Words by Abhishek Wairagade
The residents of Delhi are in for good news today as the government has slashed the VAT from 24 per cent to 12.5 per cent on hybrid cars, under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP).
Several cars have benefitted under the new scheme, such as Maruti Suzuki Ciaz SHVS and Ertiga SHVS along with Toyota Camry Hybrid. Prices for the Ciaz have been dropped by upto Rs 69,000 while the Ertiga gets a cut of upto Rs 62,000. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is now cheaper by Rs 2.3 lakh. The base LDi variant of the Ciaz costs Rs 7.68 lakh while the top-end variant ZDi+ is priced at Rs 9.49 lakh. Ertiga’s LDi variant is now priced at Rs 7.08 lakh while the top-of-the-line ZDi+ variant costs Rs 8.66 lakh. While, The Toyota Camry Hybrid is now priced at Rs. 30.90 lakh.
Talking about the engine, both the Marutis are equipped with Fiat’s tried and tested 1.3-litre Multijet diesel that makes 89bhp and a torque of 200Nm. The cars are also equipped with Maruti’s SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle) technology that recoups energy by disconnecting the alternator during acceleration and engages the alternator only while braking to charge the additional set of batteries. The cars also get an automatic idle start/stop function. Ertiga has a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 24.52kmpl while the Ciaz does it even better at 28.02kmpl.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine that churns out 158bhp and 213Nm of torque, mated to an electric power unit. The luxury saloon has a claimed fuel-efficiency figure of 19.16kmpl.
Another bonus for the hybrid car owners is that the odd-even rule does not apply to them. So in all, a win-win situation for everybody.