Maruti has lately launched the 2026 Baleno facelift, with minor upgrades throughout and one very crucial change within the type of the brand new Z-series engine (codenamed Z12E) beneath its hood. What this means although, is that Maruti has began phasing out its famed 1.2-litre 4-cylinder Okay-series (codename K12) engine that has in its more-than-a-decade existence grow to be some of the widespread models in Indian vehicles.
The information isn’t utterly unhappy as there are nonetheless 3 vehicles you may nonetheless purchase immediately which can be nonetheless powered by the famed engine: the Fronx, Eeco, and Wagon R. This engine is anticipated to be phased out quickly in these vehicles as nicely, so we’d advise you to be fast along with your buy.
Maruti K12 Engine: When Was It Launched?
Changing the older G-series 1.3-litre petrol engine (codenamed G13), the K12 first made its debut in an equally distinctive automobile, the Maruti Ritz, and shortly after, within the first-generation Maruti Swift. This transfer was pushed primarily as a result of stricter BSIV emission requirements and up to date tax slabs that incentivised sub-4 metre vehicles with a displacement of lower than 1,200cc, which have been a serious chunk of the carmaker’s lineup.
Primarily a barely downsized model of the 1,242cc K12B engine bought overseas, the Indian model was codenamed the K12M and located a lot love for its class-leading efficiency figures, a free-revving nature and significantly for its glorious gasoline economic system that addressed a key weak spot of its predecessor. These proceed to stay highlights of it even immediately.
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Enjoyable Truth: Not like a whole lot of rivals again then, the K12M used an aluminium engine block that considerably lowered weight, improved dealing with and delivered better effectivity. |
Evolution
Put up the Ritz and Swift, the K12 was rolled out throughout the Maruti lineup, and in 2012, was upgraded with VVT (Variable Valve Know-how) to adjust to tighter emission norms, and enhance gasoline effectivity figures.
Over time, this model ended up powering numerous fashionable fashions just like the Swift Dzire, Baleno, Ignis, and even the first-generation Toyota Glanza, which was the debut product to roll out of the Maruti Suzuki-Toyota joint product collaboration.
After this, the carmaker extensively re-engineered this engine with twin injectors, twin VVT and even mild-hybrid expertise (in choose fashions) to adjust to the upcoming BSVI emission requirements, which got here into impact in 2020. This model debuted on the second-generation Dzire’s facelift, and was rapidly rolled out throughout nearly the complete lineup.
This ultimate model of the engine can also be what powers latest fashions such because the Fronx, third-generation Swift, the current-generation WagonR, and the now-discontinued pre-facelift Baleno.
The truth is, not simply restricted to vehicles; the K12N additionally powers the lone business car from Maruti, the Super Carry!
A Worthy Successor?
Whereas the K12 remained on the coronary heart of the model’s small automobile vary, the following part of electrification knocked at its doorways. Recognising this want, the K12 engine is now within the technique of being step by step phased out.
Its successor, the Z-series 1.2-litre engine (codenamed Z12E) first launched within the fourth-generation Swift, takes a distinct method. It loses one cylinder, and is even down on energy. Out goes the sporty revv-happy nature, and in comes the sensible low-end torque that makes it rather a lot simpler to drive, even when not as enjoyable.
Reportedly, the Z12E has additionally been engineered conserving in thoughts the carmaker’s upcoming series-hybrid expertise to underpin future merchandise, and it stays to be seen if it really turns into as legendary because the K12.
Final Likelihood To Seize One!
Representing and hallmarking Maruti Suzuki’s capabilities, it is no shock that it has received many followers, with sure patrons on their second and even third automobile with this powerplant. Nonetheless, with the brand new Baleno additionally transferring to its successor, the Z12 three-cylinder, this four-cylinder engine can now be had solely with three vehicles immediately; the Eeco, Fronx and Wagon R.
Because it stands, fanatics nonetheless love this powertrain, and if you’re considered one of its followers, now could be the time to carry one house!
