The upcoming stricter BS-VI emission norms will push many Indian carmakers to upgrade their vehicles to achieve a greener future. In line with this, Maruti Suzuki, India's largest-selling carmaker will lead the way by introducing the BSVI-ready 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine on the Maruti Baleno.
DUALJET + SHVS | Suzuki Way of Life
Back in 2015, the previous-gen Maruti Swift was introduced with the DualJet motor (codenamed K12C) in the international markets. However, Maruti Suzuki did not bring this model to the Indian car space and carried on using the older 1.2-litre K12B engine on many of its small cars. However, the upgrade to the BSVI emission norms has now forced Maruti Suzuki to discontinue the outgoing K10B 1.2-litre petrol engine and look for a more appropriate option. Therefore, the K12C DualJet engine, which will be downsized to ensure the Baleno receives tax benefits, will make its Indian debut on the Baleno. The new motor will even have the much publicized SHVS system.
Maruti Suzuki is all set to drop the top on the Baleno hatchback with an SHVS version.
The 1.2-litre K12C DualJet engine is a successor of the K12B engine option. It is a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder motor that offers slight benefits over the K12B. The thermal efficiency of this engine is scaled to the height by increasing the compression ratio and simultaneously decreasing the power losses. The dual injection has been kitted out with two injectors rather than one like in the K12B unit in each cylinder. It means that the K12C model will roll out a more precise control and fuel decomposition as well as a higher fuel mileage. Presumably, it will help the new Maruti Baleno achieve up to 21.4 kmpl of mileage which will make it more attractive to the fuel mileage-conscious car buyers.
The new DualJet engine assisted by a mild-hybrid tech will be available on the Baleno next month.
Apart from a smaller size, the new K12C 1.2-litre DualJet engine should receive revamped inlet ports, new combustion chamber and piston crown, new exhaust gas recirculation system as well as pistons with cooling oil jets. Reports suggest that this type of engine will come alongside a single battery Smart Hybrid system which could also be found in the Ciaz D13A SHVS and the Ertiga D13A SHVS versions. Note that the international-spec Baleno SHVS and the India-spec Ciaz 1.5-litre petrol SHVS get a dual-battery mild-hybrid system.
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With the new engine, the Maruti Baleno SHVS is expected to generate 90 hp of power at 6,000 r/m and 120 Nm of torque which are more decent than the existing K12B motor option (83 hp/ 115 Nm). Expectedly, it will be available in Deta and Zeta trims only next month, followed by the Maruti Swift and Dzire in the following months.
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