Maruti has launched its first ever
hybrid vehicle in India in the form of Ciaz diesel SHVS (Smart Hybrid Veicle by
Suzuki). The Ciaz mini hybrid is priced at Rs. 8.23 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
for the base variant. The Ciaz diesel SHVS/mini hybrid features start-stop
technology, brake energy recuperation and Engine Power Assist Systems.
The Ciaz diesel mini hybrid delivers
fuel economy of 28.09 Kmpl making it the most fuel efficient car in the
country. It surpasses even the two cylinder diesel of Celerio which as fuel
economy figures of 27.62 Kmpl. In fact Maruti has stopped the regular diesel
model of Ciaz showing how confident the company is with its SHVS technology.
Powering the Ciaz mini Hybrid is
Maruti’s 1.3L DDiS diesel engine couple to an integrated starter generator.
Whenever there is breaking or use of start-stop technology, the integrated starter
generator charges the additional new high capacity battery. The engine gets an
electric boost through Engine Power Assist System via the battery during
acceleration at 2500 rpm.
Exterior wise there are no changes to
the car but for the SVHS badge on the boot lid. There are additional lights on
the instrument cluster and a gearshift indication is an addition. Same trim
levels of Ciaz are retained with an addition of VDi(O) trim which gets dual
airbags, ABS and seat belt pre-tensioners as addition.
The Ciaz mini hybrid is slightly cheaper
than the regular diesel model, thanks to FAME hybrid and electric car
initiative by the Government of India. The car also becomes the only vehicle in
the segment to come with hybrid technology. Its competitors are Honda City,
Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento.
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