Maruti Ciaz: The Maruti Ciaz, introduced in 2014 as a replacement for the popular SX4, quickly became one of the best-selling sedans in India. Its premium design, spacious interior, and competitive pricing made it a favorite among buyers, allowing it to compete with rivals like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Vento. However, the automotive landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade. With the rise of SUVs, sedans like the Ciaz have seen a significant decline in demand. SUVs now dominate the market, contributing to 50% of all car sales, while sedans have dropped to less than 10% of the market share. This shift in consumer preference has led to the potential discontinuation of the Ciaz by April 2025, marking the end of an era for this once-iconic sedan.
The downfall of the Maruti Ciaz can be attributed to several factors. Despite its initial success, the Ciaz failed to keep up with the evolving demands of buyers. The sedan received only one major update in 2018, and in 2020, Maruti decided to discontinue the diesel variant due to its non-compliance with BS6 emission norms. This decision proved costly, as the diesel variant accounted for 30% of the Ciaz’s sales. Post-2020, the Ciaz was left with only a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which struggled to compete with the more feature-rich and powerful offerings from its competitors. Additionally, the lack of modern features and technological advancements further diminished its appeal in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs.
In 2024, the Maruti Ciaz’s sales numbers painted a grim picture. Monthly sales were consistently in the three-digit range, with 659 units sold in October, 597 in November, and 464 in December. While the year-on-year growth percentage showed an increase of 111.57%, the actual numbers were far from impressive. The Ciaz managed to stay ahead of the Honda City but was positioned 8th overall in its segment. With Maruti focusing on SUVs and electric vehicles, the discontinuation of the Ciaz seems inevitable. Industry sources suggest that the Ciaz will not be replaced by another sedan, signaling the end of Maruti’s presence in the sedan market.
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Specifications of the Maruti Ciaz
Here’s a detailed table summarizing the key specifications of the Maruti Ciaz:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol |
| Power | 103 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 138 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic |
| Mileage | 20.65 km/l (Manual), 20.04 km/l (Automatic) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Length | 4490 mm |
| Width | 1730 mm |
| Height | 1485 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Boot Space | 510 litres |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 litres |
Features of the Maruti Ciaz
The Maruti Ciaz was known for its premium features, which made it a strong contender in its segment. Some of its notable features include:
- Interior: Spacious cabin with premium upholstery, rear AC vents, and a flat rear floor for enhanced comfort.
- Infotainment: 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
- Comfort: Tilt-adjustable steering wheel, automatic climate control, and keyless entry.
- Exterior: LED projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and chrome accents.
Performance and Design
The Maruti Ciaz was powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivered 103 bhp and 138 Nm of torque. While the engine was reliable and fuel-efficient, it lacked the punch needed to compete with turbocharged engines offered by rivals. The suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, making it ideal for city commutes and highway drives.
In terms of design, the Ciaz boasted a sleek and elegant profile. The chrome grille, LED headlamps, and sculpted body lines gave it a premium look. The interior design was equally impressive, with a focus on comfort and practicality.
Price and Launch Details
The Maruti Ciaz was launched in 2014 with a starting price of ₹8.19 lakh (ex-showroom). Over the years, the price increased slightly, with the 2024 model priced at ₹9.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite its competitive pricing, the Ciaz struggled to maintain its market position due to the lack of updates and features.
Maruti Ciaz Conclusion
The Maruti Ciaz, once a shining star in the Indian sedan market, is now nearing the end of its journey. Launched in 2014 as a replacement for the SX4, the Ciaz quickly gained popularity for its premium design, spacious interiors, and competitive pricing. It stood as a strong competitor to rivals like the Honda City and Hyundai Verna, carving out a significant share in the sedan segment during its prime. However, the automotive landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, with SUVs becoming the preferred choice for Indian buyers. This shift in consumer preference has led to a steady decline in sedan sales, ultimately sealing the fate of the Ciaz.
One of the key reasons for the Ciaz’s downfall was its inability to keep up with the evolving demands of the market. While it received a major update in 2018, the lack of subsequent updates and the discontinuation of the diesel variant in 2020 significantly impacted its appeal. The diesel engine, which contributed to 30% of its sales, was a major draw for buyers, and its absence left the Ciaz with only a 1.5-litre petrol engine. This, coupled with the lack of modern features compared to its competitors, made it difficult for the Ciaz to retain its position in the market.
The sales numbers for the Ciaz in 2024 further highlight its declining popularity. With monthly sales consistently in the three-digit range, it was clear that the sedan was struggling to attract buyers. Despite a year-on-year growth percentage of 111.57%, the actual numbers were far from impressive. The Ciaz managed to stay ahead of the Honda City but was positioned 8th overall in its segment, a far cry from its earlier dominance.
Maruti Suzuki’s decision to discontinue the Ciaz reflects the brand’s strategic shift towards SUVs and electric vehicles. With SUVs now accounting for 50% of all car sales in India, Maruti is focusing on expanding its SUV lineup to cater to the changing preferences of buyers. The discontinuation of the Ciaz also marks the end of Maruti’s presence in the sedan market, signaling a new era for the brand.
While the Maruti Ciaz may be nearing its end, it leaves behind a legacy of reliability, comfort, and affordability. For many buyers, the Ciaz was more than just a car; it was a trusted companion that offered a perfect blend of style and practicality. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Ciaz will be remembered as a symbol of a bygone era when sedans ruled the roads. Its discontinuation serves as a reminder of how quickly market trends can change, but for those who owned and loved the Ciaz, it will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Maruti Ciaz FAQs
1. Why is the Maruti Ciaz being discontinued?
The Maruti Ciaz is being discontinued primarily due to the changing preferences of Indian car buyers, who are increasingly leaning towards SUVs. Over the past decade, SUVs have gained immense popularity for their spacious interiors, higher ground clearance, and rugged appeal. Sedans, on the other hand, have seen a sharp decline in demand, with their market share dropping from 20% to less than 10%. Additionally, the Ciaz failed to keep up with its competitors due to a lack of updates and the discontinuation of its diesel variant in 2020, which accounted for 30% of its sales. These factors, combined with Maruti Suzuki’s strategic focus on SUVs and electric vehicles, have led to the decision to discontinue the Ciaz.
2. What were the key features of the Maruti Ciaz?
The Maruti Ciaz was known for its premium features, which made it a strong contender in the sedan segment. It offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with premium upholstery, rear AC vents, and a flat rear floor for enhanced comfort. The infotainment system included a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety features included dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The Ciaz also boasted exterior highlights like LED projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and chrome accents. Despite these features, the Ciaz lagged behind its competitors in terms of advanced technology and modern amenities.
3. How did the Maruti Ciaz perform in terms of sales?
The Maruti Ciaz’s sales performance in 2024 reflected its declining popularity. Monthly sales were consistently in the three-digit range, with 659 units sold in October, 597 in November, and 464 in December. While the year-on-year growth percentage showed an increase of 111.57%, the actual numbers were far from impressive. The Ciaz managed to stay ahead of the Honda City but was positioned 8th overall in its segment. The discontinuation of the diesel variant and the lack of modern features were significant factors contributing to its poor sales performance.
4. Will Maruti replace the Ciaz with another sedan?
No, Maruti Suzuki is unlikely to replace the Ciaz with another sedan. The brand has shifted its focus towards SUVs and electric vehicles, reflecting the changing preferences of Indian car buyers. SUVs now account for 50% of all car sales in India, and Maruti is capitalizing on this trend by expanding its SUV lineup. The discontinuation of the Ciaz marks the end of Maruti’s presence in the sedan market, as the brand aims to strengthen its position in the SUV and EV segments.
5. What was the price of the Maruti Ciaz, and how does it compare to its competitors?
The Maruti Ciaz was launched in 2014 with a starting price of ₹8.19 lakh (ex-showroom). By 2024, the price had increased to ₹9.30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant. While the Ciaz was competitively priced, it struggled to match the value proposition offered by its rivals. Competitors like the Honda City and Hyundai Verna offered more advanced features, better performance, and modern designs at similar price points. The lack of updates and the discontinuation of the diesel variant further diminished the Ciaz’s appeal, making it less attractive to buyers compared to its competitors.
