Maruti Ciaz 2014-2017 VDi Plus

Ciaz 2014-2017 VDi Plus Review

MSIL has officially rolled out its latest sedan Maruti Ciaz in the country's automobile market. It is introduced in four diesel and petrol variants for the buyers to choose from. Among those, the Maruti Ciaz VDI Plus is the mid range diesel trim. This variant is equipped with a refined 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill that can produce a maximum power of 88.5bhp along with a commanding torque output of 200Nm. On the other hand, it is incorporated with several styling aspects like projector headlamps, black B pillars and trendy taillight cluster. It has an aerodynamic body structure, which makes it look eye-catching. The main highlight of this sedan is its roomy internal cabin that has exceptional leg space. Its internal cabin has a plush design with dual tone color scheme and it is furnished with well cushioned seats, which can host at least five passengers. Although, it is the mid range variant, it is being offered with features like an automatic AC unit, music system, multi-functional steering wheel and driver's seat height adjuster. As far as its safety are concerned, this mid level trim is incorporated with aspects like anti-theft security system, driver airbag and anti lock braking system. The car maker has placed this sedan against the likes of Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea, Honda City and Ford Fiesta in the indian automobile market. .

Exteriors:

This latest sedan has a sleek body structure that is fitted with several attractive cosmetics. To begin the front front, it has a wide radiator grille with chrome plated slats that are embedded with company's logo. It is surrounded by a radiant headlight cluster featuring halogen based projector headlamps and turn indicators. Its bonnet is quite expressive with two character lines and it is accompanied by a pair of wipers and washers. The front bumper has a sporty look as it is integrated with a spoiler . It also has a wide air dam along with a pair of fog lamps. This sedan has an attractive side profile with body colored door handles and ORVM caps. Its B pillars are in glossy black while the waistline molding is treated with chrome. The car maker is offering this trim with a set of stylish 15-inch steel wheels that are covered with tubeless radial tyres. Coming to the rear, its taillight cluster is wide and it is equipped with high intensity brake light along with turn indicator. The boot is quite expressive as it is neatly decorated with a lot of chrome inserts. Its rear bumper too has a sporty look owing to its reflector console that has black finish. The car maker is offering this sedan in seven attractive exterior paint options including Glistening Grey, Snow White, Dignity Brown, Sangria Red, Silky Silver, Midnight Black and Clear Beige. It has a total length of 4490mm and an overall width of 1730mm. Its height measures about 1485mm whereas the ground clearance at 170mm. However, this vehicle has a total wheelbase of 2650mm, which is longer than any other sedan in its segment.

Interiors:

This Maruti Ciaz VDi Plus trim has a spacious interior cabin, which is done up in a dual tone color scheme. In addition to this, there are a lot of chrome inserts given on AC vents, door handles, steering wheel and on parking lever tip. Its cabin is furnished with well cushioned seats wherein its driver's seat has height adjustment facility . Its dashboard has a sophisticated instrument cluster featuring 7-step illumination control and a digital information display. It provides informatics like fuel consumption, vehicle's speed, outside temperature, trip meter and a tachometer. There are several utility based features given inside like dual front sun visors, two accessory power sockets, rear center armrest with two cup holders and storage spaces.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is powered by a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine that has common rail fuel injection supply system . It is based on double overhead camshaft valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves that displaces 1248cc. It can belt out a commanding power of 88.5bhp at 4000rpm along with a peak torque output of 200Nm at just 1750rpm. This power plant is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, which allows the front wheels to derive torque output. The car maker claims that the vehicle can deliver a maximum mileage of 26.21 Kmpl, which is the best in its class.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer has given this variant an advanced braking mechanism. It is further assisted by anti lock braking, which prevents the vehicle from wheel locking. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, while rear gets a set of conventional drum brakes. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, while the rear axle is equipped with a torsion beam type of mechanism. It is blessed with a rack and pinion based power steering system, which is tilt adjustable and makes handling quite convenient. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters.

Comfort Features:

Being the mid range variant, it is incorporated with an automatic air conditioning unit along with rear AC vents. It also has dust and pollen filter, which keeps the cabin pleasant. Its steering wheel is integrated with audio and call control buttons for convenience of the driver. This variant has an integrated proficient music system with 4- speakers and 2-tweeters. It also has CD/MP3 player along with USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition to these, it also has aspects like four power windows with driver side auto down function, sun visors with vanity mirror, power steering with tilt adjustment, electrically adjustable ORVMs, height adjustable driver seat, reverse parking sensors and headlamp leveling device.

Safety Features:

The automaker has added some crucial protective features that ensures security of not only its passengers, but the vehicle as well. It has a STECT (Suzuki Total Effective Control Technology) body structure with effective use of high tensile strength steel, which provides maximum protection in case of an impact. The engine immobilizer functions by avoiding unauthorized entry and protects the vehicle . This Maruti Ciaz VDi Plus trim further includes anti-lock braking system, front fog lamps, rear defogger, driver airbag, anti-theft security system, dual horn and seat belt reminder as well that adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Interior design is quite appealing.

2. Suspension system is proficient.

Cons:

1. Engine vibration and harshness can be reduced.

2. Lack of touchscreen infotainment is a disadvantage.