In a clear example of the engine downsizing philosophy that is prevailing across the automotive industry today, the 1.6 MultiJet II 120 hp will replace, on Suzuki’s next SX4 platform, the 2.0-litre 135 hp Fiat Powertrain engine which powers the current SX4 model as well as its Fiat spin-off, the Sedici.

According to a statement from Fiat announcing the agreement: "This agreement widens and strengthens the very positive long term business relationship between Suzuki and Fiat Powertrain based on already existing projects, which include the mentioned supply of the 2.0L MultiJet 135 hp, as well as the manufacturing licence of the 1.3L MultiJet 75 hp-90 hp Small Diesel Engine which is currently produced by a Suzuki sister company in India."

The news comes as reports suggest Suzuki has recently approached Fiat about becoming involved in the next-generation SX4 project. Fiat currently sells a version of the SX4, called the Sedici, which has new front and rear clips and specific Fiat badging. At the time of the project's inception in 1986 Fiat had missed out on the trend towards 'crossover' vehicles and the four-wheel-drive Sedici gave it a welcome quick-fix. However with its new alliance with the Chrysler Group, and in particular the Jeep division, Fiat has adequate access to this technology through a platform sharing programme meaning its interest in a next-generation Sedici is much less likely. The next Suzuki SX4 will once again be built by Magyar Suzuki Corporation Ltd. in Hungary.

Suzuki, meanwhile, is now part owned by the VW Group which, along with Fiat, is one of the global leaders in diesel downsizing technology. Suzuki's budding relationship with VW has been somewhat rocky so far and the wording in its own press release announcing the deal with FPT, places - repeatedly - strong emphasis on the 1.6 MultiJet II's fuel-efficient capability: "Suzuki Motor Corporation will receive supply of 1.6L diesel engine, which realises low fuel consumption, from Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) and will power the currently developed new model," read the Suzuki statement: "Suzuki has agreed to receive supply of high-powered, low fuel consumption 1.6L diesel engine from FPT, which will be equipped on the new model scheduled to be produced in Magyar Suzuki Corporation Ltd. in Hungary from 2013. Suzuki has been equipping Fiat’s 2.0L diesel engine on Magyar-produced SX4 from 2006. With the competition of fuel consumption increasing internationally, and to be in line with today’s mainstream of downsizing the engine (to realize performance that’s enough for practical use with smaller engine), Suzuki has decided to adopt the 1.6L diesel engine on the currently developed new model. Moreover, the said diesel engine matches with Suzuki’s all wheel drive, characterised with its lightness and the excellency to cover ground. With the adoption of this diesel engine, it will realise not only decreasing fuel consumption, but advanced product performance as well," Suzuki's press release concluded.

The 1.6 MultiJet II 120hp engine will be manufactured by Fiat Powertrain at its Pratola Serra plant at Avellino, and will be delivered to the Magyar Suzuki plant, Hungary. The 1.6 MultiJet II 120hp is a 4 cylinder 16 valve engine, equipped with MultiJet II fuel injection system with Injection Rate Shaping technology, variable geometry turbocharger, variable displacement oil pump and close coupled DPF. All these contents will ensure high level of performance while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.