Maruti Ciaz and Honda City are in a tight battle for the no 1 spot in the mid-size segment. And the launch of the new Hyundai Verna is just around the corner – a car that was once the leader in this segment.
In order to keep interest in the Ciaz alive, Maruti has launched a cosmetically-enhanced version of the car with some added kit.
The Maruti Ciaz S comes in both petrol and diesel variants, and is priced at Rs 9.39 lakh for the petrol version and Rs 11.55 lakh for the diesel (smart-hybrid) variant of the car. The Ciaz has sold over 1.7 lakh units since its launch in 2014.
Also see: New 2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire Review
What’s New With The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz S?
Last year, Maruti shifted sales of the Ciaz from regular Maruti Suzuki branded outlets to the more premium Nexa outlets. With that shift came a change in nomenclature - from Lxi/Vxi/Zxi to Delta, Sigma, and Alpha. The Ciaz S is based on the Alpha variant and includes sporty body kit.
This includes a rear boot-lid spoiler, skirts in the front, side and rear and full-black interiors. All variants of the Ciaz get airbags, ABS and Isofix child seat restraints. Maruti claims it meets upcoming crash test norms that will be in force from October 2017.
There are no mechanical changes to the car. The petrol variant of the Ciaz is powered by a 1.4 litre petrol engine that puts out 92 bhp of power and 130 Nm torque with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
The diesel variant comes with a 1.3 litre diesel engine putting out 89 bhp and 200 Nm torque. This engine features a starter-generator system that provides some assistance to the motor during acceleration and shuts off the engine when stationary. This is what Maruti calls the smart-hybrid system.
The Ciaz Alpha variant comes with a touch screen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, reverse camera, push-button ignition, climate control, and projector lamps, among other features.
At this price point, it is still significantly cheaper than its main competitor, the Honda City. The Ciaz S has been launched just a few days ahead of the refreshed Hyundai Verna.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)