The upcoming stylish Ciaz sedan from Maruti Suzuki is said to be based on an all-new design philosophy that has utilized designing cues from the ‘Authentics Concept’. The concept was showcased at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The face-lifted version of Chevrolet Cruze was launched last week in the country. The sedan is offered at a starting price tag of Rs 16.19 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). During the launch last week, Rajesh Singh, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and after sales, General Motors India, said, “We are constantly upgrading our car lines according to the evolving needs of the Indian consumer. The updated Chevrolet Cruze with all new Gen2 automatic transmission returns improved fuel economy and also provides turn indicators on outside rear view mirrors, both of which are crucial for Indian road conditions.”
As per sources, the Ciaz sedan from Maruti is slated to be launched sometime by second half of 2014. The Ciaz will enter the Indian automobile market loaded with a 1.4-litre K-Series petrol engine that is also found under the Ertiga's hood, along with a 1.6-litre diesel engine, which will most probably be supplied by Fiat. The engine is expected to be mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It is also said that the company is expected to be introduced in an AMT variant. Moreover, sources have stated that the car may feature infotainment system with Bluetooth, AC with climate control, cooled glove box, steering mounted audio controls in the interiors. For safety, the sedan may be loaded with ABS and EBD technology. Though Maruti Suzuki refused to divulge details about it, a company official confirmed that the mid-sized sedan is built on a new platform and will be a completely new car for Suzuki’s global range.
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is powered by turbocharged 2.0-litre VCDi engine that generates about 166 Ps of power with 380 Nm of torque. The powerful engine is mated to optional six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. To handle unpredictable Indian road conditions, the sedan gets gas-charged McPherson strut type suspension for the front wheels, whereas the rear wheels shall be blessed by U-shaped rear suspension loaded with torsion beams and gas-charged shock absorber. The interiors sport graphic infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls. The driver's seat comes with six-way power adjustable option. On the exterior front the car has received redesigned front and rear bumpers, smartly designed dual bezel headlamps, smart dash of chrome on the fog lamps that are complimented with dual-port front grille with gold bow-tie.
