With sales failing to increase, Maruti Suzuki India Limited is on an offensive mode. They have already launched two new cars – new generation WagonR hatchback and Baleno facelift last month. This month, they are gearing up to launch two more cars – Ciaz 225 DDiS diesel and updated 2019 Ignis.
Speaking about the former, it is the same Ciaz which is currently on offer, but with a new heart. Updated 2019 Ciaz diesel option will come with a new engine, which is more refined and powerful than current Ciaz. This variant has been termed as Maruti Ciaz 225 DDiS.
Bookings have opened for the Maruti Ciaz 225 DDiS diesel at Nexa showrooms at a down payment of Rs.10,000. Launch of a new diesel variant, could also be the reason behind Ciaz sales declining last month. This E15A 1.5 liter diesel engine is developed in-house. Unlike the current 1.3 liter diesel engine, which powers the Ciaz, this new engine is BSVI ready. Though, it will be initially offered in BS4 compliant version, and will only be offered in BS6 from 1st April 2020.
This is due to the fact that installing a BS6 engine on the Ciaz would involve costly hardware which would make it necessary to price the Ciaz higher than rivals which would affect sales. BS6 compliant diesel engine involves additional costs and makes them more expensive by up to Rs.1.5 lakhs over their BS4 counterparts.
Maruti Ciaz 225 DDiS diesel engine is capable of 94 bhp power at 4,000 rpm and 225 Nm torque at 1,500-2,500 rpm. It offers fuel efficiency of 26.82 kmpl and comes in with Variable Geometry Turbocharger. This will enhance drivability and reduce turbo lag to as good as non-existent. Unlike the petrol engine and the current diesel engine that see the use of double battery Li-ion and single battery mild hybrid system respectively, this new 1.5 liter diesel engine will not receive SHVS mild hybrid technology. It will come with new 6 speed manual transmission. No automatic diesel Ciaz.
Maruti Ciaz is currently sold in four variants of Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. All diesel options are powered by a D14A 1.3 liter diesel engine, while petrol options get K15B 1.5 liter engine. Initially, Maruti Ciaz 225 DDiS diesel will be offered exclusively on the Delta, Zeta and Alpha trims while the Sigma will continue to be powered by the 1.3-litre unit. The current 1.3 liter diesel engine will be phased out by Dec 2019.
