Maruti Ciaz 1.3 Sigma

MSIL is among the well established automobile manufacturers in the Indian car industry. It owes its prominence to one of its best selling models like the Ciaz. Just before its first anniversary, the company has revived its diesel variants and rolled out a new trim in the line-up, which is Maruti Ciaz VDi Option SHVS . The highlight of this version is a unique hybrid technology for the engine, which aids in reducing fuel consumption. Termed as 'SHVS', this new technology equips the engine with an integrated starter generator, which supplements the engine's power and thereby improves efficiency to a maximum of 28.03kmpl. The car's exterior and interior facets remain relatively unchanged. The sporty build of its exterior is emphasized with a toned rear portion, neat curvatures, glossy metallic skin and attractive wheel rims. The car's cabin makes for comfort as well as safety. The driver's seat is height adjustable, and the seatbelts come with shoulder height adjustment function. The outside mirrors are are electrically adjustable for added convenience. Safety is also enforced with the presence of a rigid body structure, strong seatbelts, a powerful horn and clear headlamps at the front.

Exteriors:

The vehicle's exterior stature has been unchanged, except for an SHVS badging at the rear. Its dimensions are balanced, with an overall length of 4490mm, a height of 1485mm along with a width of 1730mm. Going into specifics, it has an attractive grille at the front, and a chrome garnish further adds beauty to it. The hood is wide and sculpted with neat lines, and this gives a strong design statement at the front. The projector headlamps are stylishly designed and made with intricate detailing that further renders a fine look. The wide air intake section at the bottom is also good looking, and it provides an opening for cooling the engine and the brakes. Coming to the side section, this variant gets normal steel wheels featuring well designed rim covers. This effect is further underscored by the delicate fenders. The side profile hosts refined lines that make for a more plush look. The B pillars have blackout effect that adds an eye catching element to it. The body colored outside mirrors are present with turn indicators, giving a safer drive experience. This goes in harmony with the body colored door handles, which give a more unified look of the exterior. The glass antenna at the top also provides a more distinguished look. The rear of the vehicle has a huskier poise, giving a more balanced layout of its body. The tail lamp clusters are slickly designed, and they come along with turn indicators, courtesy lights and all the necessary lighting units. The sporty exhaust vents go along with the dashy look of the rest of the car.

Interiors:

The layout of the cabin reflects good looks as well as utility. Starting with the seating arrangement, there are two rows of seats that are positioned to secure apt comfort and space for the occupants. Both the rows have central armrests, and this allows occupants to sit comfortably with convenient arm placement. In addition to this, headrests also make an integral part of the cabin, supporting the passengers' heads and necks. The seats are wrapped in fine cloth, and this adds to the ride ambiance. The steering wheel is stylish in its look, and there are buttons by the side for convenient usage as well. A chrome garnish on the steering wheel adds to the enriched drive atmosphere. In addition to this, the fine wooden finish on the I/P improves the luxurious theme of the place. The inside door handles are highlighted in chrome, and the AC Louvers knob also bears a chrome finish for a more expensive feel. Meanwhile, the AC Louvers have a satin finish for a more diverse look, and the parking brake lever has a chrome tip. A display beside the steering wheel gives the cabin a more sophisticated look, and there are intelligently arranged buttons on the panel below it. There are visible storage arenas by the front panel, along with the sides of the doors. Added utility is provided with the controls for the power windows, that are present on the doors itself. The air conditioning vents are positioned for maximum circulation within the space.

Engine and Performance:

As mentioned above, a highlight of the car is its new hybrid technology, which is aimed at improving fuel economy and bringing cleaner emissions as well. This includes a regenerative braking technology, wherein the kinetic energy expended by the rotating wheels is converted to electric energy and stored within the car's battery for increased efficiency. Also supporting the working of the engine for this improved model is a larger capacity battery. It is driven by the same 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine that displaces 1248cc. The drive-train yields a power of 89bhp at 4000rpm, together with a torque of 200Nm at 1750rpm. The capacity of the engine is transmitted through a 5-speed manual transmission for easier shifting and better performance.

Braking and Handling:

Its braking and suspension arrangements remain the same. For the brakes, there are ventilated discs for the front and drum units for the rear. Turning to the suspension, a McPherson strut mechanism guards the front axle, while a torsion beam is present for the rear. In addition to this, the high performance radials that adorn the wheels also work to improve control and stability.

Comfort Features:

This trim has an audio system that is present alongside a CD player for the best satisfaction in entertainment. There are four speakers and two tweeters, enabling an good sound distribution as well. USB connectivity is also a standard facility for this model, and this enables passengers to connect external devices through a USB port for an enhanced musical experience. Beside this, there are power windows that relieve hassle for the occupants, along with a keyless entry system. The manual air conditioning system gives a refined drive atmosphere, and this is further improved with a pollen filter. A utility box is present by the front armrest, and cup holders are present by the rear. There are accessory sockets by the front and rear as well, enabling occupants to charge devices within the car.

Safety Feature:

The anti lock braking system improves control when braking and cornering. Airbags are present for both front row passengers, shielding them in case of mishaps. The seatbelts come with pre-tensioners and force limiters for added security measures. In addition to all of this, the company has also blessed the machine with a rear defogger, a manual day/night interior mirror, a security alarm and an immobilizer for the safety of both the occupants as well as the car at all times.

Pros:

1. Excellent fuel economy and mileage.

2. The outer look is rather grand.

Cons:

1. This variant suffers from minimal comfort features.

2. Its engine performance has room for improvement.