Maruti Suzuki Ignis to be powered by new 1.2-litre diesel engine: Report

Maruti Suzuki's upcoming Ignis will reportedly get a new diesel engine under the hood. A report of Motoroctane claims that Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest carmaker, is working on a new 1.2-litre diesel engine, which would power the Ignis.

The new 1.2 litre diesel engine, which is said to be the three-cylinder version of the 800cc diesel engine, is expected to make 70bhp of power. Previously, the Ignis was rumoured to come with 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit. The compact crossover form the house of Maruti Suzuki will also be offered with petrol engine options. The petrol-powered Ignis is likely to get 1.2-litre VTVT mill.

The Ignis, the third model to be sold through Maruti Suzuki's Nexa premium dealerships, had made its India debut at the Auto Expo 2016. Unveiled at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show last year, the Ignis will rival Mahindra KUV100 and Ford EcoSport in India when launched.

Expected to fall in the price bracket of Rs.4.8 lakh to Rs.6.8 lakh, the Ignis' feature list is likely to include projector headlights, outside rear-view mirrors with turn indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear-mounted spoiler and LED headlights and touchscreen infotainment system. The safety is likely to be taken care of by Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and airbags.

The model is expected to go on sale in the country during the festive season this year. Maruti will also launch the RS variant of its premium hatchback, the Baleno, with Boosterjet engine during the same period.

[1 lakh = 100,000 | 1 crore = 10 million | 100 crore = 1 billion]