Maruti Suzuki launches the Celerio for Rs 3.90 lakh at the Auto Expo 2014

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Maruti Suzuki launched the Celerio at the 2014 Auto Expo for Rs 3.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The top-end ZXi optional variant costs Rs 4.96 lakh. The company that first gave us the complete family car now presents to the public, 'India's first car with Automated Manual Transmission' (AMT). Dubbed Celerio EZ Drive it has already created a buzz in the auto market. Bookings for the car have already begun and we expect to see them on the roads within the next few weeks.

After the Maruti Suzuki Swift, there has not been another car that could lure the mileage-loving, diesel car-worshipping market. The story is no different with the Celerio despite it being a petrol. Maruti Suzuki is planning to cement its place as a segment leader with the B-Segment hatchback.

In terms of dimensions, the Celerio measures 3,600mm in length, 1,600mm in width, and 1,560mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,425mm. It is only slightly smaller than the Hyundai Grand i10, in terms of width but its wheelbase sees it trumping the Grand i10 to emerge taller.

Powering the Celerio is a modern version of the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, K10B engine. It churns out 67bhp at 6,000rpm and a torque of 90Nm at 3,500rpm. The company claims a fuel efficiency of 23.1 kmpl. It comes with a five-speed manual transmission but the AMT transmission is the most talked about technology in the Celerio. The system does away with the clutch, though unlike a traditional automatic transmission lets the driver shift gears. We expect that Maruti Suzuki will in future offer a 800cc diesel engine that is currently believed to be under development.

The Celerio will be offered in six variants which include LXi, VXi, ZXi, LXi Auto Gear Shift and VXi Auto Gear Shift. The LXi variant of Celerio features Manual AC, Power Steering, Tachometer (AMT) and gear-position indicator (AMT), while VXi has power windows and Central Locking System in addition to the slew of features offered in the LXi model.

The top-end variant ZXi comes with additional premium features like audio system with CD, USB, AUX and Bluetooth capability, audio controls on steering wheel, keyless entry, tilt steering, foglamps, ABS, alloy wheels and electric OVRMS. On the safety front Maruti Suzuki is offering optional ABS as well as front airbags.

The car comes equipped with AC, 235-litre boot space, fixed headrests for the front seats, map pocket for the co-driver seat's back, dual tone interior and blinkers on door mirrors among others. The top-spec variants also get Bluetooth enabled music system and steering mounted audio controls,

Bookings for the car have already begun. Judging by the response and interest the car has garnered even before its launch, we might just say that Maruti Suzuki has a winner on its hands. The Maruti Suzuki Celerio competes in the B-segment hatchback arena with the Hyundai Santro Xing, Chevrolet Beat, Nissan Micra Active and the Tata Indica V2.

Introductory prices for the Maruti Suzuki Celerio (Ex-Showroom Price New Delhi)

Maruti Suzuki Celerio LXi- Rs 3.90 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXi- Rs 4.20 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXi- Rs 4.50 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXi (opt) Rs 4.96 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Celerio LXi AT- Rs 4.29 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXi AT- Rs 4.59 lakh

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