In what certainly seems impressive, Maruti’s entry to the premium range has been well received with the C-segment Ciaz sedan garnering 3000 bookings within just three days of opening books. In addition, sources close to the company stated that over 10,000-20,000 enquiries have been made for the car ahead of the launch, scheduled in the first week of October. With promotions commenced in full swing, the Ciaz can be booked at a nominal amount of Rs. 21,000/- across dealerships in the country.
However, the pre-launch bookings do not confirm the success or failure of a product. While Maruti has been able to build the hype around its latest product leading to quick bookings, experts suggest that the Ciaz will have to do a business of 2000 units or more on a month-on-month basis for a profitable sustenance in the automaker’s portfolio. While the number may not seem huge for Maruti’s other products, its premium range hasn’t been well accepted by the masses. In comparison, segment leader Honda City has been managing 5000-7000 units every month, ever since the fourth generation model was launched in January this year.
Nonetheless, Maruti Suzuki has a few tricks up its sleeve that will ensure the numbers keep coming, in the long run as well. With emphasis on rear seat comfort, the Ciaz is expected to offer best in class legroom at the front and rear. Maruti will be using the 1.4-litre K-Series petrol unit paired to 5-speed manual and automatic transmission options; while the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine will come only with a manual gearbox. The automaker also stated that the Ciaz is the country’s most fuel efficient vehicle achieving an ARAI certified mileage of 26.21 km/l on the diesel (0.21 km/l more than the City diesel).
Replacing the SX4 in Maruti’s lineup, the Ciaz will be instrumental in changing the company’s hatchback only image and will help make a name in the premium end of the market. The automaker has pumped Rs. 620 crores in the development of the sedan that will be sold in India as well as China (christened as the Alivio). Prices are expected to be competitive in the range of Rs. 7.5 lakhs going up to Rs. 11 lakhs for the top-end diesel variant.
