Maruti launches hybrid Ciaz at Rs 8.23 lakh onwards

Maruti Suzuki launched its first hybrid vehicle on Tuesday, upgrading the diesel Ciaz with hybrid features at a price cheaper by up to Rs 20,500 than the variant being phased out. The hybrid Ciaz SHVS sports features such as idle engine start/stop, power assist and brake energy regeneration. It claims 28.09 km a litre, highest in the country. The earlier Ciaz diesel offered 26.2 km a litre.

The vehicle helps us participate in India’s vision of promoting hybrid vehicles, said managing director Kenichi Ayukawa. In a hybrid system, the energy saved while decelerating/braking, otherwise lost, is stored in the battery and assists during acceleration.

The entry-level sedan has been priced at Rs 8.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the top-end version for Rs 10.17 lakh. The entry-level vehicle is cheaper by Rs 9,000 than the outgoing one. This is despite the higher cost of technology, due to a lower excise duty of 12.5 per cent, against the earlier 24 per cent. Buyers will also be entitled to a cash incentive of Rs 13,000 on every purchase of the new Ciaz. The government has set aside Rs 795 crore to support demand for eco-friendly electric and hybrid vehicles.

Toyota sells two fully hybrid cars, the Prius and Camry Hybrid, at Rs 31.92 lakh and Rs 39.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.

"Through Ciaz Smart Hybrid, we are deploying technology to benefit customers and the environment. The vehicle is also special because it helps us participate in India's vision of promoting hybrid and electric vehicles," Maruti Suzuki managing director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said.

The hybrid Ciaz uses an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and an advance high capacity battery. This system supplements 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 advance high capacity battery and assists during acceleration. This combination leads to a powerful and fuel efficient vehicle.

Launched in October last year, about 60,000 units of Ciaz has been sold so far. Ciaz is the first successful sedan and premium car experiment of Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest passenger vehicle maker. The company had failed to achieve the desired success with its past premium launches such as Kizashi and Grand Vitara. Kizashi has been phased out.