Maruti Suzuki's hybrid drive to begin with Ciaz soon

Maruti Suzuki is betting big on hybrid technology in India and will soon launch its first offering in the form of a hybrid Ciaz diesel.  The car will be badged Ciaz SHVS (SHVS stands for Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki). According to sources, the Ciaz Diesel Hybrid is likely to be launched very soon.

Autocar Professional has learnt that the new model will be priced around Rs 30,000 more than the Ciaz Diesel whose pricing starts from Rs 880,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai).  

The new hybrid Ciaz is powered by Suzuki’s SHVS mild-hybrid system that employs an integrated starter generator (ISG) which provides assistance to the engine, using a motor to generate power when the vehicle accelerates. This system also comes with brake energy recuperation which helps in recovering energy when the vehicle decelerates. Also, as reported by Autocar India earlier, Maruti will add the start-stop system to enhance fuel economy.

Fuel efficiency of the upcoming Ciaz Diesel Hybrid is understood to be in the region of 30 kilometres per litre, which will make it the most fuel-efficient sedan in the country. The current Ciaz Diesel delivers fuel efficiency of 26.21kpl.

In its 2014-15 Annual Report, Maruti Suzuki has said: “Maruti Suzuki is working with parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, on hybrid and electric vehicle technology. The objective of the technology is to reduce fuel consumption, thereby reducing CO2 emissions which saves the environment.”

Maruti Suzuki is also understood to be working on the diesel variant of the popular Wagon R, in line with its strategy to make further inroads in the diesel car market. This is despite the change in consumer preference for petrol-engined cars.

The Ciaz sedan, which was launched in September last year, has sold close to 48,000 units till end-July with more or less an equal split between the petrol and diesel variants. 

Also read: Maruti Suzuki leads India’s PV sales revival with over 47% share in April-July