Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch the updated Ciaz in mid-August 2018.
The Ciaz was launched in 2014, a year that marked Maruti’s re-entry into the mid-size sedan or C-segment in India. A segment that Maruti has failed to make a dent into, despite having commendable performing cars like the first generation Baleno and the SX4.
However, with the Ciaz, Maruti finally found some light at the end of the tunnel becoming a major rival to the ever-popular Honda City and the growing demand for the Hyundai Verna.
Initially, Maruti Suzuki was also planning to introduce the Nexa (premium) dealer network, and the Ciaz was supposed to be marketed through that channel. But the network was unfortunately not ready and Maruti was forced to sell the Ciaz through their existing network, but in 2017, Maruti finally added the Ciaz to their Nexa offering, adding to the existing line-up of vehicles which include the Ignis, Baleno and the S-Cross.
But since it was launched, Maruti failed to show it enough love, and it started to fall behind the competition – the updated City and the all-new Verna. But finally, Maruti has decided to give the car an update with new styling and more importantly a brand-new petrol engine.
The Ciaz facelift is confirmed to be launched sometime mid-August, and unofficially, bookings for the cars at dealer levels have begun for a refundable amount of ₹11,000. Though the car will not be significantly different from the older model, the Ciaz will feature new exterior styling and minimal changes to the interior. Mechanically, it will be identical with the existing 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, Fiat sourced-MultiJet, turbo diesel engine continuing to be offered. As for the petrol engine, Maruti Suzuki is currently developing a brand new 1.5-litre engine to meet BS VI emission specifications, which is expected to be launched at a later date. Their new diesel engine that’s designed to meet BS VI specifications is also under development but will not be introduced anytime soon.
As the new model is expected to arrive sometime after India celebrates its Independence Day, dealers are offering heavy discounts up to ₹1.3 lakh on the existing version.
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