Maruti Suzuki to use SHVS technology in other cars

Earlier this week, Maruti Suzuki replaced the Ciaz diesel with the Ciaz SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle from Suzuki) in India. The company is expected to carry over the technology to other vehicles in its line-up in the future, in an attempt to make them more fuel-efficient. Among the cars that are likely to get the SHVS technology are the Dzire compact sedan and the Ertiga MPV.

The Dzire could also get an automated manual transmission (AMT), which is likely to make easier to drive in the traffic and more frugal. Maruti has been testing an AMT-equipped Dzire (click here to read report). While the Dzire is one of the largest-selling models from Maruti, the SHVS and AMT combination is likely to make the car even more appealing.

Maruti has also been testing a facelifted version of the Ertiga. Last month, the car was revealed in Indonesia. It is expected to be launched in India during the festive season (click here to read report). The Ertiga sells in good numbers in India and the SHVS system could help it increase its market share.

The Ciaz SHVS uses the same 1.3-litre, 89 BHP diesel engine as the regular Ciaz diesel. It is also equipped with the SHVS technology, which has an idle stop start feature and a brake energy regeneration function. The car is more fuel efficient that the regular Ciaz diesel and as it enjoys the benefits of the government's FAME scheme, Maruti has been able to price it lower as well.

Like the Ciaz SHVS, the Dzire SHVS and Ertiga SHVS can be expected to be priced lower than the regular diesel variants.

Source: Autocar India