Maruti Suzuki will launch the Ciaz hybrid sedan at an event in Delhi tomorrow. The diesel hybrid replaces the standard model in the C-segment to compete with the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Volkswagen Vento.
The mild hybrid uses an integrated starter generator (ISG) to assist the engine and improve the efficiency. The Ciaz is the first diesel Small Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) and has a claimed ARAI fuel efficiency of 28.09kmpl, making it the most efficient car in India.
The car uses regenerative braking to charge the larger battery under the bonnet, which in turn is used for the start-stop function that saves fuel. The battery also helps in developing the torque and take some load off the engine.
There are no cosmetic changes to the new Ciaz, in fact, there are no changes in the petrol mode. The dual airbags are standard on all but the base variant; the base has to make do with driver side airbag. The new Ciaz diesel will be available in five variants – VDi, VDi (O), VDi+, ZDi and ZDi+.
The hybrid system has been imported to India, which should bump up the price of the car. However, the Ciaz is still one of the most affordable sedans in the C-segment and is expected to still have some price advantage over the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna.
