India Bound: Suzuki hybrid technology revealed at IIMS 2015

We have been hearing that Maruti is gearing up to launch a hybrid version of the Ciaz by the end of this month but no date has been confirmed yet. During the Indonesia International Motor Show 2015 (IIMS 2015) aka Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Suzuki has revealed the hybrid powerplant. According to certain reports, the car is all set for a launch within a week post Indian Independence day. Possibility dictates that the current diesel version will be replaced by the upcoming hybrid Ciaz but there have been no reports confirming any changes for the petrol variant. The 1.3-litre Multijet engine will be used by the hybrid variant and it will be coupled with the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology. The Ciaz hybrid will use lithium-ion batteries and will feature regenerative braking, which will help recharge the batteries and eliminate power wastage. this system will also help extract additional torque from the engine and will help operate an idle start-stop feature. Prominently, this system is expected to help the Ciaz deliver a better fuel efficiency of 28-30 kmpl, in comparison to the previous 26 kmpl. The hybrid car delivers 88.5 hp@4000rpm and 200Nm of torque, this is coupled to the 2.27hp of power and 60Nm of torque developed by the electric starter generator motor.

The hybrid car will also flaunt certain aesthetic updates, which might also trickle down to the petrol variant. Along with all the other premium cars offered by Maruti Suzuki like the current Ciaz, the new hybrid car might be sold out of the new and exclusive Nexa showrooms. Nexa showrooms currently showcase the recently launched S Cross in addition to the Ciaz. A discount of Rs 25,000 has been offered by the Maruti dealers, which can be construed as an attempt to clear dated stock in anticipation of the new model. During the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Maruti explained how regenerative braking recharges the lithium-ion batteries and provides extra torque, while showcasing the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology. According to reports, there is a possibility that  the new hybrid Ciaz might be about Rs 75,000 to 1.2 lakh costlier than the current model and the cost is relative to the variant.

Also read: Nissan X-trail showcased at the IIMS 2015

Acknowledgement: CarBay.com