Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1.5L Diesel Launched, Priced From Rs. 9.97 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki introduces the in-house developed new 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel engine in Ciaz, only in top 3 variants

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has managed to sustain the momentum in the C-segment for sedans last year with the facelifted Ciaz that went on sale in August 2018. Cumulatively, the Indo-Japanese manufacturer has been able to achieve more than 50,000 unit sales of the Ciaz in 2018 and it finished on top of its segment comfortably against Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

The biggest update in the facelifted Ciaz was the inclusion of the new and more powerful 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder petrol engine with SHVS technology. However, Maruti Suzuki elected to stick with the 1.3-litre diesel mill for time being. With new emission regulations not too far away and the need to eliminate older diesel engines is on a high, Maruti Suzuki has launched the Ciaz with an in-house developed new 1.5-litre engine in India today.

It is more powerful and torquier than the outgoing diesel motor. Dubbed DDiS 225, we were the first to reveal exclusive information regarding the engine back in January 2019. It is good enough to kick out a maximum power of 95 PS power at 4,000 rpm and 225 Nm of peak torque delivered between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.

Moreover, it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a claimed fuel economy of 26.82 kmpl. The second generation Ertiga launched in November 2018 is expected to receive the same engine in the meantime. The DDiS 225 does not offer mild hybrid start/stop technology as the outgoing powertrain resulting in lesser frugality on paper.

It has a robust and lighter construction and is BSVI ready. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki has worked technically to bring down the NVH levels and it will contribute to a quieter cabin. It also comes equipped with a smoother gear shifter than the long-serving five-speed manual gearbox and has dual mass flywheel for reduced vibrations.

The reverse gearing has been relocated with a lift lock. The new 1.5-litre diesel unit is launched only in Delta, Zeta and top-spec Alpha variants while the 1.3-litre SHVS mill will continue in its place probably until BSVI emission norms kick in and will also be sold in entry-level variants.