Maruti Suzuki’s incumbent offering to the Indian sedan market has been spotted testing in New Delhi. Although widely reported as the successor to the SX4, judging by the proportions of the Ciaz, it could, in all likelihood be sold as an all new car.
The Ciaz concept was displayed at the auto expo earlier this year, and the test car spotted does seem to stay faithful to that design for the most part. It is of course less sportier than the concept with its taller stance, higher profile tires, and smaller wheels. Even the the roof-line doesn’t drop as sharply as it did in the concept version. The headlamps too, although borrowing heavily from the concept, do not sport LEDs and have been positioned slightly differently.
While no official word has been received regarding the engine specifications a 1.6-litre petrol engine based one the ones Suzuki use internationally is a distinct possibility, as is a freshly developed 1.5-litre diesel mill, which we reported upon back in October 2013. There is also the less likely possibility of 1.9 MultiJet diesel engine, altohugh we would like to hope that this happens.
The Ciaz is expected to take on the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis, and the Hyundai Elantra, so we’re looking at a price point of between Rs 12 – 15 lakh. Expect to see it in Showrooms before the end of the year.
Story: Harket Suchde
Images: Rahul Nebhnani
