Maruti Suzuki launches Ciaz at Rs 6.99 lakh, ex-Delhi

Ever since it was first showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, we’ve waited to know how well Maruti Suzuki will price the Ciaz, their new upmarket sedan which replaces the SX4. All assumptions aside, Maruti Suzuki have launched the Ciaz today with prices starting at Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), The Ciaz comes with six petrol variants, and four diesel variants, with prices goes up to Rs 9.80 lakh for the top-spec diesel variant.

Petrol

VXI:Rs 6.99 lakh VXI+:Rs 7.55 lakh ZXI:Rs 8.24 lakh ZXI(O):Rs 8.59 lakh

Petrol automatic

VXI AT:Rs 8.65 lakh ZXI AT:Rs 9.34 lakh

Diesel

VDI:Rs 8.04 lakh VDI+:Rs 8.63 lakh ZDI:Rs 9.45 lakh ZDI(O):Rs 9.80 lakh

The Ciaz will be offered with two engine options- the 1.4-litre K14 petrol motor producing 91.2bhp and 130Nm, and the 1.3-litre DDiS engine that develops 88.8bhp and 200Nm. Both get five-speed manual transmissions but the petrol mill will also be offered with a four-speed automatic. The petrol engine pushes the car to sprint 0–100kmph in 11.7 seconds while the diesel is slightly faster and achieves the same in 11.3 seconds. The USP for the Ciaz is the 26.21kmpl fuel efficiency figure for diesel, which is not only just the best-in-class but also the best of any car sold in India. The petrol returns 20.73kmpl which is the best in the segment. Our Editor took the Ciaz for a spin. Here’s the TOD POV.

The SX4 replacement is all-new, with an overall length of 4490mm, width of 1730mm and a wheelbase of 2650mm, quite a bit more than the car it replaces. On the inside, the Ciaz does a great job of looking premium though part sharing lessens the appeal slightly. The steering wheel, power window switches, various switch gear, and the dashboards’ layout are shared with the Swift in the interest of keeping costs low. With the obvious part sharing out of the way, the Ciaz certainly offers that upmarket mid-size segment feel with large and generously bolstered seats and a spacious cabin thanks to the 2650mm long wheelbase.

As Maruti Suzuki is quite serious about its new mid-size offering, they have kitted the Ciaz with a while host of features like keyless entry, push-to-start, rearview mirror with a parking camera display, electric boot release, footwell lamps, rear sunshade, auto ORVMs, projector lamps, reading lights, leather upholstery, and a new SmartPlay infotainment system with steering mounted controls. The infotainment system comes with a touchscreen display and USB, AUX, SD card and Bluetooth connectivity. The system is also voice enabled so that navigation (for maps), your smartphone, and the system itself can be used hands-free.

It seems like the manufacturer has introduced quite a product as even before prices were annouced, they racked up over 10,000 bookings, 60 per cent of them for the diesel model. The brand doesn’t expect to sell many Ciaz automatics with a sales target of just 4 per cent of the total. For Rs 21,000, you can book Maruti’s latest sedan, with deliveries also starting today. A spokesperson has also revealed that the AMT (automated manual transmission) that features on the Celerio hatchback, will not make an appearance in this premium sedan.

Specification

Engine In-line, 4-cyl, 1373cc, petrol In-line, 4-cyl, 1248cc, turbo-dieaselTransmission 5-speed manual/ 4-speed automatic 5-speed manualPower 91.2bhp @ 6000rpm 88.8bnhp @ 4000rpmTorque 130Nm @ 4000rpm 200Nm @1750rpmKerb weight 1010 kg 1105 kg0–100kmph 11.7 seconds/NA 11.3 secondsTop speed NA NAFuel efficiency (claimed) 20.73 kmpl/19.12kmpl 26.21 kmpl