Multiple reports suggest that Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch a petrol-powered version of the Vitara Brezza, in India. Launched two years ago, the best-selling Maruti Brezza compact SUV has been motoring on with a single-diesel engine option, even as the competition comprising the Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon offers both petrol and diesel
According to reports, the petrol engine for the Brezza will be the newly introduced 1.5-litre K-Series motor, which was first seen on the facelifted Ciaz. This engine will be offered in combination with the Suzuki Hybrid Vehicle System (SHVS) mild hybrid, the reports add. Maruti however, has not confirmed these rumours yet.
Initially, there was talk about Maruti offering the 1-litre 3-cylinder BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine on the Vitara Brezza. The same engine is offered on the Maruti Baleno RS. The new rumours though have put paid to the speculation.
However, the 1-litre motor still makes a lot of sense for the Vitara Brezza considering the fact that the sub-4 meter compact SUV will be able to enjoy duty benefits if it gets this engine. In case of the 1.5-litre K-Series naturally aspirated petrol engine, duty benefits will not be available as the engine is well over the 1.2-litre limit (for duty exemption).
There’s no clear timeline as to when the petrol powered Maruti Brezza will be launched in India. For now, the compact SUV is available with the Fiat Multijet 1.3-litre turbocharged diesel engine. This motor makes 89 Bhp-200 Nm, and is paired with two transmission options – a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The addition of the petrol engine to this SUV is expected to provide a substantial boost in sales. But until clear confirmation from Maruti Suzuki arrives, do treat this bit of news as a rumour that originated sometime during the market launch of the facelifted Ciaz.
[“Source-cartoq”]
