A camouflaged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has been spotted testing in Gurgaon by one of our loyal readers. The C-segment competitor from the Japanese automaker was unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo in concept form and will be launched for the Indian market by middle of this year. There have already been a plethora of spy shots of the car testing in and around Gurgaon as well as shots of the interiors.
The Ciaz (codenamed the YL1) is the Indo-Japanese automaker’s new C-segment sedan competitor that borrows design cues from the Suzuki Authentics concept that was displayed at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.
The front gets an aggressive fascia with a trapezoidal grille. The crease lines flow smoothly to the back of the car and it gets plenty of chrome as well. The vehicle is expected to be packed with a whole load of new features including an infotainment system with Bluetooth, climate control, cooled glove box, steering mounted audio controls and ABS with EBD.
In terms of engines, we expect that the Ciaz will continue with the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol from the current SX4 but it is expected to now produce around 100bhp and 165Nm of torque. If we are to go by the fact that Maruti Suzuki will want to keep costs down then it is expected that the Ciaz will continue with the 1.3-litre Multijet. However, there are also reports suggesting that the Ciaz will get the 1.6-litre Multijet diesel engine from Fiat. Transmission options include a five-speed manual as well as an AMT for the petrol engine.
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz will replace the SX4 sedan in the C-segment of the Indian market. It will compete with the Honda City, VW Vento, Nissan Sunny, Renault Scala and the Ford Fiesta. We expect that Maruti Suzuki will price it in the range of Rs 7.2 lakh to Rs 10.5 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki might launch the Ciaz in September
Maruti Suzuki interiors revealed
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