Maruti Suzuki introduced the Indian car market to the concept of affordable automatics with their Celerio AMT. The AMT gearbox is not only relatively inexpensive, but doesn’t take a toll on fuel efficiency either. To cash in on the growing popularity of this technology, Maruti has plans to equip a number of its models with the AMT gearbox.
Latest spy pictures doing the rounds show that the Maruti Dzire diesel is being prepped with the AMT gearbox. Although engine details are sparse, it is most likely to remain unchanged. Along with the standard five-speed manual gearbox, there will be the optional AMT mated to the 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel unit.
Considering that Maruti gave the Dzire a facelift only a couple of months ago, expect no visual difference either, other than the badging.
Upon launch, the Dzire diesel AMT will have only the Tata Zest AMT as a rival. Tata gave the market an option for an affordable diesel automatic, but hasn’t really been able to achieve big numbers. On the other hand, the Dzire is one of the best-selling cars from the Maruti stable; with the added convenience of the AMT, the company is likely to provide a another option to customers looking for an affordable diesel automatic. Expect Maruti to keep pricing very competitive.