In Cars, International News, Suzuki / By Jonathan Lee / 21 August 2018 12:47 pm / 22 comments

Three years after the Suzuki Ciaz was introduced in India, the handsome sedan has been given a facelift, bringing with it a thoroughly revised look and a new mild petrol-electric hybrid powertrain option.

The 1.5 litre Smart Hybrid replaces the 1.4 litre petrol model, and utilises a new K15 four-cylinder engine making 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. Those figures are up by 13% and 6% respectively over the old K14 mill. Paired to the new engine is Suzuki’s next-generation Smart Hybrid system, now equipped with a compact lithium-ion battery.

The system provides automatic engine start/stop, brake energy recuperation and a torque boost under acceleration, and helps deliver a fuel consumption figure 21.56 km per litre with a five-speed manual gearbox; a four-speed automatic is also offered. The existing 88 hp/200 Nm 1.3 litre DDiS Smart Hybrid diesel remains, making the Ciaz lineup a hybrid-only affair.

On the outside, the front fascia has been redesigned with new LED projector headlights and daytime running lights joined together by a wider grille, while the chrome-trimmed air intakes have become more assertive and are fitted with LED fog lights. At the rear, there are LED tail lights and some more chrome trim, and the whole thing is finished off with new 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

Inside, you’ll find new matte blonde birch wood effect trim set off with satin chrome accents, plus a 4.2 inch colour multi-info LCD display and eco illumination in the instrument cluster which dynamically changes colour depending on the driving pattern, likely similar to what you’d find on a Honda City and Jazz.

The facelift also introduces a number of new features, including cruise control and automatic headlights with self levelling. In terms of safety, dual airbags and ABS with EBD have now been made standard, while stability control and hill start assist are offered on models with an automatic transmission.