Maruti has launched the new Celerio in India and we have managed to get a quick preview of this important new hatchback. The previous Celerio has been a success in terms of its market share and also being the first Maruti to have an AMT gearbox. Maruti has made sure the new one gets more features and the latest in terms of technology. That said, the talking point has to be the mileage and the price. We will dig deeper into the details below.
Exteriors
The new Celerio is the newest Maruti in line with the latest Heartect platform. This new platform makes it lighter plus has better safety while having fuel efficiency benefits. It is not longer than the previous Celerio though as the length does come in at the same 3695mm. That said, it is wider than the previous Celerio at 1655mm. Crucially, it looks bigger and more sculpted than the previous model. Even the ground clearance is now increased at 170mm. Look wise, Maruti has added two new colours to the line-up while the headlamps are bigger along with the fog-lamps. The grille is also like in the new Swift with one bar connecting with the headlamps. The top-end versions get 15-inch black alloys which are a nice touch. Overall it looks bigger and that helps.
Inside
Step in and the doors open wider for easier access. The interior looks much better than the previous Celerio with being more modern now. There are new vertical ac vents, new black interior colour and silver accents. Quality and design have been improved from the previous model but hard plastics are there obviously due to the cost of the car. It is after all an entry-level hatchback but we would say it is much more premium when compared to the previous Celerio.
The big news is the new 7-inch touchscreen which gets the latest SmartPlay studio infotainment system. You also get smartphone connectivity, push button start, steering mounted controls, keyless entry. There is also a height-adjust driver's seat, AC pollen filter, dual airbags, ABS and hill-hold assist with the AGS AMT, electric ORVMs, rear parking sensors. We would have liked climate control though on the top-end variant.
The new platform means more space and it does feel more spacious. The interiors are comfortable and the rear is spacious for two with very good headroom/legroom. The boot space is also increased at 313l.
Engine and mileage
The Celerio gets an all-new next-generation K-Series Engine with Dual Jet, Dual VVT petrol 1.0l engine with 67hp/89Nm. You can either get it standard with a 5-speed manual or get the AMT 5-speed. This engine also comes with a start/stop system for added benefits in efficiency. The new Celerio is also the most efficient car in India in terms of petrol with a figure of 26.68 kmpl for the AGS. The Zxi, Zxi+AGS delivers 26kmpl while the Lxi, Vxi, Zxi MT delivers 25.23kmpl. The Zxi+MT delivers 24.97 kmpl.
Prices
The Celerio is available in four trims- Lxi, Vxi, Zxi, Zxi+. Prices start at Rs 4.99 lakh for the base variant petrol manual. You will have to pay more to get the AMT which is available starting from Vxi. The AMT is also roughly Rs 50,000 more over the manual. The top-end AMT comes in at Rs 6.94 lakh. The new Celerio competes with the Santro from Hyundai and to some extent the Nios plus the Tata Taigo and more.
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