UPDATE: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 diesel price, variants explained

After a long gestation period, Maruti Suzuki is finally ready with its in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel engine. The updated Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is the first model to feature the new engine that’s been called DDiS 225 to signify its peak torque output. The turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine makes 95hp at 4,000rpm and 225Nm of peak torque at 1,500-2,500rpm, which marks a 5hp and 25Nm jump over the outgoing 1.3-litre engine. With an ARAI rated fuel economy of 26.82kpl, the Maruti Ciaz diesel holds on to the crown of most efficient diesel-manual mid-size sedan, even if economy has gone down by 1.27kpl vis-à-vis the existing 1.3 engine. While the engine is an all-aluminium unit, Maruti says refinement has been given due importance. Optimised compression ratios are said to have reduced engine fluctuations while a dual-mass flywheel has also been incorporated. Also new to the Ciaz diesel is Suzuki’s new 6-speed manual gearbox.

While this new engine is BS-VI-ready, for now, it is BS-IV-compliant and will be upgraded to meet the more stringent norms at a later date.

The updated Maruti Ciaz diesel’s prices start at Rs 9.97 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base Delta variant and go up to Rs 11.37 lakh for the top-spec Ciaz Alpha. Spec-to-spec, prices have risen by about Rs 17,000 for the lower-spec Delta trim and by about Rs 35,000 for the top-spec Alpha variant, compared to the outgoing 1.3-litre diesel-equipped model. A point to note: the previously offered base Sigma variant is not available with the Ciaz 1.5 diesel.

Click here to see how the new Ciaz diesel compares to its rivals.

Interestingly, the new Maruti Suzuki Ciaz diesel misses out on the mild-hybrid setup of the old model. The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz petrol carries on with its dual-battery hybrid setup.

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is the best-selling mid-sized sedan at the moment. The arrival of the new diesel engine addresses one of the big chinks in its armour – the outdated diesel engine.

Click here for Maruti Suzuki models, prices, reviews, images, videos and more