Maruti Suzuki’s flagship sedan was launched in 2014 and ever since then, the Ciaz has been having a tough time trying to be at par with its rival in the segment. On the flip side, the company has recently launched the updated version in the Chinese market and it is speculated that the updates will make its way to the Indian Ciaz as well.
The recently launched Ciaz carries the Suzuki’s family design which is evident with the large grille up front and aggressively styled splitters. The side silhouette is identical to the current car. However it carries some minor changes such as a side skirt and newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels. The rear end displays the redesigned bumper and tail lamps and a new rear diffuser. The cabin has not undergone many changes, although the company is likely to add a few features as a part of the midlife update.
The Ciaz in the international market is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine with the choice of a six-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox. However, the Indian car will be powered by the same engines on offer – 1.4-litre petrol and the 1.3-litre diesel. There have been speculations that Maruti Suzuki is working on an in-house 1.5-litre diesel mill which will then retire the long running 1.3-litre diesel motor. The updated Ciaz may also be available with AMT transmission, however, the five-speed manual gearbox will be a standard option.
The updated Ciaz is likely to be introduced in the Indian market by mid-2018 and will continue to rival in the C segment. Once launched, the new Maruti Suzuki Ciaz will have to face the wrath of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Rapid.
