The upgrade to the BS-VI emission norms will push
automakers to introduce their more eco-friendly technologies in the Indian
market, and at Maruti Suzuki, it will lead to the rollout of the K12C 1.2L
Dualjet petrol engine and also mild-hybrid technology in petrol cars.
Introduced in the facelifted previous generation
Swift in 2013 internationally, the K12C engine still hasn’t made it to India,
and Maruti Suzuki continues to rely on the old K12M 1.2L engine instead. That’s
probably because its displacement is 1,242 cc, and petrol cars not exceeding
4,000 mm in length and employing an engine with displacement higher than 1,200
cc are taxed significantly higher (43% currently) than the same-sized petrol
cars with an engine having displacement not higher than 1,200 cc (29%
currently).
The switch to BS-VI will lead to Maruti Suzuki
discontinuing the ubiquitous D13A 1.3L diesel engine. The K12C Dualjet engine,
most likely in a downsized version, and assisted by the SHVS mild-hybrid
system, will be introduced to serve fuel economy-conscious customers. The K12C 1.2L Dualjet petrol
engine is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit that improves thermal
efficiency by increasing compression ratio and reducing various energy losses.
It has been named ‘Dualjet’ because it has a dual injection system equipped
with two injectors per cylinder.
Internationally, the Baleno K12C SHVS features the
“Progressive” dual-battery mild-hybrid system (with Lithium-ion and Lead Acid
batteries), like the Ciaz K15B SHVS and Ertiga K15B SHVS sold in India.
However, the Baleno K12C SHVS in India will have the “Proven” single-battery
mild-hybrid system (with only a Lead Acid battery), like the Ciaz D13A SHVS and
Ertiga D13A SHVS.
The Maruti Baleno K12C SHVS with higher fuel
efficiency, more power and more torque than outgoing Maruti Baleno K12M will go
on sale next month. It will be available in only the Delta and Zeta grades
initially.
