Maruti Suzuki’s decision to unveil the Ciaz 2024 has sent ripples through the automotive industry, placing a renewed spotlight on the sedan category.
Set to launch in early 2024, this refreshed model aims to bridge traditional comfort with cutting-edge innovation, demonstrating that sedans can still be a force to reckon with in a market increasingly captivated by SUVs.
At a time when established competitors, including domestic giants like Tata, continue to refine their lineups, the Ciaz 2024 steps up to the challenge by offering a blend of style, efficiency, and technology that could redefine its segment.
Honoring a Legacy While Embracing the Future
For nearly a decade, the Ciaz has been a familiar presence on Indian roads, recognized for its balanced approach to space, comfort, and value.
The 2024 iteration doesn’t just tinker around the edges—it represents a noteworthy leap forward in design, performance, and amenities, ensuring that the sedan’s well-earned legacy evolves in line with shifting customer expectations.
Exterior: A Contemporary Take on a Familiar Silhouette
The new Ciaz maintains the model’s distinctive shape while introducing a series of contemporary flourishes:
- Streamlined LED Headlamps: Sharper LED units lend a sophisticated, smoked finish, accentuating the sedan’s purposeful gaze.
- Bolder Lighting Elements: Prominent LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) enhance both safety and curb appeal.
- Dynamic Front Grille: Echoing the aesthetic seen in Maruti’s recent offerings, the grille adopts a more assertive look.
- Sporty Alloy Wheels: The 16-inch dual-tone alloys inject a youthful energy into the profile.
- Refined Rear Design: C-shaped LED taillamps modernize the rear, while a “floating roof” effect, courtesy of darkened pillars, lends a contemporary twist.
In terms of color choices, the Ciaz 2024 caters to various tastes, with classic Pearl Arctic White, striking Solid Fire Red, and premium Pearl Midnight Blue among the options. Dual-tone finishes are available for those seeking an even more personalized statement.
Interior: Marrying Comfort and Cutting-Edge Tech
Upon entering the Ciaz 2024, occupants will find a dramatically reimagined cabin:
- Modern Dashboard Layout: Borrowing cues from models like the Baleno and Fronx, the redesigned dash is clean, minimalist, and intuitive.
- Floating Touchscreen Infotainment: A new 9-inch touchscreen (in higher trims) anchors the cabin’s tech-centric feel, providing seamless access to navigation, media, and connectivity options.
- Driver-Centric Controls: The flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated buttons and a refreshed instrument cluster with a color multi-information display keep vital data at the driver’s fingertips.
- Enhanced Comfort: Improved seating comfort and refined materials create a more premium atmosphere. Increased legroom and headroom address previous criticisms, while ambient lighting adds a subtle layer of sophistication. With 510 liters of trunk space, the Ciaz remains practical for everyday use and weekend adventures.
Powertrain and Efficiency: A Refined Heart
At its core, the Ciaz 2024 introduces a new engine designed to balance performance with unparalleled fuel efficiency:
- 1.5-Liter Petrol Engine with Smart Hybrid: Delivering around 104 hp and 138 Nm of torque, this four-cylinder unit represents an upgrade over the previous K15B.
- Transmission Choices: Buyers can opt for a 5-speed manual for hands-on engagement or a 6-speed automatic for effortless commutes.
- Impressive Mileage: With up to 23.20 kmpl for the manual and 24.11 kmpl for the automatic, the Ciaz 2024 stands among the segment’s most economical options. For those wanting even greater savings, the CNG variant claims an efficiency of 30.61 km/kg.
Feature-Loaded to Impress
Maruti Suzuki has outfitted the Ciaz 2024 with a suite of amenities that elevate it beyond the basics:
- Wireless Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity without cables.
- Enhanced Audio System: Six speakers tuned by Arkamys deliver an immersive soundscape.
- Convenience at Hand: Automatic climate control, rear AC vents, a wireless charging pad, and cruise control ensure a hassle-free experience.
- Smart Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start: Streamlined operations for a modern driving environment.
- Connected Car Functions (Alpha+ Variant): Smartphone-based commands and vehicle monitoring represent the future of accessible car tech.
Safety Reinforced
Prioritizing occupant protection, the Ciaz 2024 comes equipped with:
- Six Standard Airbags: A significant step up for this segment.
- Electronic Stability Program and Hill Hold Assist: Enhanced control and confidence in varying driving conditions.
- ABS with EBD, ISOFIX Mounts, and a Rearview Camera: Core safety measures that provide peace of mind on the road.
Variants and Pricing: Catering to Diverse Needs
Offered in Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha, and Alpha+ trims, the Ciaz 2024 caters to a broad range of budgets and preferences:
- Starting at Rs 9.30 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi): The base Sigma sets the stage with essential features, while the fully loaded Alpha+ tops out at Rs 12.85 lakh for the dual-tone automatic variant. CNG options in Delta and Zeta ensure eco-friendly motoring without breaking the bank.
Facing the Competition Head-On
The updated Ciaz enters a segment brimming with formidable players like the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and Skoda Slavia. However, the sedan’s balanced package of brand trust, feature content, efficiency, and price could sway buyers still loyal to the format. Interestingly, the top-end trims now vie for attention alongside compact SUVs, reflecting an evolving marketplace where consumer priorities continue to shift.
Market Reception and the Road Ahead
Pre-orders opened with an Rs 11,000 deposit, generating strong interest from both longtime Ciaz loyalists and new customers intrigued by its rejuvenated image. As Maruti Suzuki contemplates a future that may include hybrids or fully electric offerings, the Ciaz 2024 underscores the company’s commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
Conclusion: Embracing Change, Upholding Tradition
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 2024 isn’t just a model refresh—it’s a strategic move that reasserts the sedan’s place in Indian automotive culture. By blending time-honored comfort, proven reliability, and new-age technology, it welcomes a fresh chapter in its journey. As the roads become more crowded with SUVs and crossovers, the Ciaz 2024 dares to claim its own space, proving that a well-rounded sedan can still resonate with the discerning Indian buyer.