Not wanting to be disheartened by poor performance in segments outside the B-Size, Maruti is planning a comeback in the mid-size sedan category with the Maruti Ciaz this festival season. Here are 5 things we know about Maruti's upcoming Honda City rival.
1. Design inspiration from the Chinese Suzuki Authentics concept
The Ciaz takes styling inspiration from the Suzuki Authentics concept that was shown at the Shanghai Motor Show last year. The concept was shown in India at the Auto Expo this year as the 'Concept Ciaz', and it materialized into the near-production Alivio sedan at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.
2. Petrol and Diesel engines
The Ciaz will be offered with petrol and diesel engines. The petrol motor is likely to be the 1.4-liter K-Series engine from the Ertiga, while the diesel would be the 1.3-liter Fiat-sourced Multijet engine. The petrol Ciaz could get the option of a CVT.
3. Extensive features list
To match up to the competition, the Ciaz will be loaded with the necessary bells and whistles a buyer in this segment expects. Some of the features are projector headlights, 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheel, engine starter button, rear AC vent, climate control, ABS, EBD and at least two airbags.
4. Focus on the rear seat
Maruti understands that buyers in this segment ache to be chauffeur driven, and the Ciaz will be a Maruti with a clear focus on the rear seat. The car is expected to measure 4,545 mm in length, making it longer than the new Honda City. Maruti engineers are believed to have tuned the sedan for a comfortable ride.
5. Festive season launch
Maruti will launch the car during the festive season this year. The launch is likely to take place in August or September.
The Ciaz won't be the only new mid-sizer in its segment, as VW and Hyundai are planning to introduce refreshed versions of the Vento and Verna by the year end. A prospective mid-size sedan buyer would do good to wait for sometime before zeroing-in on his next car.
Competitors: Honda City, VW Vento, Hyundai Verna
Expected Price: INR 7.5 - 10.5 lakhs, ex-Showroom
