Suzuki has revealed details of a new 1.2-liter three-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine in Japan. This prototype unit is designed to produce up to 126 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The manufacturer is developing the engine to run on multiple fuel types, including E100 ethanol, CNG, and CBG.
This new engine is based on the existing 1.2-liter Z12E petrol engine currently found in models like the Swift, Baleno, and Dzire. It features a variable-geometry turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. Suzuki is targeting a thermal efficiency of 40% at launch, with a long-term goal of reaching 50% by 2035.
In the Nepali market, the current Suzuki Swift is priced between Rs 38.99 lakh and Rs 52.29 lakh. The Suzuki Dzire, which is announced but not yet on sale, has an ex-showroom price range of Rs 28.49 lakh to Rs 43.99 lakh. These models currently sit in a segment similar to the Ignis, which is priced from Rs 36.99 lakh to Rs 45.19 lakh.
Beyond the 1.2-liter turbo unit, the company is working on a series-hybrid system using the Z12E engine. In this configuration, the engine acts as a generator to power an electric motor that drives the wheels. This setup uses two electric motors and a 0.6 kWh battery, producing up to 82 hp and 108 Nm. Suzuki is also exploring a plug-in hybrid version that could combine this system with the new turbo-petrol engine to produce up to 177 hp.
Additional developments include a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine capable of 160 hp and 280 Nm, alongside a 0.66-liter engine for kei cars. These engines are designed for transverse-mounted, front-wheel-drive vehicles. Suzuki has not yet confirmed which production models will use these new engines, and a launch date for any vehicle featuring this technology has not been announced.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
