It seems Maruti Suzuki has played a masterstroke here. The company has reduced ex-showroom prices of select models by Rs 5,000. This benefit is over and above all other promotional offers. The reason for such a step? Well, Maruti Suzuki says that this development comes on the back of the recent reduction in corporate tax. It wants to pass on the benefits to its potential customers. That is commendable!

However, if you look at the selected models, you might be able to see what the company is trying to achieve here. Here’s the list: Alto, Alto K10, Celerio, Ignis, Swift Diesel, Baleno Diesel, Dzire Diesel, Tour S Diesel, Vitara Brezza and the S-Cross. Out of the ten models, six are diesel-powered. We know Maruti Suzuki will sell only petrol-fed models from April 1, 2020. That means it must sell as many diesel models as possible before we enter the next fiscal. And before you wonder, all variants of all those models have received the downward price revision.

Amongst them, the Vitara Brezza and the S-Cross are diesel only. BS6-ready, petrol-powered versions of both those models are in the testing phase. Presently, all Alto and XL6 variants, petrol-powered versions of the Ertiga, Dzire, Swift, Baleno, and WagonR derivatives with the 1.2-litre engine meet the stricter emission norms.

Maruti Suzuki has taken full advantage of the industry’s current situation. With reduced prices, festive period offers and a new model launch around the corner, India’s largest carmaker aims to turn the frown upside down. On September 30, 2019, the company will launch the S-Presso hatchback. The model will be petrol-only and possibly BS6-compliant. In Maruti Suzuki’s product hierarchy tree, the new entrant will slot between the Alto and the WagonR. No matter how you look at it, that is a tight space.