In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s automotive market, the Maruti Celerio has emerged as a formidable contender, blending practicality with modern features.
This compact hatchback, a brainchild of Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading automobile manufacturer, continues to make waves with its latest iteration, offering a compelling package for urban dwellers and small families alike.
A Fresh Face in the Crowd
The current generation Maruti Celerio, introduced in 2021, sports a design that’s a significant departure from its predecessor.
With its rounded edges and smooth contours, the new Celerio exudes a more contemporary and aerodynamic appeal.
The front fascia features a bold grille flanked by swept-back headlamps, giving the car a cheerful yet assertive look.
The side profile showcases a rising beltline and sculpted doors, while the rear end is neatly designed with large taillights and a clean bumper.
Available in seven vibrant colors – Caffeine Brown, Bluish Black, Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Speedy Blue, Solid Fire Red, and Arctic White – the Celerio offers ample choice for buyers to express their personality.
Power and Efficiency: A Balancing Act
Under the hood, the Celerio houses a 1.0-liter K10C DualJet petrol engine, a marvel of Suzuki’s engineering prowess.
This three-cylinder powerplant churns out a respectable 67 PS of power and 89 Nm of torque. While these figures might seem modest, they translate to peppy performance in real-world conditions, especially within city limits.
The true highlight, however, is the Celerio’s fuel efficiency. Maruti Suzuki claims a mileage of 25.24 kmpl for manual variants and an impressive 26.68 kmpl for AMT versions, making it one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India.
This frugality is achieved through various technologies, including dual injectors, cooled EGR, and an auto start-stop system.
For those seeking even more economy, Maruti offers a factory-fitted CNG variant.
The CNG version, while slightly less powerful at 57 PS, boasts an incredible mileage of 34.43 km/kg, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Transmission Choices: Manual or AGS
The Celerio comes with two transmission options: a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which Maruti calls AGS (Auto Gear Shift).
The manual offers precise shifts and better control, while the AGS provides the convenience of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual.
The AGS has been refined over the years, offering smoother shifts and reduced ‘head-nod’ effect compared to earlier iterations.
Spacious Interiors and Practical Features
Step inside the Celerio, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more spacious than the car’s exterior dimensions might suggest.
The dashboard layout is simple yet functional, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage in higher trims.
This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping occupants connected on the go.
The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, making long journeys comfortable.
With a boot space of 313 liters, the Celerio offers ample storage for weekend getaways or grocery runs. The 60:40 split rear seats add to the versatility, allowing for various cargo and passenger configurations.
Feature-Rich Trims
Maruti offers the Celerio in four broad variants: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+.
Even the base LXi trim comes with essential features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.
As you move up the variant ladder, you get additions like a multi-information display, keyless entry, push-button start, and the aforementioned touchscreen infotainment system.
The top-spec ZXi+ variant further adds 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, and electrically adjustable ORVMs, among other features.
For those seeking a sportier look, Maruti offers various accessory packages that include body graphics, interior styling kits, and alloy wheels.
Safety: A Top Priority
In line with increasing safety consciousness among Indian consumers, Maruti has equipped the Celerio with a host of safety features.
Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors are standard across all variants. The car also features a high-strength HEARTECT platform, which enhances crash protection and overall structural rigidity.
Higher variants get additional safety features like a rear defogger, rear wiper and washer, and speed-sensitive auto door locks.
While the Celerio hasn’t undergone Global NCAP crash tests yet, Maruti claims it meets all Indian safety regulations.
Market Positioning and Competition
Priced between Rs 5.37 lakh and Rs 7.05 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Celerio positions itself as a value-for-money offering in the compact hatchback segment.
It faces stiff competition from established players like the Tata Tiago, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and its own stablemate, the Maruti Wagon R.
The Celerio’s USP lies in its blend of fuel efficiency, spacious interiors, and Maruti’s renowned after-sales service network.
The availability of a factory-fitted CNG option further broadens its appeal, especially in cities with well-developed CNG infrastructure.
Future Prospects
As India moves towards stricter emission norms and electrification, the future of the Celerio looks interesting.
There are rumors of Maruti working on a mild-hybrid version of the Celerio, which could further improve its already impressive fuel efficiency.
Additionally, given Maruti’s recent focus on electric vehicles, an all-electric version of the Celerio in the future cannot be ruled out.
Maruti Celerio : A Well-Rounded Package
The Maruti Celerio, in its current avatar, represents a well-thought-out package that caters to the needs of modern Indian car buyers.
It successfully balances performance with efficiency, style with practicality, and features with affordability.
While it may not be the most exciting car in its segment, it excels in areas that matter most to its target audience – reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of ownership.
As urban traffic congestion increases and fuel prices remain volatile, cars like the Celerio are likely to gain even more popularity.
With its strong brand backing, efficient powertrains, and value-for-money proposition, the Maruti Celerio is well-positioned to continue its success story in the Indian automotive market.
Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a small family looking for an efficient runabout, or someone seeking a reliable second car, the Maruti Celerio deserves a spot on your consideration list.
It may not turn heads on the road, but it will certainly bring a smile to your face every time you visit the fuel pump.