In a bold move to reinvigorate the premium sedan segment in India, Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the 2024 iteration of its popular Ciaz model.
This comprehensive update comes at a crucial time when the sedan market is facing stiff competition from SUVs, and Maruti aims to reaffirm the Ciaz’s position as a sophisticated, feature-rich option for discerning Indian consumers.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Maruti Ciaz
- Elegant Design Refresh: The new Ciaz sports a more refined front grille, sleeker LED headlamps, and redesigned alloy wheels, enhancing its premium appeal.
- Luxurious Interior: Upgraded cabin materials, including soft-touch dashboard and leatherette upholstery, aim to elevate the in-car experience.
- Enhanced Performance: Introduction of a new mild-hybrid powertrain option for improved fuel efficiency and performance.
- Advanced Safety Features: Expansion of safety equipment across all variants, including some segment-first features.
- New Color Palette: Introduction of premium metallic color options to appeal to a sophisticated clientele.
- Connectivity Features: Enhanced Suzuki Connect telematics system with more functionalities.
Variant-wise Pricing and Features
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sigma | ₹9,30,000 | 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid, 5-speed MT, Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD |
| Delta | ₹9,99,000 | Adds 7″ Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Rear Camera |
| Zeta | ₹10,79,000 | Adds Keyless Entry, Push Button Start, 16″ Alloy Wheels |
| Alpha | ₹11,59,000 | Adds Leather Seats, Sunroof, Suzuki Connect, 6 Airbags |
| Alpha+ | ₹12,29,000 | Adds ADAS features, 360° Camera, Head-up Display |
Note: 6-speed AT option available in Delta, Zeta, and Alpha variants at a premium of ₹1,15,000 over MT versions.
Market Impact and Competition
The 2024 update of the Maruti Ciaz comes at a time when the premium sedan segment is facing challenges from the rising popularity of mid-size SUVs. However, Maruti Suzuki believes that there’s still a strong market for well-designed, feature-rich sedans. The Ciaz will compete directly with:
- Honda City
- Hyundai Verna
- Volkswagen Virtus
- Skoda Slavia
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, commented on the launch: “The Ciaz has been a cornerstone of our premium offerings, and with this 2024 update, we’re reaffirming our commitment to the sedan segment.
We believe the new Ciaz offers the perfect blend of luxury, technology, and efficiency that Indian consumers in this segment desire.”
Technology and Innovation
The 2024 Ciaz showcases several technological advancements:
- New 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: Larger screen with improved resolution and responsiveness.
- Suzuki Connect: Enhanced telematics system with over 40 features including geofencing, vehicle tracking, and remote operations.
- Wireless Charging: Available in top-end variants for added convenience.
- ADAS Features: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning in the Alpha+ variant.
Performance and Efficiency
The Ciaz now offers two powertrain options:
- 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid: 103 PS power, 138 Nm torque, claimed fuel efficiency of 20.65 km/l (MT) and 20.04 km/l (AT)
- 1.5L K15C Strong Hybrid (New): 115 PS combined power, claimed fuel efficiency of 24.5 km/l (e-CVT)
Both engines are now RDE (Real Driving Emissions) compliant and meet the latest BS6 Phase 2 norms.
Safety Features
Maruti Suzuki has significantly enhanced the safety quotient of the 2024 Ciaz:
- 6 Airbags now standard across all variants
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- 360° Camera in top-end variant
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Advanced ADAS features in Alpha+ variant
Production and Localization
The 2024 Maruti Ciaz continues to be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s state-of-the-art facility in Manesar, Haryana. With over 95% localization, the Ciaz embodies the ‘Make in India’ initiative while maintaining Maruti’s global quality standards.
Customer Experience and After-sales
To support the launch of the new Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki is enhancing its customer experience:
- 2-year/40,000 km warranty as standard, extendable up to 5 years/100,000 km
- Maruti Suzuki Subscribe program for flexible ownership options
- Enhanced NEXA experience with virtual reality showrooms
- Expansion of NEXA service network, focusing on doorstep service options
Future Outlook
The launch of the 2024 Ciaz is part of Maruti Suzuki’s strategy to strengthen its position in the premium segments of the Indian market. Industry experts see this as a significant move:
Auto analyst Puneet Gupta notes, “While SUVs are dominating the market, there’s still a substantial customer base that prefers sedans for their driving dynamics and understated luxury. The Ciaz’s update could help Maruti Suzuki capture a larger share of this market and potentially bring back customers who were considering a switch to SUVs.”
Booking and Availability
Maruti Suzuki has opened bookings for the 2024 Ciaz across its NEXA dealerships and online platform. Deliveries are set to commence from November 2024, with Maruti promising priority delivery for early birds.
Maruti Ciaz 2024
The 2024 Maruti Ciaz represents a significant update in the premium sedan segment. By offering a refreshed design, enhanced features, and improved efficiency, Maruti Suzuki is not just updating a product but reaffirming its commitment to the sedan market in India.
As Indian consumers continue to seek value-for-money propositions with a premium touch, the new Ciaz seems well-positioned to meet these expectations. Its success could potentially reinvigorate interest in the sedan segment, offering a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous SUVs.
Moreover, the high level of localization in the Ciaz’s production underscores Maruti Suzuki’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. This approach not only helps in competitive pricing but also contributes to the growth of India’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.
As the automotive landscape in India continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on safety, technology, and fuel efficiency, the 2024 Ciaz appears well-equipped to meet these changing demands. Its launch marks an exciting new chapter not just for Maruti Suzuki, but for the premium sedan segment in India as a whole.