Maruti Suzuki Ciaz SHVS - The most fuel efficient premium sedan in India

SHVS stands for Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki.

The implementation of Suzuki’s SHVS system in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has made the car more fuel efficient than the earlier model. The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz SHVS is available only in the diesel engine model of the car. The new Ciaz diesel mild hybrid has an ARAI rated figure of 28.09 km/l.  This makes the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz diesel the most fuel efficient car in India.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is a mild hybrid system having a:

Regenerative braking

Suzuki’s new SHVS system works on the principle of regenerative braking. The regenerative braking system is an advanced braking system that is used along with the conventional braking system in hybrid vehicles. The conventional braking causes friction between brake pads and disc. It converts vehicle's kinetic energy into heat, which goes wasted. However, the regenerative system recovers some of the waste energy and puts it to use again. The system converts this waste energy into electricity. The electricity, saved charges the battery of the vehicle

. The system consists of an electric motor with dual function. It works as a motor, in one direction and also as a generator, in the opposite direction. While braking the motor runs in the opposite direction and becomes an electric generator. The Ciaz comes with a bigger lead acid battery in the SHVS model.

Integrated Starter Generator

Also referred as an ISG, Integrated Starter Generator allows the hybrid vehicle’s engine to instantly and quietly restart after the idle stop, when the engine shuts down to save fuel and emissions. Like an alternator, the ISG produces electric power when the vehicle is running, which is used to supply electric devices and/or to charge the battery. The ISG can help to decelerate the vehicle by generating electric power, which is called regenerative braking. The electric power generated charges the battery, reducing fuel consumption. If a clutch disconnects the ISG and the compressor from the engine during the idle stop, the ISG can drive the air-conditioning compressor via a belt. And since the ISG motor aids the Ciaz mild hybrid in acceleration with electricity, the engine does not have to rev as much when the car accelerates thereby saving fuel.

Idle Start/Stop

Maruti proves to be the best when it comes to squeezing out mileage from its cars and this technology takes it a step forward. The Maruti Ciaz mild hybrid also comes with idle start/stop technology that shuts off the engine when the car comes to a halt in order to save fuel in stop/start traffic conditions.  The high capacity battery supplies power to the ISG which is connected to the engine via belt (for smooth operation). The engine has a start-stop feature which automatically turns it off when you come to a stop, put the car in neutral and take your foot off the clutch. The engine restarts as soon as you press the clutch.

Power Assist

The Ciaz is fitted with high capacity batteries providing power to the ISG which in turn boosts the engine performance, taking load off the diesel motor at the time of acceleration. This results in better power delivery and less fuel consumption.

Gear Shift Indicator

Like all shift indicators this works the same way, informing the driver to shift at the optimum speed and revs to get better fuel economy.