BA readers know that Italian automaker Fiat’s supplying 1.3-liter Multijet engine to large no. of cars which varies from Fiat Stile to Maruti Suzuki SX4. In an recent agreement with Suzuki Motor, Fiat Powertrain Technologies has agreed to supply 1.6 liter diesel engines to the Japanese automaker. Suzuki currently receives 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine under license from Fiat, but the new 1.6 liter Multijet will now soon be seen in Suzuki cars. Suzuki will import the engines manufactured in Italy by Fiat, to Hungary.
The 1.6 liter Multijet engine, most likely will be used to power the next generation SX4for global markets and the license from Fiat enables Suzuki Powertrain India to manufacture the engines as per their discretion. The Indian subsidiary manufactured 2 lakh units of the 1.3 liter Multijet in 2010 for application in the Maruti Swift, Ritz and the DZire. The diesel engines were also exported to Magyar Suzuki, Hungary. Ironically though, Fiat doesn’t even sell 1/10th of cars equipped with Multijet engines in India, compared to what Maruti Suzuki does.
Fiat fans might hate? After years of R&D, Fiat themselves design, develop, manufacture fantastic Multijet engines but sell its technology to others.
If Maruti Suzuki can reach an agreement with Fiat, the 1.6 can allow them to offer more choice to customers. Fiat India has meanwhile not shown any interest in launching the 1.6 diesel on the Linea. The 1.6-liter diesel in question produces a very healthy 120PS at 3750 rpm and peak torque of 320 Nm at 1750 rpm.
Also see – Fiat’s 875cc 2-cylinder TwinAir wins 2011 International Engine of the Year
