Top 5 Car Stories Of The Week; Maruti Ditches Diesel, Venue Bookings And More

The last seven days has been quite an interesting one, what with Maruti Suzuki announcing that it will phase out all diesel cars from its portfolio by April 2020. While it did take everyone by surprise, Maruti did clarify its intentions by launching BSVI-compliant petrol variants of its best-sellers, the Baleno and Alto. With this, Maruti became the first manufacturer to launch BSVI-compliant cars in mass market segments. Meanwhile, Hyundai unveiled its latest offering, the Venue, recently and this week, it came into light that the order books for its first ever sub-4 metre SUV will be open from May 2. Speaking of SUVs, BMW is set to launch the new X5 in India on May 16. Toyota, meanwhile, has teased it’s upcoming premium hatchback called the Glanza. The Baleno-based hatchback is set to be revealed next month.

Maruti to ditch diesel engines by April 2020

Maruti Suzuki announced that it will gradually phase out all diesel cars from its lineup by April 2020. That Maruti would dump the 1.3-litre DDiS200 unit, which is getting a bit long in the tooth, eventually was expected. However, Maruti’s decision to give up on all low capacity diesel engines came as a bit of a shocker. As a result of this, cars such as the Swift, Dzire, Baleno, Ignis, Vitara Brezza, Ertiga, Ciaz and the S-Cross will only be available with a petrol engine from next year.  As for the recently introduced 1.5-litre DDiS225 motor, Maruti might update it to make it BSVI complaint in the future, provided there is enough demand for it. In other news, Maruti also updated the Baleno 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine to make it comply with BSVI norms. It also introduced a new 1.2-litre DualJet Smart Hybrid motor as well. While there was no word on whether the diesel motor would get updates, Maruti did hike the prices of the premium hatchback’s diesel variants as well as the sporty Baleno RS. More about it here.

2019 Maruti Suzuki Alto launched with a BSVI engine and essential safety features

The best-selling car in India for 15 consecutive years received a facelift with a new BS VI-compliant engine and some much needed safety kit. Although the entry-level hatchback continues to use the same 796cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 47PS and 69Nm of torque as before, it has undergone significant revisions to make it comply with new emission norms. Maruti Suzuki has also given the car some much needed safety features like ABS, EBD, reverse parking sensors, driver airbag, a speed alert system and seatbelt reminder for both front occupants as standard. With all these safety features on board, the Alto now complies with upcoming crash and pedestrian safety regulations as well. The updated Alto is priced from Rs 2.93 lakh ( ex-showroom Delhi). Read more about it here.

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Hyundai Venue official bookings to start from May 2!

Prospective customers waiting for the upcoming Hyundai Venue can rejoice as the brand will start accepting bookings for the upcoming Venue from May 2. Although, dealers have already begun accepting unofficial bookings against an amount of Rs 21,000, potential customers will now be able to book the Venue from  Hyundai’s website. The Hyundai Venue is set to be launched on May 21 and will go up against the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra XUV300. More about it here.

All-New BMW X5 to launch in India on May 16

The latest iteration of the BMW X5 will be launched in India on May 16. Two variants - Luxury Line and M-Sport - will hit our shores with expected price of Rs 70 lakh for the base variant and north of Rs 80 lakh for the top-spec M-Sport variant. Based on BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, the new X5 is bigger and technologically advanced than before. and powering the SUV will be the same 3.0-litre diesel engine as the current SUV that produces 261PS of power and a whiplash inducing 560Nm of torque. The SUV will also feature BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. Read more about it here.

 Toyota Glanza teased; could come with Maruti’s DualJet petrol motor

The first byproduct of Toyota and Maruti Suzuki’s joint venture is almost here and it's called the Glanza. It was teased late last week, giving us various insights. The rear end of the hatchback looks similar to its desi cousin, the Baleno. The only difference that we could see were the slightly revised tail lamps and a different bumper design. The front end is where the major changes will be, but Toyota is yet to reveal images of the same.

The Glanza is likely to share its engines with the Baleno, including the recently introduced 1.2-litre DualJet Smart Hybrid motor. Prices are expected to start from Rs 7.27 lakh for the lower-spec manual variant and could go up to Rs 9.20 lakh for the top-end variant equipped with a CVT. More details here.