2014 Maruti Ciaz review, test drive

We take a quick spin in both the petrol and diesel versions of the all-new Maruti Ciaz, which goes on sale next month.

Published on Sep 02, 2014 05:29:00 PM

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Ride comfort is where the Ciaz truly scores, and Maruti engineers have arrived at a suspension set-up that works brilliantly on our roads. Tuned on the softer side, the Ciaz feels best at lower speeds, soaking up cratered roads with ease. Up the pace, and the Ciaz tends to pitch a wee bit on uneven surfaces, but again, bump absorption is superb and passengers are left unruffled. On smooth highways, the Ciaz feels well-planted and secure, allowing you to cruise effortlessly at some serious speeds.

The Ciaz feels best in a straight line and it’s not particularly eager to dive into corners. The steering, though nicely weighted, has a numbness about it and there’s a bit of a dead zone around the straight-ahead position.

The docile dynamics of the Ciaz make it a car that’s best for comfortable commuting and not for the enthusiast.

Should I buy one?

If you are looking for a comfortable car that’s well-equipped and easy to drive, the Ciaz fits the bill perfectly. It’s not a car for enthusiasts, but for someone who wants fuss-free motoring with the peace of mind that only Maruti can offer. Factor in a very competitive starting price of Rs 6.99 lakh for the petrol model and Rs 8.04 lakh for the diesel version (around Rs 26,000 and Rs 40,000 cheaper than the respective base Honda City’s) and it’s safe to say that the Honda City faces its most serious rival yet.