Maruti Suzuki Celerio

The new Maruti Suzuki Celerio adopts a taller and more upright stance than before, giving it stronger road presence despite its compact footprint. The rounded body panels, wide grille and swept-back headlamps give it a friendly yet contemporary look. Short overhangs and a high roofline prioritise interior space, which has always been a key Celerio strength.

Built on Maruti Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect platform, the Celerio benefits from improved rigidity and reduced weight. Engineering focus is clearly on efficiency, ease of driving and urban usability rather than outright performance or sporty appeal.

The cabin is a noticeable step forward. The dashboard design is simple but modern, with a layered look and better perceived quality than the outgoing model. Controls are logically laid out and easy to reach, reinforcing the Celerio’s user-friendly nature.

Front seats are supportive enough for daily commuting, and the upright seating position improves visibility. Rear seat space is impressive for the segment, with good headroom and knee room for two adults. Three passengers at the back will feel tight, but that is expected at this size.

Boot space stands at 313 litres, which is generous for a compact hatchback and easily accommodates daily luggage or a weekend trip.

Power comes from Maruti Suzuki’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder K10C DualJet petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. This engine feels eager at low speeds and suits city driving well, allowing the Celerio to keep up with traffic effortlessly.

Refinement is better than expected from a small three-cylinder motor. While the engine becomes audible when pushed hard, it remains smooth during normal driving, with minimal vibration filtering into the cabin. Highway cruising is relaxed at steady speeds.

The AMT gearbox prioritises convenience. It works smoothly in stop-start traffic but shows noticeable pauses between shifts when driven aggressively, which is typical of this type of transmission.

Fuel efficiency is the Celerio’s biggest highlight. As per the Autocar India review, the manual petrol is rated at 25.24kmpl, while the AMT petrol delivers an impressive 26.68kmpl, making it the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India at the time of launch.

These figures are achieved through the lightweight platform, improved aerodynamics and the efficient DualJet engine. In real-world conditions, the car feels capable of delivering excellent economy when driven sensibly.

Ride comfort has improved over the previous generation. The suspension absorbs bumps and broken surfaces well, especially at city speeds. The car feels pliant over potholes and speed breakers, which suits urban conditions perfectly.

Steering is light and easy, making the Celerio effortless to manoeuvre in tight spaces. At higher speeds, stability is adequate but not confidence inspiring, and body movements are noticeable if pushed hard. This remains a city-focused hatchback rather than a highway cruiser.

Feature highlights include a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, steering-mounted controls and keyless entry on higher trims. The instrument cluster is digital and easy to read.

Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and seatbelt reminders as standard. The safety package meets segment expectations without offering any standout extras.

The new Celerio plays directly to its strengths. With excellent fuel efficiency, improved space, better ride comfort and easy drivability, it remains a sensible choice for city users and first-time buyers.

It does not aim to excite, but as a dependable, economical and practical hatchback, the Celerio delivers exactly what its target audience expects.