Maruti’s Ciaz is carrying on its fabulous run after topping the sales charts as the best-selling mid-segment car in the country within a year of its launch. The company does not seem to be in the mood to rest on its laurels and has now followed up its success with a hybrid version of the Ciaz.
The hybrid
Hybrid cars usually use electrical energy, apart from the energy generated by their internal combustion engines. Most of the times, these cars are powered by a small engine and a powerful electrical motor in unison. The electricity needed to charge the battery is derived from the engine. Apart from this, the mechanical energy released upon breaking is also converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery. The hallmark of a high quality hybrid car is that most of the time it will run on electrical energy.
Ciaz Hybrid
Ciaz is not a proper hybrid car, but it can be called a hybrid car since it makes use of the ‘start-stop’ mechanism. This is the same mechanism that Mahindra has been using in its hybrid vehicles. Switching on the button placed near the steering wheel of the vehicle activates the hybrid mode.
The console will indicate to the driver that the vehicle is in hybrid mode. Once the vehicle becomes stationary, the engine automatically switches off and comes back to life upon pressing the clutch. Another interesting technology used in the Ciaz helps it in converting the energy released upon braking into electrical energy. Once this mechanism is operational, a green light glows on the dashboard. The engine power assist technology steps in to give more power to the engine while the car is running.
The benefits
The technology is simple, but at the same time it also boosts the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The hybrid version of the Ciaz can cover 1.88 kilometres more per litre of fuel than the non-hybrid one.
Design
Apart from the badge at the rear end, there are no changes to the hybrid Ciaz in terms of looks. Ciaz is one of the biggest and perhaps the most beautiful car from the Suzuki stable. The size of the car is striking from all angles. The interiors are spacious and so is its boot with a 510-litre luggage capacity. The Ciaz, by its stance itself, is intimidating to all its competitors.
The design is elegant and is most suited for families. The car looks bold and beautiful from the sides while the bigger 16-inch alloys with more spokes makes the Ciaz a standout among sedans. The main attractions at the front are the projector headlamps and the prominent familiar Suzuki-style grill. Tail lamps too are attractive and the design, in general, has a premium touch.
Interiors
There are no changes to the interior. The black tone seen on the dashboard and the door trims are generally present only in super luxury cars. The leather seats that come in the Z+ model are not only pleasing to the eyes but also to the back and thighs. The steering wheel is first class and the car comes with a seven-inch touch screen stereo and good quality console. In short, the interiors are so plush that you may find it hard to believe that you are in a Maruti.
Behind the wheel
At the heart of the Ciaz is the familiar 1.3 litre diesel engine made in collaboration with Fiat. The engine is peppy under almost all driving conditions and the turbo lag is almost in-existent. Power kicks in at very low RPMs and the car takes off effortlessly from slow speeds.
One of the benefits of good spread of torque even at the lower end of the power band is that noise and vibration levels are kept to a minimum. The diesel version in fact feels smother than its petrol peers.
Gearing, handling and braking are top notch and this one is among the best handling cars in this segment. The only difference is that the engine of this Ciaz goes to sleep when you stop at a signal and wakes up when you pump the clutch.
Price – Price remains unchanged. Ciaz starts at Rs 8.76 lakh.
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