Maruti Suzuki launches 2018 Ciaz at Rs 819,000

After plenty of teasers, Maruti Suzuki India has finally launched the updated Ciaz midsize premium sedan for 2018. Aside from featuring exterior tweaks and more kit, the Ciaz facelift also debuts Suzuki’s new 1.5-litre petrol engine in India, which replaces the car’s outgoing 1.4-litre motor.

Like the earlier Ciaz, the refreshed model is available with a choice of petrol-manual, petrol-automatic and diesel-manual. The petrol-manual (Rs 819,000-997,000) and diesel-manual (Rs 919,000-10.97 lakh) are each available in 4 trims – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha – while the petrol-automatic (Rs 980,000-10.97 lakh) is available in the Delta, Zeta and Alpha trims. While prices of the petrol trims have risen, prices of diesel variants have dropped compared to the pre-facelift model.

The facelift is identifiable by a new grille design with chrome garnish on higher-spec trims, and LED headlamps and tail-lamps, new front and rear bumpers and 16-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec variant.

Equipment levels on the new Ciaz have also been enhanced with the update. While dual-front airbags and ABS remain standard across the range, a speed alert system, rear parking sensors and seat belt reminders for the driver and front passenger are also part of the package.

As mentioned before, the big highlight on the updated Ciaz is the new petrol engine. The older 92hp, 1.4-litre petrol engine has made way for a larger 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder motor with micro-hybrid tech. Gearbox options include a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. In this application, the motor makes 104hp and 138Nm of peak torque, with an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 21.56kpl for the manual version and 20.28kpl for the automatic. The Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel engine continues unchanged and makes the same 90hp and 200Nm of torque. This motor will be replaced down the road with a Suzuki-developed 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine that is currently under development.

The Ciaz facelift’s key rivals include the Honda City (Rs 877,000-13.88 lakh), the Hyundai Verna (Rs 790,000-12.86 lakh) and the Toyota Yaris (Rs 875,000-14.07 lakh). At this price point, the Ciaz continues to undercut rivals on price but only a proper comparison can tell if the facelifted Ciaz is the best of the midsize sedans to buy in India.

The Ciaz, which was launched in India in September 2014, has since sold a total of 220,710 units till end-July 2018.