Maruti Ciaz to Launch in September, Pre-Bookings to Start Soon

Maruti Suzuki is expected to discontinue the SX4 sedan by late 2014 and will replace it with a new executive car called the Ciaz. The Maruti Ciaz is expected to launch in the festive season of September in both petrol and diesel variants. Dealers of Maruti-Suzuki will start the pre-launch bookings for the Ciaz in early August.

The Ciaz is based on the Suzuki Authentics concept that debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show in April and then shown in production form as the China spec Alivio sedan. The new car gets an aggressive front fascia, with trapezoidal front grille. It has ample amount of chrome with the headlamps being angular and stretched out.

The Ciaz will replace SX4 while keeping its strengths

The petrol Ciaz would be powered by the 1.4-liter K-Series four-cylinder engine making about 95 PS (93.6 bhp) and 130 Nm of torque, while the diesel will make use of the Fiat-sourced 1.3-liter Multijet engine producing 90 PS (88.73 bhp) and 200 Nm of torque. The petrol would be offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT, and the diesel will come with a manual only.

The Ciaz’s interiors are expected to be similar to that of the Ertiga with the all-beige treatment. The drop trims and other inserts will be premium as they will slot it in the segment above the Ertiga. The SX4 has always been a spacious car and the same will be the case with this.

The features on the new car will include a factory-fitted music system with Bluetooth and multimedia functions. The AC with climate control will feature on the mid and top-end variants along with rear vents. Steering mounted audio control, cooled glove box, door pockets at the back are few other features that will be available with this new car.

Taking on the likes of the new Honda City and Hyundai Verna, the Ciaz is expected to offer a better rear seat experience than its predecessor, the SX4. The expected length of 4,545 mm is longer than that of the new City and Verna, two of its biggest rivals.

The new Maruti is expected to be feature packed with top-end variants receiving projector headlights, 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, engine starter button, multifunction steering wheel, automatic AC, rear AC vents, ABS, EBD and dual airbags.

By Varun Arora