About 5 years ago, demand for diesel cars was at an all-time high in India, owing to the Rs. 15 odd differential between petrol and diesel prices. Another reason was the higher fuel efficiency offered by diesel cars. Now, though, the price differential has fallen considerably - to about Rs. 6. And the scale seems to tipping in favour of petrol cars. And cars like the Ciaz petrol mild hybrid are making the case for petrol cars even stronger. For this car has been returning over 20km/l during my daily commutes, putting its fuel efficiency well beyond all other petrol cars and putting it firmly in diesel car territory.
In essence, then, considering the lower price of a petrol car, the Ciaz petrol will suit the needs of most people’s monthly running. Thereby, making the diesel option with a higher price tag and emissions, a bit unnecessary.
However, I must admit that I’ve been driving with a light foot. And the moment you step on it, the Ciaz’s petrol engine’s efficiency – like all petrol engines – drops considerably. Realistically, this car will return about 16km/l. This makes the Ciaz petrol still incredibly fuel efficient for a car of its size and definitely more fuel efficient than any of its rivals. Hats off to Maruti - this is a mild hybrid car that’s as efficient as a full-blown hybrid!
- LOGBOOK
When it came: October 2018
Current Odo reading: 7,039kms
Mileage this month: 1,007kms
Fuel efficiency: 20.4km/l
Faults: None
What’s good: Unbelievably efficient, high ride height
What’s not: Stiff suspension setup
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