Maruti Suzuki Celerio - a value for money Indian hatchback

Much awaited Maruti Suzuki Celerio hatchback has finally made its debut at the 2014 Auto Expo event. The hatchback has been in the news for quite a while now due to its new innovative technology called as the automated manual transmission. Celerio is the Maruti Suzuki's offering in the A2 segment. Four of the manual transmission variants are priced between Rs. 3.9 Lakhs to Rs. 4.96 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), whereas two auto gear variants are priced at 4.29 Lakhs to Rs 4.59 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

MD and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Given the congestion on Indian roads, the demand for auto mode is no brainer. Presently, cars with automatic transmission are less than 5 percent. Celerio will cater to a growing demand for vehicles with automatic gear shift at an affordable price.” As per sources, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio delivers fuel efficiency of around 23.1 kmpl. Moreover, the new Celerio is reported to be 5 percent more efficient than a regular manual version car.

The Celerio comes with EZDrive technology which is a comfortable replacement of the manual shift. It has been often considered that an automatic variant is low on efficiency and high on maintenance but the Celerio claims to be highly fuel efficient at 23.1 kmpl and also offer hassle free driving. The Auto Gear Shift system has no manual clutch and thus there are only two pedals. It is based on an electronic control unit which drives the precision hydraulic actuator to control the clutch engagement and the gear shifting. It also ensures that the gear and clutch operations happen at optimal timings. Some of the factors that are responsible for higher efficiency is the optimized compression ratio, reduced frictional losses, low viscosity engine oil, and re-designed valves and springs.

Added to it, the absence of a clutch pedal makes the car even more interesting and comfortable to drive within the city where you may be stuck for hours in a stop-and-go traffic. Maruti Suzuki India has opened the bookings for Celerio, and the hatchback is available in 6 variants and 7 colors. From the cost factor, the car is a complete value for money deal.