Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki is reportedly developing the most fuel efficient vehicle ever produced in the subcontinent.
According to reporting by Economic Times India, the next update of the company’s popular Ciaz vehicle will feature a fuel economy of over 28km/L.
Maruti Suzuki, which is a subsidiary of Japanese automaker Suzuki, has so far refused to comment on these reports, however the Economic Times is basing their information on company insiders.
Reportedly the new Ciaz will feature a so-called mild-hybrid motor, which will be paired with a 1.3L diesel engine.
This hybrid motor, called a Suzuki Hybrid Vehicle System (SHVS) provides engine power assistance using the motor and achieves efficient power regeneration, through a braking system which feeds energy into a number of lithium-ion batteries.
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz itself is a 4 door sedan manufactured in India and China, first released in 2014.
Maruti Suzuki has not given any statement on the updated vehicle, however according to Economic Times, a company spokesperson remarked:
“Improving fuel efficiency is a continuous process at Maruti Suzuki. Adopting new technologies is one of the several initiatives the company has taken to increase fuel efficiency.”
The car will reportedly be released in September this year, and is expected to take advantage of government subsidies for fuel efficient vehicles to reduce its overall price.
Indian car pollution concerns
The release of this vehicle comes at a time when fuel economy is more important than ever in India.
Air pollution has become a serious concern within the country, with several Indian cities now having air pollution levels similar to notorious Chinese metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai.
The Indian government has taken measures in recent months to curb this, including setting targets for renewable power and CO2 emissions that will be helped greatly by more fuel efficient vehicles like the new Ciaz.
