Maruti Suzuki Ciaz : The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has created a niche in the midsize sedan space in India. With the market gradually tilting towards the SUVs, Ciaz still flourishes due to its handsome exterior design, grand cabin, frugal motor, and of course, the undisputed value-for-money price tag.
It not overtly sporty or luxurious, but if you seek a practical family sedan that is as real-world usable as possible, the Ciaz is still worth a look.
We take a closer look at what makes the Ciaz tick in the present day and where it excels — and fails — versus the competition.
Simplicity of Design Elegant and Low-Key
It’s not a stylish car, the Ciaz, but it has an aging and sober design. And with its long, low slung body, chrome-filled grille, projector headlamps and LED DRLs, the car looks handsome and well-proportioned.
Some competitors have an aggressive streak to their design, but the Ciaz has a very refined look that would attract young professionals, as well as older buyers looking for something a bit more mature.
Its 16-inch precision-cut alloy wheels, tidy body lines and restrained use of chrome detailing from the windows to the bumper hint at an upscale feel.
It’s also one heck of a long car – you’d never say it was small on the road, especially for something in this price bracket.
Comfortable and Roomy Cabin
Get inside the Ciaz and the first impression is one of space. The cabin, with its long wheelbase, is impossibly spacious — particularly in the rear.
There’s decent legroom and headroom, so it’s a good family outing car, or a car for an owner-driver experimenting a driver-driven life. The seats on either side are well bolstered and in the higher version are covered in rich leather.
The dashboard design is clean, but simple and very functional and the two-tone design and woodgrain touches do a nice job of making the inside feel more like home.
The 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, meanwhile, supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there’s a coloured MID in the instrument cluster that provides info such as hybrid battery status and more.
The Nexon also gets some nice-to-have convenience features like auto climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, rear AC vents, cruise control and steering-mounted controls to satisfy the modern buyer.
AND EASY RIDING Because the engine is the last thing you want to think about on long Distance Rides.
The Maruti Ciaz feature a 1.5-litre K15 Smart Hybrid petrol engine under the hood that churns out about 105 PS and 138 Nm.
Not sporty, the engine is smooth, refined and adequate for city or highway needs. Mild-hybrid tech also adds a degree of plant footness, with idle start/stop and torque assist during acceleration on tap.
Finally, there are the transmission options: a 5 speed manual and a 4 speed torque converter automatic. The manual is livelier, the auto more convenient around town.
Fuel efficiency numbers are great – the manual maxes at over 20.65 kmpl and the auto, 20.04 kmpl; the Ciaz is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
Safety and Reliability
Speaking of safety, the Ciaz gets 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts on all variants, while higher end variants also get electronic stability programme. It’s not class-leading, but it’s adequate for most day-to-day uses.
Maruti’s extensive service network and low maintaining costs are an added benefit.
Reliability is another strong point – many owners of Ciaz convey several years of problem-free ownership with little maintenance gremlins.
Pros:
Very roomy and cushy rear seat
Smart Hybrid is an excellent fuel saver
Petrol engine is refined and smooth
Durable and low maintenance with resale value
Simple yet luxurious design
Cons:
Not as full-featured as some newer competitors
No diesel or turbo-petrol choice
Not an athletic drive for the keen DRIVER
Feels a bit antiquated by 2025, only 7 years from now when it comes as a 4-Speed Automatic.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz might not be the most powerful or fanciest looking sedan on this list, but it does give you great comfort and practicality for its competitive price.
For anyone looking for a family friendly, economical and hassle free car, the Ciaz still remains one of the most balanced offerings in the mid-size sedan space. It does what it says on the can — and does it well.