Ciaz SHVS (hybrid) spotted at Maruti dealership

The Ciaz has proven that a 10 lakh rupee Maruti can sell and the car is currently the closest competitor to the segment leading Honda City. In order to keep the momentum going, Maruti reportedly introduced a few updates for the sedan, including a new hybrid variant, which has been badged the Ciaz SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Maruti Suzuki). The Ciaz Hybrid has now been spotted in the metal at a dealership.

The images show the Ciaz Hybrid in the Vdi+ trim and as per the report by GaadiWaadi, the Ciaz Hybrid will replace the current Ciaz diesel altogether. Maruti Suzuki hasn't confirmed their launch plans yet, but the Ciaz Hybrid will most likely see the car's prices go up. The Ciaz SHVS is expected to come with an idling start / stop system, a larger battery and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). While the vehicle is coasting or braking, the ISG charges the batteries. The power is stored in the battery and the system combines it with the power from the engine to help the vehicle during acceleration.

The start / stop system switches off the engine when the car is not in motion and switches it on when the clutch is depressed. The inclusion of this system should at least see the Ciaz's certified fuel economy figure go up, while the real world implications will become apparent at a later stage.