Car maker Maruti Suzuki India Limited unveiled its much awaited offering in the mid-size premium sedan segment, the Ciaz, and said the company and suppliers has invested Rs 620 crore (over $100 mln) to develop the model.
The Ciaz is supposed to take on the Honda City, which has emerged as the strongest model in the mid-range sedan market. Maruti’s offerings such as the Swift Dzire and SX4 are seen as dated, while Honda has been launching new designs every 3-4 years.
“We are delighted with the bookings,” said Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO of the company. “It demonstrates customers’ confidence in brand Maruti Suzuki and reinforces our commitment to customers.”
The Ciaz is supposed to bring European styling, premium rich interiors and a host of upmarket features to Maruti.
Ciaz Diesel has been pitted as India’s most fuel efficient car.
“The designers have paid special attention to ensure space, comfort and convenience for rear seat occupants as well,” the company said. Ciaz isthe longest and one of the widest sedan in its class.
Maruti Suzuki also plans to export the Ciaz to markets in the Middle East, Latin America and Africa regions
The car was designed largely by Hisanori Matsushima.
“Borrowing cues from European styling, Ciaz is tasteful, elegant and clutter-free. Straight lines impart a classy European tinge to the sedan. As an industry first, the projector headlamps are being offered as a standard feature across all trim levels of Ciaz,” according to the company.
The model has a strong shoulder line, running all along the length.
It also features ornamental door beltline, chic chrome door handles, front fog lamps, Integrated turn indicators on the electrically foldable ORVM, premium split tail lamps and chrome garnished trunk lid.
The cabin is supposed to provide enhanced leg room, headroom and shoulder room for all occupants.
Ciazis powered by the next generation K14 VVT petrol engine and refined DDiS200 diesel engine.
According to Maruti Suzuki, K14 VVT 1.4 litre petrol engine delivers a class leading fuel efficiency of 20.73 kmpl. Most petrol cars in India give around 15 km per liter on the highway.
The DDiS200 1.3 litre diesel engine offers a fuel efficiency of 26.21 kmpl, according to the company.
There are four Petrol variants (Vxi, Vxi+, Zxi and Zxi-Optional) and four Diesel variants (Vdi, Vdi+, Zdi and Zdi-Optional).
Zxi-Optional and Zdi-Optional are equipped with upmarket differentiators like 16” alloy wheels, leather upholstery; leather wrapped steering and additional chrome ornamentation. The Zxi+ and Zdi+ variants of the Ciaz, to be available in early 2015, will have all these features and an integrated SmartPlay in-car infotainment system.
Ciaz is also offered with two automatic transmission variants (petrol).
Specifications
|
Diesel |
Petrol (5MT) |
Length |
4490 mm |
|
|
Fuel efficiency |
26.21 km per litre |
20.73km per litre |
Width |
1730 mm |
|
Engine Displacement |
1248 cc |
1373 cc |
Height |
1485 mm |
|
Power (ps@rpm) |
90@4000 |
Wheelbase |
2650 mm |
|
|
Torque (nm@rpm) |
200@1750 |
130@4000 |
Boot Space |
510 litre |
|
Kerb Weight |
1105 kgs (Vdi) |
1010 kgs (Vxi) |
Ground Clearance |
170mm |