Car market leader Maruti Suzuki has launched the hybrid version of its Ciaz premium sedan. The car, priced between Rs. 8.23 lakh (VDi variant) and Rs. 10.17 lakh (ZDi+ variant), ex-showroom, New Delhi benefits from the incentive under the Indian government's FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) policy. It reflects Maruti's strong focus on enhancing fuel efficiency in its cars. The claimed fuel efficiency of the Ciaz 'smart hybrid' is 28.09 kmpl, making it the most fuel efficient car in India. It offers energy efficient features such as idle start-stop and regenerative braking. Autocar Professional had reported on 12th August about Maruti Suzuki's plan to launch the Ciaz hybrid.
Kanichi Ayukawa, managing director, Maruti Suzuki, said at the launch, "Brand Ciaz has been one of the major success stories for Maruti Suzuki in the past one year. It has won nearly 60,000 customers in India and overseas. Ciaz Smart Hybrid will further strengthen its position."
The hybrid technology, which Maruti Suzuki has branded as SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), uses an integrated started generator and an advance high capacity battery. This system supplements the engine's power, making it more efficient than the conventional set up. The energy saved while decelerating/braking, which is otherwise lost, is stored in the battery and assists during acceleration. The car also has a gear shift indicator which prompts the driver to shift gear at the ideal rpm level, which helps in getting the optimum fuel efficiency.
The Ciaz hybrid replaces the existing diesel variant.