Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the Ciaz concept sedan on the first day of the 2014 Auto Expo. The car (codenamed YL1) is based on the Suzuki Authentics concept which was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show and is expected to replace the SX4 sedan.
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz C-Segment sedan (for India, China and elsewhere) embodies much of the Japanese automaker’s new design philosophy which will embody its new set of cars. The car gets a beige and black combination for the interiors with faux wood inserts which will only be available on the top-spec variants. Right from the first glance, it is evident that many of the components and the features have been taken or copied from the more expensive and rather hard to spot on our roads Kizashi sedan.
The steering and the controls mounted on it, gauge cluster as well as the panels on the dashboard have all look like they have been taken from the Kizashi. However, what appears to be new is the music system which now gets a colour display and options for AUX and USB. Features are expected to include rake adjustment for the steering, internal mirror adjustment, all four power windows and chrome door handles and accents for the AC vents.
We expect that this car will be powered by the 1.6-petrol from the Ertiga MUV as well as a new 1.6-litre diesel engine. The diesel produces 94bhp and 130Nm of torque while the petrol is expected to give 115bhp and 150Nm of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual as well as the AMT unit from the Celerio hatchback.
The company hasn't disclosed the launch date but we expect it to happen in next few months. The car is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 7.7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh for the top spec diesel. It is their C-Segment competitor and will rival the Renault Scala, Nissan Sunny, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and VW Vento.