India, with its low per capita income vast population and growing middle class, represents a significant market for low-cost, fuel-efficient automobiles. As the largest two-wheeler market globally, a transition to four-wheelers is underway, further driving the demand for affordable vehicles. This necessitates the design and development of low-priced vehicles equipped with efficient and economical powertrains.
Globally, stringent regulations like Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycles (WLTC), and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) are pushing manufacturers to develop fuel-efficient vehicles. India has also adopted similar regulations, including CAFE2 and Bharat Stage 6-Phase 2 (BS6-2), to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. These regulations, coupled with the growing demand for affordable vehicles, have spurred innovation in engine technology.
In response to these challenges, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has consistently focused on enhancing the efficiency of its small gasoline engine (0.8L) for entry-level hatchbacks. This has been achieved through a series of technological advancements implemented across multiple generations of the engine. Figure 1 flashes the overview of generation wise technologies upgradation and Gen-3 is the latest one with the highest efficiency in its segment.