Why Maruti Ciaz and Ertiga are hottest selling cars in India

The central govt’s FAME subsidy and Delhi govt. reduced tax structure are the primary driving factors behind good response for SHVS variants of the Ciaz and Ertiga.

The Maruti Ciaz and Ertiga SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) diesel variants which were launched a few months ago have gained good response from the customers. With the potential for mild hybrid technology in India increasing, the car maker could be planning to introduce the same in more of its diesel models.

The Hindu BusinessLine reports that, in the past 4-5 months, over 40,000 SHVS diesel variants of the Ciaz and Ertiga have already hit the road. The Ciaz and Ertiga have a monthly sales average of around 5,000 and 6,000 units respectively of which more than 50% is accounted for by the mild hybrid variants. It’s to be noted that sales of regular diesel variants of the Ciaz and Ertiga were halted to make way for diesel SHVS.

The SHVS comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), heavy duty battery, brake energy regeneration and idle start-stop. The ISG is capable of providing torque assistance to the 90 PS 1.3-litre diesel engine under acceleration. It also generates electricity from the lost kinetic energy during deceleration. The technology offers noticeable improvement in fuel economy.

Incentives like central government’s FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of hybrid and Electric vehicles) subsidy and Delhi government’s reduced tax of 5% (from 12.5%) for electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to boost the sales of Maruti’s SHVS models.

This article has first appeared in Rushlane.com