Maruti Suzuki Ciaz : Know it better!

Maruti Suzuki is again knocking the doors of the sedan arena with its much anticipated soon-to-be-launched warrior- Ciaz. Pitched as a replacement for the not-so-successful SX4, Ciaz is another attempt from the manufacturer in the pricier car segment, which has never been its forte. Contrary to its bulls eye track record in the affordable and small car segment, Maruti had literally starved for buyers in the luxury and bigger car segment, possibly because of its 'carmaker for masses,' image. With flagship cars like still-strong-going Alto and Swift series in the small segment, MSI had also delivered products like Grand Vitara and Kizashi, where the sales never even kissed the three-digit mark. Recently, Ciaz's close-to-production version 'Alivio' saw day's light for the very first time at the Beijing Motor Show. Though, what we will be getting on our roads is surely going to be a de-rated version, but up to what extent, for that will have to wait for its launch in the festive season.

Taking its design cues from last year's Shanghai Motor Show unveiled 'Suzuki Authentics Concept,' Ciaz surely looks premium, as compared to what Maruti currently offers in the form of SX4. Right from its launch, SX4 was promoted as a bold and aggressive product, where as the segment demanded a premium touch. But with Ciaz, MSI has tried to fulfill that slot and kept its design on the more elegant and contemporary side. Sharp character lines, wide chrome grille and large wraparound headlights, all-over the Ciaz represents Suzuki's new design language. On the inside, Ciaz will be much better equipped and will posses more space than the on-going SX4. While SX4 was more of a driver's oriented car, Ciaz focuses more on the comfort of rear occupants. The manufacturer has now employed slightly softer springs for a better and more cushioned seating and has also enhanced the over-all traveling experience.

A wide range of engines and state of tune are being tested on the Ciaz, as the manufacturer is projecting it as a global product. So engine options may vary in different markets, but in India we will be getting it in both petrol and diesel avtaars. Petrol varinats are most likely to be powered by the Ertiga's 94bhp-1.4-litre K-series petrol, while the oil-burners will continue using the tried-tested 90bhp-1.3-litre multijet diesel unit, sourced from Fiat. Both the engines will be mated with a common 5-speed manual gearbox, with an autobox offering on the top-end petrol trim.

Considering all the bells and whistles that Ciaz carries with it, this could be game changer for India's largest car maker in the mid-size three box car segment. At the same time, pricing will be a crucial factor in deciding its fate as premium pricing ploy might not work, given Maruti Suzuki’s current image of 'mass' manufacturer. And it also won't be easy to let buyers of that segment to think beyond the Honda City and Hyundai Verna.