Indian Autos Blog was the first to inform its readers that the Maruti sedan, codenamed YL1, is named 'Ciaz'. The Ciaz was previewed last year at the Auto Shanghai through the Suzuki Authentics concept. After that, the production version had been spotted without any camouflage at one of Maruti's facilities.
Financial Express reports that Maruti will launch the Ciaz around the festive season this year with a petrol and a diesel engine option. The newspaper further states that the car will be based on an all-new platform and would be sold in markets such as China, West Asia and Africa. Interestingly, Maruti will be responsible for exporting the Ciaz (by means of CKD/SKD kits) to these locations.
The petrol variant of the Ciaz would be offered with the four-cylinder 1.4-liter K-Series engine which does duty on the Ertiga MUV. On the Ertiga, this engine produces 95 PS of power and 130 Nm of torque. As for the diesel Ciaz, Maruti could explore the option of using the 1.6-liter MultiJet engine from Fiat.
The Ciaz in India will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, VW Vento and Skoda Rapid. We expect to hear more about the Ciaz at the Auto Expo next week. Stay tuned to Indian Autos Blog!
[Source - Financial Express]
