Ever thought the diesel-powered Maruti Suzuki Ciaz could do with a bit more grunt? Well, it has received that bump in power, thanks to a new 1.5-litre diesel engine. It wears the DDiS 225 badge and if you are a car nutter, you’d know what that signifies. The new diesel engine puts out 95PS/225Nm, which is 5PS/25Nm more than the 1.3-litre DDiS 200 engine. The new engine comes mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission and, as per Maruti Suzuki, the setup is enough to return an ARAI certified mileage of 26.82kmpl. For the record, the smaller engine was good for 28.09kmpl.

Another noteworthy aspect of the new powertrain is that there is no mild-hybrid tech to boost fuel efficiency. If you take that into consideration, a minute drop in mileage figure is commendable. The Ciaz, which is also the segment leader, is still easily the most frugal amongst its rivals (petrol and diesel). The new powertrain is BS IV-compliant but it does pave the path for Maruti Suzuki to upgrade its diesel-powered range to BS VI standards before the deadline.

Are we forgetting about something? Ah yes, the prices! The newly introduced diesel-manual combination is available in three trims – Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The said trims are priced at Rs 9.97 lakh, Rs 11.08 lakh and Rs 11.37 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively. Compared to the older prices, the new diesel-fed Delta, Zeta and Alpha trims are Rs 17,000, Rs 46,000 and Rs 35,000 pricier. What about the Sigma trim? Well, the new powertrain is not available in that entry-level trim.

Even with the new, higher prices, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz remains the least expensive in its segment. Speaking of which, the Ciaz locks horns with the Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Rapid. Expect Maruti Suzuki to soon equip the S-Cross with the same 1.5-litre diesel engine and the new gearbox.