The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz hybrid version recently embarked on its journey in Indian market. Apart from being first in its segment, the sedan takes pride in featuring a number of latest technologies that are new to its price bracket. The most mention worthy here is the new Start-Stop technology. The car sports a Multijet 1.3-litre oil burner that mates with a lithium ion battery. Also known as the SHVS system, the system allows the battery to employ a regenerative braking system for recharging. As intriguing as it sounds, the setup brings together brake energy regeneration via an Integrated Starter Generator. The later transforms the rolling wheels’ kinetic energy into electricity.
All this is accompanied by a Start-Stop technology which is one of the highlights of this power train. The technology stops the engine as car stands at any place for more than a few minutes in neutral gear. It is much like putting a computer system on sleep mode. As soon as the clutch gets activated by the driver, the car gets back to life.
Thought the basic methodology followed by the Maritu Suzuki Ciaz Start-Stop technology is identical to the regular systems, it differs a bit in terms of certain parameters. The system allows the engine to stay inactive for 180-seconds or until the cabin’s temperature crosses the figure set by climate control system. Additionally, if the central lock or the driver’s seat belt is not engaged, the system wouldn’t kill the engine. Aided with this automobile technology, the Maruti Suzuki car returns an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 28kmpl.
Adaptation of such advanced automobile technologies brings the ball in Maruti’s court. It is a big step towards the environment cum budget friendly cars in India and the benefits will be rightly reaped by the largest car manufacturer of India. The car also gets the benefit of the electric and hybrid vehicle policy of FAME under which the Indian government allows saving of Rs.1 Lakh over the ticket price of the sedan.
