Suzuki to introduce more fuel-efficient engine for its JDM minicars - MR Wagon first to use it

Nikkei reported that Suzuki will introduce an all-new engine for its minicars in Japan for the first time in roughly 16 years. The new 0.66 L engine is expected to have a fuel efficiency of 27 km/L, which is 20% less than the current engine, when combined with a Stop/Start system.

This would enable Suzuki minicars to achieve a fuel economy comparable to that offered by Daihatsu’s new Move (related posts), which hit the market last month. Suzuki plans to invest a total of 20 billion yen [US$246 million] over three years to retool its Sagara factory in Shizuoka Prefecture to make the new engine.

All future versions of the company’s minicars, including the Wagon R and the Alto, will eventually be powered by the engine. The first to feature it will be the new MR Wagon, slated for launch this month.

[Source: Nikkei via Green Car Congress]