Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2L Dualjet SHVS engine: Top 5 features

Maruti Suzuki introduced the new 1.2-litre Dualjet, Dual VVT BS-VI compliant engine on the Baleno yesterday. The motor comes with Suzuki’s next-generation Smart Hybrid technology that has resulted in class-leading fuel efficiency of 23.87 km/l. The new engine is available in the Delta, and Zeta trims of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, priced at Rs 7.25 lakhs and Rs 7.86 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively. Here are the top 5 features of the 1.2-litre Dualjet SHVS motor.

New BS-VI compliant engine

The new 1.2-litre K12C Dualjet Dual VVT engine is already on sale in the European markets and makes its debut in India. Compared to the 1.2L K12B motor, the K12C Dualjet engine features two injectors per cylinder for optimal thermal efficiency and dual VVT (variable valve timing) for improved performance and fuel economy. The motor features a reworked exhaust system along with a precise software-controlled fuel injection system that uses various onboard sensors for cleaner and durable emission control. The BS-VI compliance has led to a reduction of nearly 25 per cent in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions.

Dual-battery SHVS system

The 1.2-litre Dualjet engine on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with Suzuki’s next-generation progressive SHVS mild-hybrid system that uses a dual battery setup. Besides the regular Lead-Acid battery, the system also gets a Lithium-ion battery that comes with a 'torque-assist function'. The SHVS system uses an ISG (integrated starter generator), which has a motor function that enhances the fuel economy by providing a power assist to the engine. Besides the torque-assist function, the SHVS mild-hybrid tech also comprises of idle start-stop system and brake energy regeneration technology, which are explained below.

Torque-assist function

The torque-assist function helps to take the load off the engine. During quick overtakes or if the motor is consuming more fuel than expected, the ISG activates the torque-assist function to deliver optimal performance and acceleration, without compromising on the fuel economy.

Idle start-stop function

The idle start-stop function allows the engine to stop automatically when idle and makes use of the power stored in the Lithium-ion battery to silently start the engine back to life. This seamless process takes the load off the engine and helps in increased fuel- efficiency.

Brake energy regeneration function

The progressive SHVS mild-hybrid system comes with a brake-energy regeneration function, which stores the energy in both the batteries during deceleration. The stored energy, in turn, helps during the torque-assist and idle start-stop functions.

Maruti Suzuki hasn’t revealed the exact specifications of the engine on the India-spec Baleno. The UK-spec model is powered by a 1,242cc engine that generates 88.5bhp and 120Nm. It would be interesting to see if Maruti Suzuki uses the same motor, or de-bore it to displace under 1200cc, for it to qualify for the tax benefits related to sub-4m cars. The new K12C Dualjet engine will eventually replace the ubiquitous 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill when it is discontinued towards the end of this year.