• Rumours suggest that Maruti Suzuki might bring back the Fiat-sourced 1.6 diesel engine.
• The crossover was being tested for emissions.
• Various rumours hint at Maruti reintroducing the 1.6 diesel engine in its BS6 avatar.
• The 1.6-litre MJD diesel unit produces 120PS and 320Nm.

It looks like Maruti Suzuki could bring back the S-Cross 1.6-diesel to India as a test mule with the 1.6 diesel badging was spied testing for emissions. The carmaker will axe the 1.3-litre DDIS variant post-April 2020 as the engine won’t be upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms. The S-Cross is likely to get a petrol motor soon. Primary rivals include the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and Renault Captur.

Going by the S-Cross you see here, it is also probable that Maruti Suzuki might relaunch the BS6-compliant 1.6-litre diesel engine instead of the inhouse-developed 1.5-litre diesel. The homegrown carmaker had earlier hinted that it will update the 1.5-litre diesel for BS6 compliance, provided there is sufficient demand. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is also the more viable option in comparison since it belongs to a lower tax category. So, unless there is a strong case for the 1.6-litre diesel engine, we don't see Maruti Suzuki offering it against the 1.5-litre diesel which was specifically developed for our market.  

Various reports also state that Maruti Suzuki might offer the 1.6-litre diesel engine in other models. The Fiat-sourced 1.6-litre diesel engine was offered only in the pre-facelift S-Cross and was discontinued due to poor demand. The 1.6 engine in its BS4 version produced a healthy 120PS and 320Nm, and was a favourite among enthusiasts for its strong power delivery.

Maruti Suzuki is also expected to offer the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine in the S-Cross in the next few months. The sole powerplant on offer with the S-Cross right now is the 1.3-litre DDIS that is set to be phased out before April 2020. The 1.6-litre diesel making a comeback is definitely music to our ears, but whether we should hold our breath is still a question that only Maruti can answer.

Source: GaadiWaadi

(Source: ZigWheels.com)

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