Maruti Ciaz 1.5 Diesel Review
Car Tested: Maruti Ciaz 1.5 Diesel; Road Test No. 1122; Test Location: Mumbai
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 11.70 – 13.56 lakhs
The Maruti Ciaz finally gets the diesel engine it deserves which delivers excellent fuel economy and driveability
The Ciaz has been a hit seller for Maruti. The affordability quotient, great fuel economy, and superb comfort has made the Ciaz the top choice in the segment. However, the chink in the armour was the car’s proven but old diesel engine that couldn’t match the rivals in terms of modernity. The Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel is extremely efficient and performs well but it is showing its age. Besides, the company has exited from the Indian market and the old engine cannot be upgraded to the upcoming BS6 norms. Maruti had predicted this and was busy in developing a new 1.5-litre diesel engine. The new engine has come at a time when diesel engines are losing the grip on the market. Can the new in-house developed engine be good enough for Maruti to make a comeback in the diesel game? We find out.
Motor Quest: Maruti has extensively depended on Fiat’s MultiJet diesel engine to power its cars. Maruti extensively localised this engine, giving it the advantage of lower costs. The engine’s decent performance, good reliability record, and stellar fuel economy made it a household powerplant with other brands like Tata and GM having relied on it at some point. But it seems that all good things must end. Fiat plugged out of the Indian market this year and the MultiJet is following the same route. The old diesel engine cannot be upgraded to the stringent BS6 norms due to feasibility reasons. For a few years now, Maruti has been developing the 1.5-litre diesel engine. It is not the first attempt for the company as it has made the 800cc diesel for the Celerio. The new engine promises to be refined and economical.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48422377287/[/flickr]
The Ciaz’s subtle and elegant styling has aged well
Exteriors – Nothing has been changed on the outside. The Ciaz is a smart-looking sedan with nice details like the premium looking alloy wheels and handsome headlights. The length of the car makes a strong impression, sometimes giving you the feeling, of it being more than what it actually is. We like the simplicity of the design which seems to have aged rather well.
