A recent report suggested that the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is likely to receive a 1.5 litre engine. As we wait for official confirmation on the same, another news from the automobile manufacturer surfaces on the web. It was earlier learnt that the company will inaugurate its new plant in Mehsana, Gujarat. Now, the company is said to begin its production line from the said plant with the Baleno premium hatchback from January 2017.
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Looking at a preliminary figure of about 85,000 units from the Mehsana plant, about half of the models will likely be the 1.3 litre diesel variants. The petrol mill that powers the Baleno is the 1.2 litre engine. Both the models are mated to a manual transmission as standard while the CVT gearbox comes as an optional feature for the petrol mill. Following the production of the Baleno would be the upcoming generation of the Swift that has been spied during its public road tests on various occasions.
Speaking to Autocar Professional, RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, said that the construction of the Gujarat plant is on schedule and when completed, the first assembly line will produce 2.5 lakh units while more lines will be added based on the demand for the models. Currently, only part of the Baleno production would be shifted to the Mehsana plant although the company might consider shifting the entire production of the model to make place for other upcoming models in its two facilities that are located in Haryana.
Source: Autocar