Maruti Suzuki had a relatively quiet 2013. Apart from a few special editions of existing models, the company didn't have much to offer. But it started 2014 with a bang with the launch of a new hatchback called the Celerio. And, this is just the start as the company has plans to launch an array of new models.
The large headlamps and the curvy chrome grille give the Celerio a pleasing face. All photos by Kingshuk Dutta.
The first incarnation of the Celerio was the A-Wind Concept car that the company unveiled a few months back. Worldwide it is being hailed as a replacement for the Alto that is badged as the A-Star in India. But over here, the A-Star and the Celerio will continue to co-exist. The Celerio keeps the design close to its concept avatar. The front-end comprises a smiling setup, thanks to the large headlamps and a curvy chrome grille. The stout bonnet flows in smoothly and a prominent shoulderline merges with the boot. The rear section appears quite chunky with big tail lamps and a small tailgate. Dimensions reveal that the Celerio sits between the Hyundai Grand i10 and the i10. It's marginally shorter and narrower but taller than the Grand. The wheelbase at 2,425mm is exactly the same as on the Grand, offering decent amount of kneeroom at the back.
The large and sweeping dash seems to have been inspired by the Swift. The centre console-mounted gear lever mimics the one on the Grand i10.
The inside of the Celerio reminds one of the Swift. The large dash has a sweeping design that flows into the centre console where the audio system and air-condition controls are housed. The instrument panel is new and is neatly laid out with a tacho, speedo and a digital display for fuel apart from other telltale lamps. The steering offers controls for Bluetooth and the audio system that comes factory-fitted on the top ZXI variant. The quality of plastic bits too is good. The gear lever is mounted on the centre console much like in the Grand i10. The designers have also added around approximately 15 slots and cubby holes in the cabin for stowage adding to the convenience factor.
Trip computer, tacho and speedo are standard on the ZXI trim.
The seats are comfortable and not as low as in some of the new cars. As a result, the all-around visibility is great. Space too is not a concern in the Celerio as it also offers a decent amount of headroom and the boot at 235litres is ample too. The rear seat can be folded to increase the boot space even further adding to the versatility of the boot.
Maruti Suzuki claims a fuel economy of 23.1kmpl under ARAI testing.
The Celerio derives its power from an all-aluminium 998cc petrol motor that's quite smooth at start up. The clutch is light and the gears slot nicely, but are not as slick as the Swift's box. On the move, the Celerio offers enough amount of torque to avoid frequent downshifts and on one of the high-speed runs we touched 140kmph on the clock. The company also claims a fuel economy of 23.1kmpl under ARAI testing regulations, and we feel that the manual version can return a mileage close to the certified figure. Maruti Suzuki has done a good job of tackling NVH with minimal noise and vibrations intruding inside the cabin, returning a serene ride.
The Celerio handles well, going into corners confidently. The ride quality too is top-notch and the suspension soaked up the ruts and potholes with ease. Not only that, the Celerio stays planted on the road at high speeds, giving confidence to the driver but the same can't be said for the steering. It's light, which makes it brilliant in city, especially while parking in tight spots or making three-point turns, but as speeds climb, one starts to feel the absence of any feedback. On the highway at high speeds, the steering feels dead and lifeless.
Specs: Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Engine: 998cc, three-cylinder
Max Power: 68bhp@6,000rpm
Max torque: 90Nm@3,500rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual/auto
Wheelbase(mm): 2,425
LxWxH(mm): 3,600x1,600x1,560
Top Speed: 140kmph
0-100kmph: NA
Price: Rs.3.9 -4.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
On sale: February, 2014
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