Maruti Suzuki Celerio - What else can you buy?

Maruti Suzuki has launched the new Celerio in India around the festive season. The Indian car manufacturer has introduced fresh tweaks to the outside and a few upgrades inside the cabin for a fresher look. Mechanically, the new Celerio continues to be powered by the existing 1.0-litre petrol engine that develops 67bhp of power and 90Nm of torque. The vehicle is available in five-speed manual and AMT options.

The new Maruti Celerio price starts Rs 4,15,273 and tops out at Rs 5,25,577. For that price, customers can also opt for models like the Tata Tiago, Hyundai Grand i10, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Tata Tigor, Ford Figo, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Mahindra KUV 100, Hyundai Elite i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Xcent, Volkswagen Polo and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

Barring the Celerio, all other cars on the list have a diesel option. Maruti Suzuki had to discontinue the diesel option in the Celerio due to low sales. However, to cope up with the absence of a diesel variant, the Celerio is the only one to offer an optional CNG fitment. Apart from the Celerio, the rest get a 1.2-litre petrol engine. On the powerful petrol engine option list, the Ford Figo emerges as the most powerful one as it generates 87bhp of power and 112Nm of torque. The Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Tata’s Tigor come close on the performance list.

In terms of safety, the Celerio gets dual front airbags and ABS in the top-spec version. It comes as standard on the Volkswagen Polo which starts at Rs 5.42 lakhs. Airbags are limited to specific variants in the Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Tata’s Tiago and Tigor models. ABS and EBD is standard on the Mahindra KUV100, while the Ford Figo and Hyundai Grand i10 get driver airbag as standard. As for Nexa car models like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Ignis, front airbags and ABS with EBD is offered as standard. As for the remaining lot, like the  Hyundai Xcent, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Volkswagen Polo and the Hyundai Elite i20 gets dual front airbags as standard. However, it is worth noting that these will be entry level models from the premium list which can be opted for nearly the  same price as the top-spec Maruti Celerio.

In terms of features the top-spec Celerio gets steering mounted controls, tilt adjustable steering, AMT transmission option, electrically adjustable ORVMs and front and rear power windows. For a similar price you have the diesel Tiago Wizz edition which comes loaded with a contrasting black roof and spoiler, dual-tone wheel cover with red accents, berry-red grille highlights black contrast ORVMs, sleek roof rails and a blacked out B pillar. As for the interiors, it gets a dual tone combination with black finish and a sporty red accent. The vehicle also gets a Harman infotainment system and rear parking sensor with display. However, the Tiago Wizz edition misses out on the airbags and ABS with EBD.

Honestly speaking, it’s purely about personal choice which vehicle you would like to go for. However, it is important to pay attention to the safety aspect, which should not be compromised in lieu of fancy features. Cars mentioned above have their own set of pros and cons, and it is up to a buyer to make the final choice based on their personal requirement and priorities.