Maruti Suzuki Launches Dual-Fuel Maruti 800

29 June 2008

Maruti Suzuki India recently introduced the Maruti 800 Duo, a new variant of its low-cost, entry-level car that runs on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and gasoline.

Maruti Suzuki introduced factory-fitted alternative fuel models beginning in 2001. Coinciding with the launch of the Maruti Duo, the company announced that it has sold almost 125,000 cars that are powered by either LPG or CNG fuels.

Besides the Maruti 800, the company also offers Omni and WagonR with dual fuel options. The LPG variants constitute around 23% of national sales for Wagon R and Omni. Maruti Suzuki is the only manufacturer in the country to offer alternate fuel vehicles across entry-level, compact and commercial segments.

The 3-cylinder, 800cc engine in the Maruti 800 Duo delivers a 37 hp (28 kW) on gasoline and 35 hp (26 kW) on LPG. Torque is 59 Nm (44 lb-ft) on gasoline and 56 Nm (41 lb-ft) on LPG. When running on LPG, the car emits 10% lower CO₂.

The LPG kit in the Maruti 800 Duo is approved by Department of Explosives, and tested and certified by Automotive Research Association of India.