[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/31818133124/[/flickr]
Once you get past the turbo lag, acceleration is punchy
Turbo lag is annoying but fuel efficiency is impressive, SHVS system is a charm
Once the turbo starts spooling around the 2000 RPM mark, the engine has a strong pull all the way to 4000 RPM and the Ciaz accelerates quickly in this RPM range. The SHVS system is a good feature to have and it switches off the engine whenever you bring the car to a halt and shift to neutral. However, it switches the engine on again in a minute or two. You can switch off this start-stop function using a switch on the console. I must say that the start-stop process is very smooth and quick and hardly takes a second. The green SHVS light comes on when you are coasting or braking. It even comes on when you have depressed the accelerator pedal very lightly at the right RPMs. The Ciaz is a very efficient car for its size but fuel efficiency is largely dependant on the weight of your right foot. I managed to extract 16-17 km/l in the city easily with sedate driving while the worst I got was 12.5 km/l when I gave it the beans throughout the day.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/31848713983/[/flickr]
15-inch spare wheel is mounted on a steel rim
The Ciaz is an absolutely comfortable car with the suspension doing a splendid job on our roads which are nothing less of a joke. The ride feels very plush and the car filters out the bumps and sharp edges in a very nice way. The tyres are decent enough for daily usage but I found the grip to be a bit lacking under hard driving. The steering offers rich feedback but lacks in feel. It doesn’t even self-centre and feels completely dead. Handling is just neutral and the Ciaz is meant for comfortable cruising. In the last couple of days with the car, the front left tyre seemed to be punctured and hence I put the spare wheel, which turned out to be a 15-inch tyre on a steel rim. The spare wheel can be used for speeds up to 120 km/hr but handling dynamics do get affected with it.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/31848713943/[/flickr]
Do we need to mention anything about Maruti’s stellar service network?
Maruti Ciaz Service Costs
1. Service Schedule – 10,000 kms and 1 year (whichever is earlier)
2. Cost of Spares –
* Engine Oil Per Service – Rs. 2000/- (3.2-litres) (D)
* Brake Oil – Rs. 310/- (500 ml) (D)
* Oil Filter – Rs. 375/- (D)
* Fuel Filter – Rs. 1350/- (D)
* Brake Pads (Front) – Rs. 2000/- (est.)
* Front Bumper (without painting) – Rs. 2690/-
* Rear Bumper (without painting) – Rs. 5149/- (est.)
* Headlamp Assembly (Each) – Rs. 4149/- (est.)
* Tail Lamp Assembly (Each) – Rs. 1425/- (est.)
