We all had been waiting for the moment. Yes, the Diesel avatar of the SX4 is out. Maruti Suzuki India has launched the diesel version of the SX4 in three variants with a price tag of Rs 7.74 lakh – 8.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). As we had mentioned earlier, the Maruti Suzuki SX4 will be available in Vdi, Zdi and ZDi (with leather upholstery). The SX4 Diesel is cleaner and more fuel efficient than all comparable cars in its class.
The Diesel SX4 features a 1.3-liter engine that delivers 90 bhp of peak power at 4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 200Nm at 1,750rpm, which is comparable to higher capacity engines in competing cars. To the customer this implies excellent response and acceleration. The high torque at lower rpm levels makes SX4 Diesel highly suited for city driving conditions as well. At the same time, the Super Turbo engine, with a linear acceleration curve, provides a consistent and smooth drive.
The eye-popping feature of the car is its fuel efficiency which is also an answer for the frequently asked question in India – 21.5 kmpl (certified as per CMVR rules). Now the car itself being a Maruti would give a run to any other car maker’s money with a efficiency like that. Folks at Maruti Suzuki claim that the mileage of the diesel SX4 is 8 per cent more than the comparable cars. Now what makes the diesel SX4 most fuel-efficient in its class? The answer is Variable Geometry Turbocharger delivers higher efficiency and reduced emissions, besides instant power. Depending on requirement, the vanes in the turbocharger change their angle to provide optimum air flow. This optimizes efficiency across the engine rpm range.
The high pressure fuel injection system delivers fuel at upto 1600bars and the high pressure pump has an in-built flow control mechanism to improve efficiency, while adding power. The high pressure pump, fitted on the engine, is equipped with an in-built ‘flow control mechanism’, further improving fuel utilisation. The Super Turbo DDiS engine uses lower viscosity engine oil (SAE 5W40), which enhances lubrication for smoother running and is controlled through a remapped ECU which continuously communicates between the engine and the user.
The diesel SX4 is the first car to be OBD-2 compliant. OBD refers to On Board Diagnostics. OBD-2 informs the customer of any malfunction in the emission control system which may be leading to undue increase in exhaust emissions. Maruti Suzuki SX4 is the first popular sedan to sport a Petrol, Diesel and CNG variant.
At the launch, Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki said, “SX4 with a Diesel engine is one of the most attractive cars in the upper A3 segment. With the changed urban landscape, suburbs have become an integral part of cities and people travel long distances. The new age diesel technology as offered by the SX4 Super Turbo Diesel is high on power and performance while being low on emissions. SX4 Diesel offers an economical and punchier ride.” Expressing confidence in the SX4 Diesel he added, “We expect the SX4 diesel to repeat the success of our other diesel offerings and strengthen the Maruti Suzuki portfolio”.
He has every reason to say that as in past, Maruti Suzuki vehicles mounted with diesel engines have been ry=unaway successes. In the last four years, Maruti Suzuki has mounted diesel engines on Swift, Dzire and Ritz.
Maruti Suzuki has addressed noise issues common with diesel engines this time around for the Diesel SX4. Adequate noise suppressants improve the NVH performance and make the cabin silent and comforting. The suspension and brakes of the SX4 Diesel Super Turbo have been suitably modified to account for the heavier engine and the changed weight distribution of the car. The engine has been calibrated for driving pleasure and offers excellent acceleration of 0-100 km in just 14.5 seconds.
The Super Turbo DDiS engine will be manufactured at Suzuki Powertrain India Limited, the Manesar-based joint venture of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan and Maruti Suzuki India Limited. This joint venture manufactures diesel engines for Swift, DZire & Ritz and has an annual capacity of 300,000 units.
Lets wait until next month to see how the Diesel SX4 takes the sales graph at Maruti Suzuki India HQ to a new level.
