Maruti Suzuki Cervo: Since time immemorial (to put it roughly), cars in India meant Maruti Suzuki if you wanted something reliable and budget-friendly.
And now, the buzz is again heating up with reports of the resurrection of a new name from the history books – the Maruti Suzuki Cervo.
It looks like the new Cervo, which was supposed to be the spiritual successor to the Maruti 800, might become a new, small(ish) city car, with modern touches, to appeal to those who want something practical, with a touch of the ‘cheap and chic’ element that throws into the mix the statement that what you drive says a lot about you.
With the popularity of small, city-focussed hatchbacks that are fuel-efficient, easy to drive and low on maintenance, this vehicle could potentially be what Maruti feels lies between the Alto and the WagonR.
While not on sale yet, here’s a look at what the revived Cervo could bring, based on strong speculation and Maruti’s latest design and tech speak.
Design: Size Doesn’t Always Matter Dresses Up in the F150’s Clothes
If the upcoming Cervo looks anything like its Japanese sibling, Indian roads might get this small trick hatchback, one that is stylish and sporty but compact enough to cut through the traffic here.
We’re talking strong headlamps, a bulging bonnet and a rather menacing front grille – not so you’d bring down our banks, but a handsome enough face to turn heads in your direction.
At its compact dimensions, it should be fairly easy to shuffle through tight urban traffic, while those short overhangs and tall-ish stance might conspire to make this a conspicuously small car once you’re up and running, too.
Autoforecast Solutions The car is likely going to sit on 13 or 14-inch wheels and be offered in vibrant colours like metallic red, blue and silver.
Interor: Sparse but Usable
On the inside, the Cervo is expected to keep it minimal. On the inside, the AMT could likely feature a clutter-free dashboard, digital speedometer (in the higher-spec trims), manual aircon and power windows as standard from the middle trims to the top.
You’re not going to find any glitz and glamour, but watch out for space utilization – something Maruti does excellently even on its smaller cars.
Small as it was, it could easily accommodate four adults, and its rear seat might not provide much headroom and legroom, but more than enough for short city commutes.
Boot space is tight but fine for the weekly grocery shop or a light overnighter.
Engine and Performance: City Boy Turning up the city proving group is where the Massimo is engineered to deliver.
Rumours claim that the new Cervo could get the 796cc or 1.0L petrol motor, which is same as that powering the Alto or S-Presso.
For the excited ones who prefer numbers, this translates to an estimated 47–77 PS and 69–90 Nm of power and torque, respectively, depending on the engine variant.
Transmission choices could be, a 5-speed manual with an optional AMT for metropolitan convenience.
Though low on muscle it will more than compensate with nimble handling, tight turning radius and wonderful fuel economy — as good as 20–24 km/l possible depending loan on traffic situation and how much time you have.
Features: A Ridiculous Amount for Every Day of Your Life
The Cervo will provide useful features without adding to the pricing. Here’s what you can expect across its best trims:
8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth
USB charging port
Front power windows
Rear parking sensors
MID (multi infomation display) digital display
Dual airbags and ABS with EBD
It may be tech-light, but it’ll handle all the necessary city driving and basic comfort.
Pros:
Affordable and fuel-efficient
Small and maneuverable in inner city traffic configurations
Low maintenance costs
Well known Maruti service community
Ideal for first-time buyers
Cons:
Not much room for road trips or even families
No premium features or materials
Lacks oomph on the highway
Might be priced/spec’d to step on Alto’s toes
Maruti Suzuki Cervo: Verdict: The City Car India Still Needs
And if Maruti Suzuki does bring the Cervo to India, it could be one of the right cars at the right time—budget-oriented, urban-tailored, plain and simple.
It’s not looking to outperform premium hatchbacks or SUVs, and it doesn’t have to. The Cervo is the definition of less is more.
For college student, first-time car buyer or for the family that needs a reliable second car, the Cervo could be a yes.
In a land where cars with a small footprint and serious, no-fuss attitude continue to reign supreme, perhaps the Cervo will be the latest in a long list of small cars with a big following.