Maruti is preparing the Ciaz diesel with the SHVS mild hybrid system. The hybrid Ciaz diesel will be badged Ciaz SHVS (SHVS stands for Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki). The hybrid sedan is expected to be launched sometime this month.

The mild hybrid technology-equipped Ciaz is expected to feature the existing tried and tested 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine but with the addition of an integrated starter generator, start-stop technology and a larger battery capacity. As mentioned by us in an earlier story, the SHVS system uses an integrated starter generator that reduces the load on the engine and starter motor by charging the battery while braking or coasting. The system also doubles up as the starter motor when utilising the start-stop technology to restart the engine. The driver will also be able to deactivate the system using a button mounted on the centre console.

The Ciaz SHVS will cost Rs 30,000 more than the non-hybrid diesel Ciaz. It will be the first sedan in this segment to feature hybrid technology, in India. Furthermore, like the recently launched Maruti S Cross, Maruti is likely to offer ABS, EBD and driver airbag as standard across all variants of the Ciaz.