Maruti Suzuki Celerio

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the model that introduced the Indian car-buying public at large to the concept of AMT. But the gearbox was just one of many factors that helped the sensible Celerio click and go on to become one of India’s best-selling cars. The Maruti hatchback is available in petrol-manual, petrol-AMT and CNG-manual forms. A two-cylinder diesel-powered Celerio was also available in the past.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the model that introduced the Indian car-buying public at large to the concept of AMT. B...

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the model that introduced the Indian car-buying public at large to the concept of AMT. But the gearbox was just one of many factors that helped the sensible Celerio click and go on to become one of India’s best-selling cars. The Maruti hatchback is available in petrol-manual, petrol-AMT and CNG-manual forms. A two-cylinder diesel-powered Celerio was also available in the past.

The Celerio looks a bit vanilla on the outside but you can’t fault its cabin for roominess and practicality. That being said, fit and finish could be better, and even top-spec trims miss out on some modern-day essential features.
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio’s 68hp, 998cc petrol engine feels responsive and enthusiastic, while the standard-fit 5-speed manual transmission is at par for the course. As for the automatic transmission, like all AMTs, the Celerio’s unit isn’t particularly slick either. However, it does its job well enough in average city scenarios. Efficiency is comparable to the manual car; and a light steering and absorbent suspension also work in the Celerio’s favour.

The Celerio looks a bit vanilla on the outside but you can’t fault its cabin for roominess and practicality. That bei...

The Celerio looks a bit vanilla on the outside but you can’t fault its cabin for roominess and practicality. That being said, fit and finish could be better, and even top-spec trims miss out on some modern-day essential features.
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio’s 68hp, 998cc petrol engine feels responsive and enthusiastic, while the standard-fit 5-speed manual transmission is at par for the course. As for the automatic transmission, like all AMTs, the Celerio’s unit isn’t particularly slick either. However, it does its job well enough in average city scenarios. Efficiency is comparable to the manual car; and a light steering and absorbent suspension also work in the Celerio’s favour.

While the Celerio petrol-AMT is a smart choice for urban buyers, the petrol-manual car is the one we’d go for. All versions of the Celerio get a driver’s side airbag as standard but you’d be advised to opt for the Optional packs that also add a passenger-side airbag. The ZXi(O) is our pick, as it also gets a bluetooth-enabled audio system, even if it misses on a touchscreen.

While the Celerio petrol-AMT is a smart choice for urban buyers, the petrol-manual car is the one we’d go for. All ve...

While the Celerio petrol-AMT is a smart choice for urban buyers, the petrol-manual car is the one we’d go for. All versions of the Celerio get a driver’s side airbag as standard but you’d be advised to opt for the Optional packs that also add a passenger-side airbag. The ZXi(O) is our pick, as it also gets a bluetooth-enabled audio system, even if it misses on a touchscreen.