Maruti Ciaz 1.3 Zeta

Maruti India is one of the well known manufacturers in the Indian car bazaar. The company has just brought in a new trim of the Ciaz, which now has a battery combined with a diesel engine. Among the variants available of this new version, one is the Maruti Ciaz ZDi SHVS , which has a long list of features. Starting off with the engine, the car is run by the same 1.3-litre diesel engine. However, this model has a unique smart hybrid technology that improves performance as well as fuel economy. Also supporting the working of the engine for this model is a larger capacity battery. There are chrome highlights, stylish alloy wheels, body colored mirrors and garnishes, which together endow it with a more prolific appearance. Its exterior dimensions includes an overall length of 4490mm, width of 1730mm and height of 1485mm. Its wheelbase of 2650mm makes for a spacious cabin for the occupants. The interior arrangement offers ample space and comfort for all occupants. The seats are wrapped in fine upholstery, and armrests are present for the convenience of the passengers. The cabin is further enhanced with chrome additions and plush design elements. There are storage compartments, along with bottle and cup holders. A music system is present for entertainment, and it is further improved with the aid of various other features. The cabin is suited with good safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, parking sensors and many more. The company is offering it with a warranty package of 24 months or 40000km from the date of delivery.

Exteriors:

There are no changes made to its exterior design, but we can see the SHVS badging at the rear. Starting with the front, it has an attractive grille in chrome. Featured on either side of this are stylish headlamps that are equipped with projector lights as well. The sides have 16 inch alloy wheels that add to its design. The clean, sweeping lines further underline its stylish presence. The outside mirrors are body colored and they come with turn indicators integrated in them. This variant is graced with chrome door handles for a more refined look. Further, there is a blackout effect on the B-pillar. The rear end has a more toned build, making for a balanced overall picture. This variant is to get the benefit of a trunk lid garnish and a belt-line ornament for a more distinctive image. The premium split modeled tail-lamps add to the visual feat, and there is a glass antenna as well.

Interiors:

The seats are covered in fine leather upholstery, while its door handles have chrome designing. The steering wheel has a leather wrapping and a chrome garnish, while the parking brake lever is chrome tipped. For the convenience of its occupants, the cabin offers a console box that comes with illumination. There are satin finished AC louvers at the front and rear, and they are further enhanced with a chrome finish on the knob. A wooden finish is present on the I/P garnish, There is an information display that has a tripmeter, fuel consumption gauge and outside temperature display for added convenience. Besides these, there are armrests for the front and rear seats, while a utility box is present in the front armrest, while the rear offers holders for cups. For added utility, bottle holders are present in all the doors, while the front seat has back pockets, offering storage for spare items.

Engine and Performance:

This sedan comes with a unique smart hybrid vehicle technology that is aimed at reducing fuel consumption. It consists of a regenerative braking technology, wherein the kinetic energy of the rotating wheels is converted into electricity to feed the battery of the vehicle. In addition to this, the engine is equipped with an integrated starter generator, which supplements the engine's power and thereby improves efficiency. As for the engine, it is the same 1.3-litre multijet diesel motor that displaces 1248cc. It gives out a power output of 89bhp at 4000rpm, along with 200Nm at 1750rpm. This engine is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. With the advent of the hybrid technology that this new model has, the fuel economy touches 28.09kmpl, which is an excellent figure.

Braking and Handling:

Nothing has changed with respect to the braking and suspension arrangements of this sedan. There are ventilated discs for the front wheels, and drum units for the rear. Coming to the suspension, the front axle is incorporated with a standard McPherson strut, whereas, the rear axle is rigged with a torsion beam. The tilt power steering system also aids in improving control and stability.

Comfort Features:

This car provides an advanced music audio system that comes along with a CD player function as well.

There are four speakers and two tweeters, while its USB port allows occupants to integrate their devices with the system. The controls to the audio and calling facilities are both steering mounted for easier access to the driver. It has all four power windows, an electric trunk opener, personal reading lamps and footwell lamps as well. There are accessory sockets for front and rear seats, allowing for charging small gadgets within the car. The automatic air conditioning system comes with vents at the rear, enabling apt air circulation. The outside mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable. There is also a rear windscreen sunshade for a more pleasant cabin environment.

Safety Features:

Firstly, this trim is engineered with an S-TECT body format, which enhances protection for the occupants in case of a mishap. There are airbags for both front passengers, which enhances its safety quotient to the next level. The seatbelts come with a pre-tensioners and force limiter, which enhances the passenger security. A driver's side seatbelt reminder is present to reduce chances of mishap. It has a rear windscreen defogger, a security alarm, an auto dimming interior rear view mirror, reverse parking sensors with a camera, which helps in easier and safer parking. The anti lock braking system is also present, adding to the control quality when braking and cornering. A seatbelt reminder is present in the instrument cluster along with other notifications. The anti theft security system, together with an engine immobilizer further adds to the safety levels.

Pros:

1. Superior fuel economy thanks to SHVS technology.

2. Comfort features are at par with other contenders.

Cons:

1. Safety quotient can be further improved.

2. Engine is smaller when compared to the size of this sedan.