Maruti Ciaz ready for launch

Launch of the Maruti Ciaz is just around the corner, and we’ve got our hands on a couple of photos of the mid-spec variant. It is Maruti’s player for the sedan segment where its two previous attempts, the Baleno and SX4, did not fare too well.

Production of the SX4 has been discontinued, but the Ciaz may not be its direct replacement. In fact, the Ciaz is likely to be slotted higher up in the segment. Looking at the dimensions and the interiors, it looks like the Ciaz may bridge the gap between mid-size sedans and executive sedans. The rear doors look massive, indicating good rear legroom.

Maruti will offer the Ciaz with both petrol and diesel motors. The petrol being the 1.4-litre from the Ertiga and the diesel being the familiar 1.3-litre Multijet from Fiat. Transmission will be manual, but there could also be an automatic on offer. Maruti will not equip the Ciaz with an AMT 'box in an attempt to position it as a premium product. As seen in other Maruti models, there could be as many as three trims on offer. Continued..