Maruti SX4 Diesel Booking Cross 5K Unit

Recently launched Maruti SX4 Diesel car got good response from the customers. Maruti SX4 Diesel already received more than 5000 bookings in quick time. Maruti SX4 is available in petrol variant as well. Maruti SX4 Diesel is an addition to the variant and it got warmth response. Maruti SX4 strengthened its position in India along with competitors like Hyundai Verna, Toyota Etios, Volkswagen Vento, Honda City, etc.

Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India, said to the reporters, "We have received an overwhelming response for the SX4 diesel. Our target was 2000 units per month but with this kind of response we will have to work harder to cater to the demand."

Maruti SX4 Diesel was launched in India in February 2011. Maruti SX4 Diesel price bracket of Rs 7.90 Lakh to Rs 9.12 Lakh. Maruti SX4 Diesel has high fuel efficiency of 21.5 kmpl.

By: Jack Dawson

Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel Price @ Rs. 7.74 Lakh Launched in India

- Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel Price is Around Rs. 7.74-8.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Maruti Suzuki India launched the Diesel Variant of Maruti Suzuki SX4 sedan at an introductory price of Rs. 7.74-8.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 also comes in petrol and CNG variants.

Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel Features & Specifications:

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel is cleaner and more fuel effecient than all comparable cars in its class and will be offered in three variants VDi, ZDi and ZDi (with leather upholstery).The Super Turbo DDiS engine mounted on the SX4 delivers 90PS of peak power.

The engine offers a maximum torque of 200Nm at 1750rpm, 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 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel offers an impressive fuel efficiency of 21.5 Kilometres per litre (certified as per CMVR rules). This is 8 per cent more than comparable cars.

This is the first car in the country to be certified as '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.

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".

In the last four years, Maruti Suzuki has mounted diesel engines on Swift, Dzire and Ritz. All of them have been runaway successes. The SX4 Super Turbo expands and strengthens the Maruti Suzuki portfolio.

Incidentally, SX4 is the only popular sedan in the country to sport petrol, CNG and now a diesel variant.

Innovations, big and small, help to enhance the life of the engine, provide instant power and reduce emissions in the SX4 Diesel.

What makes Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel most fuel efficient in its class

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. 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.

The Super Turbo engine is controlled through a remapped ECU which continuously communicates between the engine and the user.

What innovative features in SX4 Diesel enhance customer experience.

Adequate noise suppressants improve the NVH performance and make the cabin silent and comforting.

The suspension and brakes of the Maruti Suzuki 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 drive 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.

Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel Price in India:

Maruti Suzuki India launched the Diesel Variant of Maruti Suzuki SX4 sedan at an introductory price of Rs. 7.74-8.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Maruti Suzuki Launched SX4 Hybrid Cars & Eeco Charge Electric Vehicals

India's car market leader Maruti Suzuki today handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One 'Eeco Charge' to Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon'ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki 'Eeco Charge' vehicles. The balance vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for use by the Officials during the Commonwealth Games.

On the occasion Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, "I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their R&D capability. We are grateful to the Government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. Maruti Suzuki is happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles."

Maruti Suzuki has developed the SX4 Hybrid vehicles and 'Eeco Charge' concept vehicles as a part of the demonstration fleet. The demonstration of the fleet of SX4 Hybrids and 'Eeco Charge' vehicles at the Commonwealth Games 2010, is in line with the ambitious NHPP and MNRE program outline.

SX4 Hybrid and 'Eeco Charge' concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated NHPP & MNRE National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)'s High Energy Density Battery Development Program.

Capability building @ Maruti Suzuki

The development of Hybrid and Electric vehicles is one of the exciting initiatives undertaken by Maruti Suzuki to enhance its R&D capabilities and gear itself for greener technologies. Through this exercise Maruti Suzuki is keen to expand its learning's on green technologies that put minimal stress on non-renewable energy. A team of 25 Maruti Suzuki engineers worked on this project with global hybrid technology and component suppliers.

These future technology vehicles by Maruti Suzuki demonstrate how eco-friendliness and personal mobility can be packaged together as an exciting product. These concepts have been developed by a team of Maruti Suzuki engineers and were showcased at Delhi Auto Expo 2010.

'SX4 Hybrid'

SX4 Hybrid is a Full Parallel Hybrid with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) on a sedan platform. SX4 Hybrid presents a case of evolution of transportation system with elements of flexibility, style and eco-friendliness. SX4 Hybrid offers mobility solution in an eco-friendly yet stylish manner.

The hybrid system used in the SX4 Hybrid features an electric motor and twin clutch arrangement with advance Lithium-ion battery technology. This concept combines a 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor along with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission. Together, these provide high fuel economy with lower emissions. The SX4 Hybrid is also capable of running solely on its electric motor, offering a further boost to fuel efficiency and zero emission modes in city driving. The SX4 hybrid offers 25 per cent more fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicle.

'EECO Charge'

'Eeco Charge' is a zero-emission, pure electric vehicle developed on a MPV platform. It is powered by a 50kW motor and a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. On full charge it promises a driving range of around 100km and attains top speed of 100 km per hour. The 'Eeco Charge' also has the 'Sport Mode' for acceleration enthusiast. The battery for 'Eeco Charge' has been packaged under floor for better drivability and retaining ample boot space. The real time display of State of Charge and 'Distance to Empty' addresses user's anxiety. The 'Eeco Charge' can be charged using household power source.

About NHPP and MNRE

The National Hybrid Propulsion Programme (NHPP) is an initiative of the Government of India. It is a public-private partnership initiative and India's first in hybrid technology; being jointly funded by Govt. of India and Indian Automotive OEM's. NHPP is expected to develop awareness and generate interest in the Indian automobile market to the world of hybrids.

Considering the importance of battery technology for successful EV/HEV development, MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable energy) has initiated a program on high energy density battery. The objective of this joint program, funded by Govt. of India & automotive OEM's, is to carry out the local development of high energy Li-ion battery packs by battery manufactures for pure electric/ hybrid electric vehicles.

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has formed a core group of OEM's to take these projects forward. In this initiative SIAM functions as a nodal agency for OEM's, component manufacturers and Government of India. In line with Phase I of the project, OEM's are to showcase their Hybrid and Electric vehicles during Commonwealth Games 2010.

Source: Maruti Suzuki

For Photo: Thanks to www.thehindu.com

5 Maruti Suzuki CNG Models Launched; Alto, WagonR, Eeco, SX4 & Estilo

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki today unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, 'intelligent-Gas Port Injection' or i-GPI on five popular models. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests in the presence of senior government dignitaries and Maruti Suzuki management team. The models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujarat. With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments.

On the occasion, Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said, "'We are happy to bring contemporary CNG technology to the Indian customer. We are confident customers would value our i-GPI technology that is safe, reliable, clean, responsive and environment friendly. Adapting the CNG technology in our vehicles is another step to keep low cost of ownership for our customers."

Maruti Suzuki Five CNG Models

Shinzo Nakanishi Managing Director & CEO Maruti Suzuki India said, "The development is significant on multiple counts. This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted technologically superior CNG engines in India. Compressed Natural Gas is environment friendly and also reduce country's dependence on imported fuels. Maruti Suzuki's big ticket entry into CNG fuel segment augurs well for the environment."

Peppy and responsive 'intelligent-GPI technology'

The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles score very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options. Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.

Service support across the country

As the CNG technology is factory fitted the customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits including extended warranty. To top it all, the CNG vehicles from Maruti Suzuki will enjoy the nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations.

The simultaneous launch of five CNG vehicles with the same contemporary technology demonstrates the company's intent and future readiness to produce environmentally friendly vehicles in large numbers.

Steps in Environment care

Maruti Suzuki has the distinction of introducing a host of environment friendly programmes ahead of government regulations and the industry. This includes implementing End of Life Vehicle (ELV) programme ¿ where harmful elements like Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and Mercury are not used in making vehicles. Maruti Suzuki produced the first BS-IV and E-10 compliant engines much ahead of regulations coming to force in the country. Developing a factory-fitted CNG engine is another effort by the Company to contribute to a clean environment.

Maruti Suzuki Five CNG Models

Technology up

The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company's range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers.

In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. This highly reliable system delivers accurate amounts of gas to the engine thus ensuring improved and consistent performance under various driving conditions.

The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage. Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers.

While working on the new CNG technology, Maruti Suzuki engineers focused on critical aspects of safety, reliability and performance.

CNG for the future

Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure and network of the CNG stations across the country. This is in line with government's aim to reduce the dependence on import of fossil fuels. With the discovery of large gas reserves in the country the network of CNG supplies is set to expand rapidly in near future. Maruti Suzuki's launch of CNG technology vehicles will help create the eco system for use of a clean and cost effective fuel in India.

Maruti Suzuki CNG Cars Price: (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Maruti Suzuki Alto Lxi - 3.23 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Eeco 5-seater Ac - 3.64 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki SX4 Vxi - 7.47 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki WagonR Lxi - 4.11 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Estilo Lxi - 4.05 Lakh

Source: Maruti Suzuki India