Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Hybrid to be launched in India post -Independence Day

Maruti Suzuki will launch the Ciaz hybrid for the Indian market post the Independence Day weekend. A date has not yet been confirmed for the official launch but it is expected to happen within a week of August 15. 

The Ciaz hybrid, as we have revealed in a previous story, replaces the current diesel version and will most likely move to the Nexa showrooms. A significant drop in sales numbers and the fact that Maruti Suzuki dealers have been offering Rs 25,000 discount on the current car indicate that there is effort to clear old stocks before the new car is launched. 

This updated version of the Ciaz will continue to use the 1.3-litre Multijet engine but now mated to the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology. It was shown at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and involves the use of a lithium-ion battery which will charge using regenerative braking. It will provide power for the idle start-stop and also assist the crank in developing more torque. This new technology is expected to increase the Ciaz’s fuel efficiency to at least 28kmpl to 30 kmpl. 

In addition to the mechanical additions, this hybrid version is also get a few cosmetic changes. While there is no word on whether the petrol models will get the hybrid technology, it is certain that they will get the cosmetic updates. 

Maruti Suzuki has always been the first ones when it come trends in the auto industry. If their plan succeeds, then it will only be a matter of time before other manufacturers bring in hybrid versions of their own vehicles.  

We believe that this car will be priced Rs 75,000 (base version) to Rs 1.2 lakh (top-end) more than the price of the equivalent variant of the current Ciaz sedan.