The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz was spotted testing the BS-VI compliant Smart-Hybrid Petrol engine, wearing some BS-VI emission testing equipment.
Maruti Suzuki introduced a facelift for its much popular mid-sized sedan, the Ciaz back in August, 2018. It got some cosmetic updates and a brand new engine, the 1.5-litre, K15B petrol engine. Earlier this year in March, the Ciaz was given another update with the introduction of an in-house developed, 1.5-litre, DDiS 225 diesel engine. Now, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has spotted testing with a new BS-VI engine.
The BS-VI emission norms will become effective from April, 2020 and before that, all manufacturers are testing their vehicles with new BS-VI engines. The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz that was spotted was wearing BS-VI emissions testing equipment and was also wearing the ‘Smart Hybrid’ badging on its boot lid, indicating that it will continue with a mild-hybrid setup. It consists of an integrated starter generator and a dual-battery setup, just like in the current BS4-compliant K15B version on sale.
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In its present guise, the 1.5L, petrol engine in the Ciaz makes 105hp and 138Nm of torque. The mil-hybrid system assists in brake energy recuperation, torque assist and an idle start-stop function. All of this results is a pretty respectable fuel economy figure of 21.56kpl (ARAI-rated). Power is sent to only the front-wheels via a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
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Whether the power and performance figures remain the same or get a slight increment and whether the transmission options continue to be same, remains to be seen. Maruti Suzuki already has been on their toes with their effort to introduce cleaner petrol engines in the market. The Baleno and the Alto – two of their best selling hatchbacks – already get BS-VI engines. Maruti Suzuki is also expected to use the upcoming BS6 1.5-litre petrol powertrain from the Ciaz in other cars in its line-up like the Ertiga, S-Cross and the Vitara Brezza.
