Maruti Suzuki Celerio Review – Car with Revolutionary Auto Gear Shift

An all rounder car where you get fuel efficient AWT, low running cost, smooth engine, spacious and comfortable. Go for recently launched diesel version which costs a bit more than petrol version but worth every single rupee you pay.

In February 2014, Maruti Suzuki decided to replace Zen Estilo and A-Star with its new car called Maruti Suzuki Celerio. The car maker suggests that this car offers smooth and peppy ride with its next generation manual transmission gearbox. The hatchback offers convenience of automatic car combined with mileage of manual car. Let’s take a look at some of the important factors about it.

The Power

Celerio is powered by 1.0-litre K10B engine that offers mileage of around 23.01 KMPL. While on CNG mode, you can expect mileage of 31.79 KMPL. Motor rolls perfectly while driving on highways as well as city roads.

Maruti Suzuki offers two versions of this car, clutch-less (AMT) and basic version (manual). After its launch, the car was considered as country’s most affordable clutch-less car. In automatic version, Celerio’s “Auto Gear Shift” feature makes this car function almost like an automatic one. Its 5-speed manual transmission gearbox consists of hydraulic controls that manage the functioning of gearbox system. There is no manual clutch, all that the driver needs to do is select mode (R-reverse, D-drive, N-neutral), and use gearshift just like in automatic car.

Ventilated disk brake in the front and drum brake in the rear help the driver in controlling this hatchback. As far as suspension is concerned, coil spring combined with coupled torsion beam axle manage the rear suspension, while MacPherson strut system with coil spring manage the front suspension.

Exterior and Interior

When it comes to style, Celerio’s front might remind you of Toyota Liva, while rear portion seems inspired from Alto 800’s design. But large headlamps, wide grille, and hatchback’s taller height do indicate that Maruti’s designers have put in considerable efforts.

Dashboard with beige and black color combination, soft seats, well positioned steering wheel, classy looking instrument cluster, and basic music system (in certain variants) is what you will notice when you open one of the doors.

Cabin is airy, leg room and headroom is sufficient. Front seats can move back enough to keep both front and rear passengers comfortable. But driver’s seat height adjustment option and tilt steering is only available in certain variants.

Controls for music system and Bluetooth telephony are mounted on steering wheel as well. Cup holders, glove box, compartments, bottle holders and door pockets make sure that there is enough space to fit those small, but important items. Boot space is 235 liters.

The AC is good enough to keep the cabin super cool even when the vehicle stands under direct sunlight for considerable number of hours. Top variants offer impressive safety features like front airbags, rear defogger, electronic folding mirrors, anti-lock braking system, immobilizer, and childproof rear door locks.

Competition

Celerio competes with hatchbacks like Chevrolet Beat, Tata Indica and Hyundai’s i10. When it comes to comparing interior of the car with that of competitors, some users consider Hyundai’s i10 as good option than Celerio.

Several user reviews also suggest that gear shifts in automatic variants are quite noticeable, as the gearbox in automatic version is not really automatic.

But this car manages to move miles ahead of all the competition when it comes to mileage, and price tag. The car offers the convenience of automatic at the price of manual. Plus, Celerio’s CNG variant is considered as Maruti’s rabbit in the hat.

Perhaps, Maruti Suzuki’s CNG portfolio is the best one in Indian automobile sector. In May 2014, Maruti Suzuki launched Celerio’s CNG variant called “Celerio Green” with manual transmission gearbox. According to the car maker, this variant offers mileage of 31.79 KMPL while driving on CNG mode. Switching mode from petrol to CNG is very easy.

Some of the most popular variants are VXI, VXI AT, LXI AT, LXI MT, ZXI MT and VXI Trim (CNG). Celerio’s variants are priced between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. Price may vary depending on the variant, and state, local taxes.

Prices Maruti Celerio ZXi AMT