The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Diesel version of `Swift' by the end of the year

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 24, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Diesel version of `Swift' by the end of the year

Staff Reporter

Maruti Udyog Limited has plans to launch five new models every year

BANGALORE: Maruti Udyog Ltd. will come out with a diesel version of `Swift' by the end of this year.

The vehicle will come with a 1.3 litre Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDi) engine. Maruti is manufacturing the engine at one of its plants, officials of the company told The Hindu at the launch of new WagonR and the bi-fuel variant WagonR Duo here on Friday.

Another model, probably a new variant of Maruti Zen, is also in the offing and would be launched at the same time, the officials said.

The company was going ahead with its proposed Rs. 6,000-crore investment and the launch of five new models every year.

The new models, the officials said, could be Greenfield models.

Earlier, Maruti Udyog managing director Jagadish Khattar launched the all new WagonR and WagonR Duo with major changes in the front, rear and the interiors.

The company also claimed the new variant was 10 per cent more fuel-efficient compared to its predecessor.

Mr. Khattar said though WagonR had a large number of loyal customers who liked its space, comfort, superior technology and refined engine, there were some concerns about its "boxy" and flat looks.

The new WagonR, while retaining the earlier benefits, came with more appealing looks and fuel efficiency, he noted.

WagonR Duo comes with an approved factory-fitted LPG kit, thus enjoying all the warranty benefits available to other cars. The kit is approved by the Department of Explosives and certified by Automotive Research Association of India.

The LPG tank, kept in the stepney boot, has a special "toroidal" design allowing intelligent use of space.

The stepney is kept at the left side of the boot.

The new WagonR (both petrol and Duo) with a bold and aggressive front profile, has new features such as new wraparound design headlamps; big and prominent front grill, hood and bumpers; new rear glass offering better visibility, three-spoke steering wheel, rotary AC control and much more.

The rear seat has been made a real three-seater by eliminating the 50:50 split set in the old version.

The on-road prices of different variants, including the third year extended warranty, in Bangalore are WagonR Lx Rs. 3,77,593; Lxi Rs. 4,00,434; Vxi Rs. 4,26,052; WagonR Duo Lx Rs. 3,97,524 and Lxi - Rs. 4,23,256.

Mr. Khattar said the prices, however, were introductory and indicated that prices of all Maruti models would go up shortly.

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