In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian automotive market, Maruti Suzuki has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the New Celerio.
This compact hatchback, a favorite among urban dwellers, has undergone a significant transformation, emerging as a testament to Maruti’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and style. Let’s delve into what makes the New Celerio a game-changer in its segment.
Design Evolution: A Fresh Face in the Crowd
The New Celerio marks a departure from its predecessor’s conservative design, embracing a more modern and dynamic aesthetic. The front fascia now sports a bold, curved grille flanked by large, swept-back headlamps, giving the car a cheerful, almost smiling appearance. The bumper, with its sculpted lines and fog lamp housings, adds to the car’s character.
Moving to the side profile, the Celerio showcases a strong shoulder line that runs from the headlamps to the taillights, creating a sense of motion even when stationary. The window line swoops upward towards the rear, lending a sporty touch. New alloy wheel designs (in higher trims) complement the car’s fresh look.
At the rear, redesigned taillamps and a reshaped bumper complete the makeover. The overall silhouette remains true to the tall-boy design that the Celerio is known for, ensuring ample headroom and easy ingress/egress.
Heartbeat of Efficiency: The K10C Engine
Under the hood, the New Celerio houses Maruti’s latest marvel – the K10C DualJet engine. This 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder powerplant is a testament to Maruti’s engineering prowess:
Displacement: 998cc
Max Power: 66.62 PS @ 5500 rpm
Peak Torque: 89 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Transmission Options: 5-speed manual or AGS (Auto Gear Shift)
The standout feature of this engine is its exceptional fuel efficiency. Maruti claims a staggering 26.68 km/l for the AGS variant, making the New Celerio India’s most fuel-efficient petrol car. This feat is achieved through:
Dual VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
Cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Auto Start-Stop function
The engine’s refinement is noteworthy, with reduced vibrations and improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.
Interior: A Step Up in Quality and Space
Step inside the New Celerio, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system taking center stage in higher trims. The user interface is intuitive, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The instrument cluster, now with a digital MID (Multi-Information Display), provides essential information at a glance. The steering wheel, adorned with audio and phone controls, feels good to hold and adds to the premium feel.
Seating comfort has been improved with better cushioning and bolstering. The tall-boy design ensures ample headroom, while clever packaging has resulted in improved legroom for rear passengers. The boot space, at 313 liters, is generous for a car in this segment.
Notable interior features include:
Keyless entry and push-button start
Electrically adjustable ORVMs
Height-adjustable driver seat
60:40 split rear seats
Rear parking sensors with camera (in top trim)
Technology: Staying Connected
The New Celerio doesn’t skimp on technology, offering features that were once the preserve of higher segments:
SmartPlay Studio Infotainment: The 7-inch touchscreen is responsive and feature-rich, offering seamless smartphone integration.
Cloud-based Services: Suzuki Connect offers features like geofencing, vehicle tracking, and driving analytics.
Voice Recognition: Control various functions through voice commands, enhancing safety and convenience.
Steering Mounted Controls: Easy access to audio and phone functions without taking hands off the wheel.
Auto-folding ORVMs: Mirrors fold automatically when the car is locked, a thoughtful feature in tight parking spaces.
These tech offerings position the New Celerio as a modern, connected vehicle that appeals to tech-savvy young buyers.
Safety: Prioritizing Protection
Safety has been a key focus area in the development of the New Celerio. The car is built on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, known for its lightweight yet rigid structure. Key safety features include:
Dual front airbags as standard
ABS with EBD
Rear parking sensors across all variants
ISOFIX child seat anchors
High-speed alert system
Front seatbelt reminder
The New Celerio has been designed to meet the latest crash test norms, providing peace of mind to occupants.
Driving Dynamics: Agile in the Urban Jungle
The New Celerio shines in its natural habitat – the bustling city streets. The light steering makes maneuvering through tight spaces a breeze, while the improved suspension setup offers a comfortable ride over rough patches.
The AGS (Auto Gear Shift) transmission deserves special mention. It’s smoother and more responsive than before, offering the convenience of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual. For those who prefer complete control, the 5-speed manual gearbox offers slick shifts and a light clutch action.
Despite its city-centric focus, the Celerio holds its own on highways. The engine feels peppy enough for overtakes, and the car remains stable at higher speeds.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The New Celerio is offered in four variants:
LXi: The base variant with essential features
VXi: Adds convenience features like power windows and central locking
ZXi: Includes the infotainment system and alloy wheels
ZXi+: Top-end variant with all bells and whistles
Pricing is competitive, ranging from approximately ₹5.25 lakh for the base LXi to ₹7 lakh for the top-end ZXi+ AGS (ex-showroom). This pricing strategy positions the Celerio as an attractive proposition in the compact hatchback segment.
Fuel Efficiency: A Class Leader
The New Celerio’s fuel efficiency deserves a special mention. With a claimed figure of 26.68 km/l for the AGS variant, it sets a new benchmark in its segment. This efficiency is achieved through:
Dual VVT technology
Idle start-stop system
Low rolling resistance tires
Improved aerodynamics
For a country where fuel prices are a significant concern, this aspect of the Celerio is likely to be a major selling point.
Environmental Considerations
In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, the New Celerio makes strides in reducing its carbon footprint:
BS6 compliant engine with reduced emissions
Use of recyclable materials in manufacturing
Improved fuel efficiency leading to lower CO2 emissions per kilometer
While not an electric or hybrid vehicle, these measures demonstrate Maruti’s commitment to sustainability.
Market Positioning and Competition
The New Celerio enters a competitive segment, facing off against rivals like:
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Tata Tiago
Datsun GO
However, its combination of fresh design, class-leading fuel efficiency, and Maruti’s strong brand value and after-sales network gives it a distinct advantage.
The Ownership Experience
Owning a Celerio comes with the assurance of Maruti Suzuki’s vast service network – the largest in India. The company’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs adds to the Celerio’s appeal as a value-for-money proposition.
Maruti offers a standard warranty of 2 years/40,000 km, which can be extended up to 5 years/100,000 km, providing additional peace of mind to owners.
Looking to the Future
As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, there’s speculation about the Celerio’s future. While Maruti hasn’t officially announced plans for an electric Celerio, the platform’s versatility could potentially support electrification in the future.
New Maruti Celerio : A Worthy Successor
The New Maruti Celerio is more than just a facelift; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of a popular model. By addressing the shortcomings of its predecessor and building on its strengths, Maruti has created a vehicle that’s well-equipped to meet the demands of modern urban buyers.
From its fresh design and efficient powertrain to its tech-laden interior and impressive fuel economy, the New Celerio ticks all the right boxes. It manages to offer a premium feel and advanced features while maintaining the affordability and practicality that Maruti is known for.
In a market where first-time buyers are becoming increasingly discerning and existing car owners are looking to upgrade, the New Celerio presents a compelling case for itself. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement that compact doesn’t mean compromise.
As urban spaces become more congested and fuel prices continue to fluctuate, vehicles like the New Celerio, with their blend of efficiency, technology, and comfort, are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of personal mobility in India.
The New Maruti Celerio, then, is not just an evolution of a popular model; it’s a glimpse into the future of urban transportation – efficient, connected, and surprisingly premium.
It’s a testament to Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of the Indian market and its ability to deliver products that resonate with a wide range of consumers. As it hits the roads, the New Celerio is poised to redefine expectations in the compact hatchback segment, setting new benchmarks for its competitors to aspire to.