India is officially adapting BS-VI emission standards from April 2020 due to which automakers are continuing to upgrade the engines to meet the upcoming stringent emission norms. India currently adapts BS-IV norms that were first put in place in 2010 and were fully enforced in 2017. However from April 2020 onwards, cars that don’t meet the BS-VI standards won’t be allowed to go on sale.
What is Bharat-VI
Bharat-Stage-VI or simply BS-VI is an emission standard that is supposed to bring much-needed changes in the Indian automobile industry in terms of pollutant emissions. With this emission norm coming into effect, India will come at par with the USA, Europe and other advanced automotive markets across the globe.
Related: India to Enforce BS-VI Emission Standards by 2020
BS-VI will put a strict check on emission control, fuel-grade, automotive electronics and vehicle ECU. The most significant enforcement is making OBD (On-board diagnostics) mandatory for all vehicles. BS-VI is in line with Euro-VI emission standards already adopted in European countries. In fact, the BS-VI will also address emission of higher PM (particulate matter) in diesel engines.
Now Maruti has introduced a BS-VI compliant 1.0-liter engine for the Suzuki WagonR. This also completes the automaker’s transition to BS-VI compliance in terms of petrol engines as all other vehicles have already been updated to meet the upcoming strict emission norms.
Related: All New 2019 Wagon R Launched in India for INR 4.19 lac
The BS-VI compliant 1.0-liter engine produces 67hp and 90Nm and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The same engine also powers the S-Presso and Celerio hatchback, the announcement of which is expected very soon.
The upgrade to BS-VI has seen a price increase for WagonR in the range of INR 3,000 to INR 30,000 depending on the variant. After increase, the BS-VI compliant 2020 Suzuki WagonR is priced from INR 4.42 lac (PKR 9.54 lac) to INR Rs 5.41 lac (PKR 11.67 lac).
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
