In an era dominated by SUVs and crossovers, Maruti Suzuki has boldly reaffirmed its commitment to the sedan market with the launch of the 2024 Ciaz.
This move comes as a surprise to many industry analysts who had predicted the gradual phasing out of sedans in favor of larger vehicles.
However, Maruti Suzuki’s decision to revamp the Ciaz for 2024 signals a potential renaissance in the sedan segment, particularly in the Indian automotive landscape.
A Design Evolution
The 2024 Ciaz showcases a significant departure from its predecessor, embracing a more contemporary and dynamic design language.
The front fascia now sports a wider, hexagonal grille adorned with intricate chrome detailing, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights.
The hood features subtle creases that add a touch of muscularity to the otherwise elegant profile.
Moving to the side, the Ciaz retains its flowing roofline but introduces a more pronounced character line that runs from the front fender to the taillights, creating a sense of motion even when the car is stationary.
The wheel arches are slightly more pronounced, housing newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels that give the sedan a more planted stance.
The rear end sees a significant update with new LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, a design element that’s becoming increasingly popular among premium sedans.
A subtle lip spoiler on the trunk lid not only adds a sporty touch but also aids in aerodynamics.
Interior Refinement
Step inside the 2024 Ciaz, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s taken a considerable leap in terms of quality and technology.
The dashboard layout has been completely redesigned, featuring a floating 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
The instrument cluster now includes a 7-inch digital display, offering customizable information to the driver.
Material quality has seen a noticeable improvement, with soft-touch materials adorning the upper parts of the dashboard and door panels.
The seats now feature a new design with improved bolstering and are available in both fabric and leather options, depending on the trim level.
One of the Ciaz’s strongest suits has always been its spacious interior, and the 2024 model builds on this strength.
Despite no increase in external dimensions, clever packaging has resulted in marginally improved legroom and headroom, especially for rear passengers.
Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2024 Ciaz offers a range of powertrain options to cater to diverse consumer preferences:
- The base model continues with the tried-and-tested 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine, now updated to meet the latest emission norms. It produces 105 bhp and 138 Nm of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
- The big news is the introduction of a new 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, producing 120 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. This engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual or a new 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
- In a surprising move, Maruti Suzuki has reintroduced a diesel option in the form of a 1.5-liter DDiS engine, producing 95 bhp and 225 Nm of torque. This engine is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Keeping up with the electrification trend, Maruti has also introduced a mild-hybrid system across all petrol variants, improving fuel efficiency by up to 10% compared to the outgoing model.
Technology and Features
The 2024 Ciaz comes loaded with features that put it on par with some of its more premium competitors. The aforementioned 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is just the tip of the iceberg. The car now offers:
- A 360-degree camera system for easy parking
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Ventilated front seats
- An electric sunroof (a first for the Ciaz)
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry and push-button start
On the safety front, the Ciaz now comes with six airbags as standard across all variants, along with ABS, EBD, and ESP.
Higher trims get additional features like hill-hold assist, tire pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Driving Dynamics
Maruti Suzuki has paid special attention to the Ciaz’s driving dynamics for the 2024 model.
The suspension setup has been retuned to offer a balance between comfort and handling. The electric power steering has been calibrated to provide more feedback, addressing one of the main criticisms of the previous model.
The new turbocharged petrol engine, in particular, has transformed the Ciaz’s performance.
It now offers brisk acceleration, with the 0-100 km/h sprint taking just 10.5 seconds. The diesel variant, while not as quick, offers excellent mid-range punch, making it ideal for highway cruising.
NVH levels have seen a marked improvement, with additional sound insulation making the cabin a quieter place to be, even at higher speeds.
Market Positioning and Pricing
With the 2024 update, Maruti Suzuki has positioned the Ciaz as a premium offering in the C-segment sedan market. It now competes directly with the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Virtus.
Pricing for the 2024 Ciaz starts at ₹9.5 lakh for the base petrol variant and goes up to ₹14.5 lakh for the top-end diesel model (ex-showroom, Delhi).
While this represents a significant increase over the outgoing model, Maruti Suzuki justifies the premium with the extensive updates and additional features.
Industry Impact
The launch of the 2024 Ciaz has sent ripples through the Indian automotive industry.
At a time when many manufacturers are scaling back their sedan offerings, Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to the segment has been seen as a bold move.
Industry analysts are closely watching how the market responds to this revamped Ciaz. If successful, it could potentially trigger a renewed interest in sedans among both consumers and other manufacturers.
Some experts believe that as the SUV market becomes increasingly saturated, there might be a swing back towards sedans, especially among urban buyers looking for a more sophisticated and fuel-efficient option.
Environmental Considerations
In line with global trends towards sustainability, Maruti Suzuki has made significant strides in making the 2024 Ciaz more environmentally friendly.
The mild-hybrid system, available across all petrol variants, not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces emissions.
Moreover, Maruti Suzuki claims that over 95% of the Ciaz is recyclable, and the manufacturing process has been optimized to reduce carbon footprint.
The company has also introduced a new paint technology that requires less water and energy, further reducing the environmental impact of production.
Future Roadmap
While the 2024 Ciaz represents a significant update, Maruti Suzuki is already looking ahead.
The company has hinted at the possibility of a full hybrid version in the near future, which could potentially offer fuel efficiency figures of over 30 km/l.
There are also rumors of an all-electric Ciaz being in the early stages of development, although the company has not officially confirmed this.
If true, it would mark Maruti Suzuki’s entry into the electric sedan segment, potentially revolutionizing the market.
Conclusion – Maruti Ciaz 2024
The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is more than just an update to an existing model; it’s a statement of intent from India’s largest carmaker.
In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, Maruti Suzuki has chosen to double down on the sedan segment, offering a product that combines style, technology, and efficiency.
Whether this move will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the 2024 Ciaz has injected new life into the sedan market.
It offers a compelling alternative for buyers who want the sophistication of a sedan without compromising on modern features and performance.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the 2024 Ciaz stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the sedan.
It challenges the notion that SUVs are the only way forward and reminds us that with the right combination of design, technology, and performance, the sedan can still be a relevant and exciting choice for today’s car buyers.
The ball is now in the court of the Indian consumer. Will they embrace this renaissance of the sedan, or will the allure of SUVs prove too strong?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has certainly made the choice a lot more interesting.