Rumour: Next-gen Maruti Alto to get 658 cc engine

Maruti Suzuki is likely to develop the next-generation Alto hatchback for India at its upcoming research and development centre in Haryana. Media reports suggest that the car is expected to be launched in 2018 and will get a smaller engine. The new engine will be a 658 cc, turbocharged petrol unit. It will replace the Alto K10's 1.0-litre naturally aspirated unit. 

The move to downsize engines is in line with developments at Suzuki. Recently, the Japanese company introduced a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which it calls BoosterJet. This unit is likely to replace larger engines in upcoming products.

In India, the Alto is also likely to continue with the 796 cc, three-cylinder petrol unit. It is rumoured that an 800 cc diesel engine could also be used to power the car.

The current-generation Alto 800 is also likely to get a Magneti Marelli-sourced automated manual transmission (AMT) in the near future.

Source: Motor Octane