Three years after the Suzuki Ciaz was introduced in
India, the handsome sedan has been given a facelift, bringing with it a
thoroughly revised look and a new mild petrol-electric hybrid powertrain
option. The 1.5 litre Smart Hybrid replaces the 1.4 litre petrol model, and
utilises a new K15 four-cylinder engine making 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm
of torque at 4,400 rpm. Those figures are up by 13% and 6% respectively over
the old K14 mill. Paired to the new engine is Suzuki’s next-generation Smart
Hybrid system, now equipped with a compact lithium-ion battery.
The system provides automatic engine start/stop,
brake energy recuperation and a torque boost under acceleration, and helps
deliver a fuel consumption figure 21.56 km per litre with a five-speed manual
gearbox; a four-speed automatic is also offered. The existing 88 hp/200 Nm 1.3
litre DDiS Smart Hybrid diesel remains, making the Ciaz lineup a hybrid-only
affair.
On the outside, the front fascia has been redesigned
with new LED projector headlights and daytime running lights joined together by
a wider grille, while the chrome-trimmed air intakes have become more assertive
and are fitted with LED fog lights. At the rear, there are LED tail lights and
some more chrome trim, and the whole thing is finished off with new 16-inch
two-tone alloy wheels.
Inside, you’ll find new matte blonde birch wood
effect trim set off with satin chrome accents, plus a 4.2 inch colour
multi-info LCD display and eco illumination in the instrument cluster which
dynamically changes colour depending on the driving pattern, likely similar to
what you’d find on a Honda City and Jazz.
The facelift also introduces a number of new
features, including cruise control and automatic headlights with self levelling.
In terms of safety, dual airbags and ABS with EBD have now been made standard,
while stability control and hill start assist are offered on models with an
automatic transmission.
