Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki’s mid-size sedan, has crossed the one-lakh sales mark in India in June 2016. Launched in October 2014, the Ciaz is offered in both petrol and diesel guises, and competes with cars like the Honda City, the Hyundai Verna, the Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Rapid.
The petrol model is powered by a 92hp, 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine which is offered with a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic gearbox. The manual car delivers an ARAI rated fuel economy of 20.73kpl, while the automatic transmission-equipped variants are rated at 19.12kpl.
Diesel variants are powered by a 90hp, 1.3-litre engine that gets a five-speed manual gearbox, and is equipped with Suzuki’s SHVS mild-hybrid technology. It delivers an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 28.09, which makes it the most efficient diesel sedan in its class.
The Ciaz’s base VDi and VXi variants get a driver-side airbag, while ABS and dual front airbags are optional add-ons. All other variants get two air-bags and ABS as standard. Top-end variants (ZXi+, ZDi+ and RS) also get Maruti’s SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system.
Maruti also exports the Ciaz to Africa, South America, Central America, Middle East, ASEAN countries, and as of June 2016, the carmaker has shipped over 18,000 units of the car abroad.