variant? Well, they are building a diesel engine of 800cc capacity primarily for their LCV and Eeco minivan. Why not use this engine in their small passenger cars as well!

via Financial Express

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