Recent reports suggest that as promised, Maruti Suzuki will launch the C-segment Ciaz sedan in the country in September during the festive season. First showcased as a concept at the 2014 Auto Expo in February this year, the Ciaz will be replacing the SX4 in Maruti’s product portfolio and will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options under the hood. A major departure from the SX4, Maruti states that the Ciaz has been designed to offer best in class comfort and is expected to offer better interior space than its rivals in the segment.
The Maruti Ciaz sedan will resemble closely to the concept, albeit with varied changes to make the model production ready. A lower ride height and longer wheelbase surely add a premium touch to the sedan. The Ciaz will come with a host of features on par with competition including start-stop function, automatic climate control, projector headlamps, rear air-con vents, multi-function steering wheel, 16-spoke alloy wheels and much more. In terms of safety, expect the higher variants to get rear parking sensors, dual front airbags, ABS and EBD offered as standard.
The Ciaz will also be sharing several components with other vehicles from Maruti’s lineup including the Ertiga and Swift hatchback. We also expect to see an improved infotainment system to be offered on the Ciaz. Compared to the SX4, the Ciaz is expected to offer superior levels of fit and finish, while the automaker has strived hard to make the rear seat experience more enjoyable. Measuring at 4545 mm in length, the Ciaz is the second longest sedan in the segment and is longer than its biggest rivals, the Honda City and Hyundai Verna.
Powering the Maruti Ciaz will be the 1.4-litre K-Series petrol motor producing 95 PS of power and 130 Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel motor that produces 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque has been carried over from the SX4. Both the engines will be paired to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the petrol variant will also get a CVT automatic gearbox. Competing in one of the most popular segments in the country, the Ciaz is here to dethrone the reigning leadership of the Honda City that currently averages around 7000 units per month.
Although a specific date for the Ciaz has not been announced yet, Maruti dealers suggest that the C-segment sedan will be launched in September, while pre-bookings will commence in early August. Prices for the sedan are expected to commence at Rs. 7.50 lakhs for the base petrol version, going up to Rs. 11 lakhs for the top-end diesel variant (all prices ex-showroom) and could be available in around 8 variants spread across 2 engine options. We expect Maruti Suzuki to send an official confirmation of the launch date soon.
Source – Zigwheels.com