The 1.2-litre diesel engine in the KUV100 NXT produces 77 bhp and 190 Nm and it could be discontinued ahead of BSVI norms kicking in
It is no secret that the more stringent BSVI regulations will result in manufacturers discontinuing engines especially the diesel. Mahindra & Mahindra, the largest passenger UV maker in the country, relies substantially on diesel engines due to its expansive SUV portfolio.
Since the higher capacity diesel powertrains won’t largely be affected, the lower capacity units will have to bear the brunt as they are mostly powering the models in the cost-sensitive segments due to the BSVI upgrades. If manufacturers do not find upgrading a diesel motor viable, they will naturally be phased out of production.
A recent report emerged on the internet suggests that the 1.2-litre four-cylinder powering the KUV100 will be shown the exit doors. The three-cylinder oil-burner is only used in the KUV100 NXT and it produces 77 bhp at 3,750 rpm and 190 Nm of peak torque delivered between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm.
It is offered in five- and six-seater variants with a claimed mileage of 25.32 kmpl. At the annual financial results meeting, Managing Director of M&M, Pawan Goenka, revealed that the diesel engines of 1.5-litre capacity and above will stay put when the BSVI regulations kick in from April 2020.
Depending on the customer requirements, Mahindra will address the demands and if the popularity of the petrol engines peak, the company will prepare the strategies to rightly respond to the needs. A brand new 2.0-litre diesel engine will be introduced and it will cater to a wide range of segments in different power and torque specifications.
In the next generation, Scorpio bound for 2020, it will replace the bigger 2.2-litre mHawk unit with better performance. Due to the lighter construction, it will be more fuel-efficient as well and is expected to produce 160 horsepower and more than 320 Nm torque.