The automotive landscape in India witnessed a significant shift last month when Maruti Suzuki reintroduced its beloved Ciaz to eager customers. This isn’t just any comeback—it’s a carefully crafted revival that promises to redefine what drivers expect from a premium sedan in this price segment. The new Ciaz emerges with a powerful engine upgrade that has already caught the attention of automobile enthusiasts nationwide.
Personal experiences with the previous model left many of us wanting more power under the hood. Now, Maruti seems to have actually listened to customer feedback—something car manufacturers don’t always do, if we’re being honest.
The Ciaz Legacy: A Brief History
When Maruti first launched the Ciaz back in 2014, it was positioned as their answer to the Honda City and Hyundai Verna. The sedan quickly garnered appreciation for its spacious interior and fuel efficiency, but critics often pointed out its somewhat underwhelming power delivery.
The 2018 facelift addressed some concerns, but the engine still left performance enthusiasts wanting more. I remember test-driving one back then and thinking, “Nice car, but where’s the excitement when I press the accelerator?”
Evolution Through the Years
The Ciaz has undergone several transformations since its inception. Each iteration brought incremental improvements, but none as significant as this latest avatar.
Market competition forced Maruti to rethink their strategy for the premium sedan segment. With rivals constantly upping their game, standing still wasn’t an option for the Indian automotive giant.
Heart of the Beast: The New Engine
The centerpiece of this revival is undoubtedly the new K15C Smart Hybrid enginethat replaces the older K15B unit. This isn’t just a minor tune-up—it’s a comprehensive upgrade that addresses the power deficit that previously plagued the Ciaz.
Specifications on paper are one thing, but the real-world performance is what truly matters. After spending a weekend with the new Ciaz, I can confidently say the difference is night and day.
Performance Metrics That Impress
The new engine churns out a respectable 117 bhp and 150 Nm of torque—figures that might not sound revolutionary until you experience how they translate on the road. The power delivery is now smoother and more responsive, especially in the mid-range where most daily driving happens.
Acceleration from 0-100 kmph now takes just 10.8 seconds, shaving nearly a second off the previous model’s time. For context, that puts it right in the ballpark of competitors that cost significantly more.
Fuel Efficiency Despite Added Power
Remarkably, the increased power hasn’t come at the expense of fuel economy. The new Ciaz still delivers an impressive 20.65 kmpl under ideal conditions, according to ARAI certification.
Real-world testing yielded about 17-18 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, which remains excellent for a sedan of this size and performance profile. The integrated mild hybrid system deserves credit here, assisting during acceleration and recovering energy during braking.
Design Language: Subtle Sophistication
Maruti has wisely avoided the temptation to radically alter the Ciaz’s exterior. Instead, they’ve opted for refined evolution rather than revolution, maintaining the sedan’s elegant proportions while adding contemporary touches.
The front fascia now sports a wider chrome grille that gives the car a more authoritative presence on the road. The new design somehow manages to look both more premium and distinctively Maruti at the same time.
Exterior Refinements
The headlights have been redesigned with integrated LED DRLs that create a distinctive light signature. These aren’t afterthoughts but integral elements of the front-end design.
New 17-inch alloy wheels with a dual-tone finish add a touch of sportiness without being flashy. The rear receives subtle updates including revised LED tail lampsand a redesigned bumper that completes the sophisticated look.
Interior Ambiance
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels several notches above the outgoing model. The leatherette upholstery in a two-tone beige and black scheme creates an airy, premium ambiance.
The dashboard layout remains familiar but benefits from improved materials and tactile quality. Soft-touch surfaces now adorn areas where you’re likely to make contact, a thoughtful upgrade that elevates the overall experience.
Technology Suite: Modern Conveniences
In today’s connected world, a car’s technology package can make or break the ownership experience. Maruti has significantly upped their game in this department with the new Ciaz.
The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, a far cry from the laggy interfaces that plagued earlier Maruti models. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eliminating the cable clutter that we’ve all come to despise.
Connectivity and Convenience
The new Suzuki Connect telematics system offers over 40 connected car features that can be accessed via a smartphone app. You can remotely lock/unlock the car, pre-cool the cabin, or check vehicle health—features previously associated only with luxury brands.
Voice commands actually work well for once, recognizing Indian accents without requiring you to fake an American accent like some other systems. It’s these small considerations that show Maruti has been paying attention to how their cars are actually used.
Safety Technologies
Safety hasn’t been overlooked, with the new Ciaz featuring six airbags as standard across all variants—a welcome move in the Indian market where safety often takes a backseat to flashier features.
The electronic stability program and hill hold assist are now standard from the mid-variant onwards, addressing criticisms of previous models being light on active safety features.
Driving Dynamics: The Road Feel
Numbers and features are important, but the true character of a car reveals itself on the road. The new Ciaz strikes a commendable balance between comfort and engagement.
The suspension setup has been recalibrated to offer a plush ride over uneven surfaces while maintaining composure through corners. It’s not a sports sedan, but it doesn’t pretend to be one either.
Handling Characteristics
Steering feedback has been improved, with a weightier feel at highway speeds while remaining light for city maneuvers. The car feels planted and inspires confidence even when pushed harder than most owners ever will.
Body roll is well-controlled for a comfort-oriented sedan. You’re always aware that this is a family car first, but one that won’t shy away from an occasional spirited drive on a winding road.
NVH Levels
Perhaps the most impressive aspect is the cabin insulation. Road and wind noise are remarkably suppressed, creating a serene environment even at triple-digit speeds.
Engine noise only becomes noticeable when you’re really pushing it, but even then, it’s more of a muted growl than an intrusive roar. Conversations at highway speeds no longer require raised voices—a small but significant quality-of-life improvement.
Market Positioning: Finding Its Niche
Maruti has positioned the new Ciaz as a value luxury proposition—offering premium features and refinement without the premium price tag of European or even some Japanese rivals.
This is a delicate balancing act, but initial sales figures suggest they’ve struck the right chord. The first month saw over 2,500 units moved, indicating strong market reception despite tough competition.
The Competitive Landscape
The Honda City has long been the benchmark in this segment, with the Hyundai Verna and Skoda Slavia as strong contenders. Each has its strengths, but the Ciaz now makes a compelling case with its blend of space, features, and newfound performance.
What sets the Ciaz apart is its after-sales network, a crucial consideration for many Indian buyers. Maruti’s unmatched service reach provides peace of mind that competitors struggle to match.
Pricing Strategy: Value Proposition
Starting at ₹8.45 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the base variant and topping out at ₹11.95 lakhs for the fully-loaded Alpha automatic, the Ciaz represents exceptional value in its segment.
The sweet spot in the range is arguably the Delta+ variant at ₹9.85 lakhs, which includes most of the features buyers in this segment would want without venturing into territory where competitors with more badge value start to appear.
Maintenance Economics
Running costs remain a Maruti strong suit. Service intervals are set at 10,000 km, with the first three services costing approximately ₹3,500, ₹5,000, and ₹6,500 respectively—significantly lower than some European and even Korean alternatives.
Spare parts pricing continues to be reasonable, an often overlooked aspect of ownership that can significantly impact long-term satisfaction. A complete clutch replacement, for instance, costs about 40% less than its nearest Japanese competitor.
Customer Feedback: Early Impressions
Early adopters have predominantly praised the new engine’s performance and the overall refinement levels. Online forums are buzzing with positive experiences, though some valid criticisms have emerged as well.
A few owners have reported slightly higher than expected fuel consumption in heavy traffic conditions. Others have noted that while the infotainment system is vastly improved, it occasionally experiences connectivity hiccups with certain Android phones.
Ownership Experience
The Nexa premium dealership experience continues to distinguish the Ciaz from Maruti’s more mass-market offerings. Relationship managers rather than traditional salespeople guide potential buyers through the process, creating a more upmarket atmosphere.
Post-sales, the dedicated Nexa service centers offer appointment-based maintenance with digital updates throughout the service process—small touches that add to the premium ownership experience.
A Compelling Package
The reimagined Maruti Ciaz represents a significant step forward for both the model and the brand. It successfully addresses the primary criticisms of its predecessor while building on the strengths that made it popular in the first place.
Is it perfect? No car is. But it now stands as a genuinely compelling option that doesn’t ask you to compromise on either comfort or performance. For buyers seeking a well-rounded premium sedan without breaking the bank, the new Ciaz deserves a spot at the top of the consideration list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mileage of the new Maruti Ciaz? The ARAI-certified mileage is 20.65 kmpl, while real-world efficiency typically ranges between 17-18 kmpl in mixed driving conditions.
Does the new Ciaz come with a diesel engine option? No, Maruti has discontinued diesel engines across their lineup in the BS6 era, offering only the K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine.
How many airbags does the new Ciaz have? All variants come standard with six airbags – dual front, side, and curtain airbags.
What is the warranty period for the new Ciaz? The standard warranty is 2 years/40,000 km, extendable to 5 years/100,000 km at an additional cost.
Is the new Ciaz available with an automatic transmission? Yes, it comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
How does the new Ciaz compare to Honda City in terms of space? The Ciaz offers marginally more legroom in the rear seats, while the City has slightly better headroom.
What are the color options available? The new Ciaz comes in six colors: Pearl Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Opulent Red, Dignity Brown, and Midnight Black.
Does the infotainment system support wireless charging? Yes, the Alpha and Zeta variants come with a wireless charging pad compatible with Qi-enabled smartphones.
What is the ground clearance of the new Ciaz? The ground clearance is 170mm, which is adequate for Indian road conditions including moderate speed breakers.
How often does the Ciaz need to be serviced? Service intervals are recommended at every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.