One of India’s high-selling automotive manufacturers Maruti Suzuki may soon introduce an all-new 6-speed, automatic gearbox for its future vehicles. Maruti Suzuki will reportedly reserve the new gearbox for its larger MPVs such as the Ertiga, XL6 and Brezza. Sources and reports suggest that the automaker will borrow the new 6-speed automatic gearbox from the internationally-sold Suzuki Vitara SUV. The new gearbox will end up replacing the old, tried and tested 4-speed automatic unit that’s currently used in these vehicles.
Reasons behind the gearbox’s introduction
Maruti Suzuki first introduced the currently used, 4-speed automatic gearbox via the V6-powered, Grand Vitara XL7 SUV in 2003. Despite the low number of gears and no sport or manual shifting modes, the 4-speed gearbox has proved its worth. This is because the gearbox is one of the smoothest units in the Indian automotive industry and aids in fuel efficiency. Therefore, the new 6-speed automatic gearbox will add a sport mode, a manual shifting option, and sport faster shift times.
Once Maruti Suzuki introduces the new yet expensive 6-speed automatic gearbox, the prices of the aforementioned models will also increase. Moreover, the new gearbox will contribute towards improving fuel economy and reducing emissions in upcoming Maruti Suzuki vehicles. The biggest reason behind the new gearbox’s introduction will be the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE 2) norms. From April 2022, the norms will force automakers to reduce their average CO2 levels from 130g/km to 113g/km.
Upcoming Facelifts
Maruti Suzuki will soon introduce facelifts for its Ertiga, Brezza, and XL6 will reportedly utilize the new 6-speed automatic gearbox. The automaker will likely introduce the new gearbox via the facelifted Ertiga in March 2022 which will use the same powertrain. Maruti Suzuki will mate the new gearbox to the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder K15 petrol engine along with a 5-speed manual.
Meanwhile, the automaker will also offer the new gearbox on the upcoming, heavily-updated Brezza with new exterior and interior changes. The compact SUV will reportedly feature a new infotainment system, new safety and convenience features along a CNG variant. As for the upcoming XL6, Maruti Suzuki will reportedly make minor changes to the exterior and offer larger alloy wheels.
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