Maruti think-tank is all pumped up as the company inches closer to the launch of its highly ambitious product - Ciaz sedan which would be filling in the big boots of outgoing luxury marvel - the SX4 sedan.
This move from India's largest automaker to replace the SX4 (which raked in some great moolah during its initial phase) doesn't come as a surprise really.
The reasons are pretty obvious - exponential fall in sales numbers, unable to withstand with the current competition, and lack of contemporary features.
With this new car, the company intends to cover the lost ground and make a name for itself in the luxury sedan segment amidst the heavyweights such as Honda City, Hyundai Verna & Nissan Sunny.
Learning from past mistakes
Needless to say, being the largest automaker, that too, of a country like India ain't a cakewalk!
Maintaining this supreme legacy over the years is something that only Maruti can pull out with nonchalance.
The company, by no means, aspires to put a dent in its image of country's numero uno automajor by rolling out meaningless vehicles; or repeating the inglorious tale of Grand Vitara SUV and Kizashi saloon.
Expectations are high
Ciaz, hence, seems to be the ideal vehicle to boost its sales figures as it would wheel out the sedan in both petrol and diesel guises altogether; unlike the SX4 which was introduced in 2007 but the diesel variants saw the day light almost four years later in 2011 and hence the company faced public ire and criticism.
Talking about Maruti Ciaz, it was showcased as a concept car at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo.
It received several applauds from car pundits for its stunning appearance and lavish interiors.
Exterior
As far as exterior is concerned, the Ciaz flaunts swept back headlamps and stocky grille with four idiosyncratic horizontal slats.
The car has been spied multiple times without any camouflage during its extensive test runs and the spy-shots put a stamp of confirmation on the same.
The interiors weren't captured but we expect the Ciaz to hoist an array of astonishing features like Engine Start/Stop button, Rear A/C vents, Alloy wheels, Front armrest, leather seats etc. to name a few.
Features
From the aforementioned extra-ordinary features, one thing is sure that Maruti really understands well the penchant of Indian buyers and knows exactly how to lure them.
If rumours are to be believed, Ciaz would be deprived of the AMT gearbox which has been behind the success story of its recently launched hatch, Celerio.
Instead, company is keen on introducing a CVT and manual transmission with the sedan.
Both the powertrains would be sourced directly from the company's existing MPV, Ertiga.
Engine
The word on mechanical aspect is that it would carry 1.3 litre Multijet diesel motor and 1.4 litre K Series petrol engine with the diesel and petrol variants, respectively.
Both the aforesaid power mills have been performing decently with Ertiga and there is no such negativity in the minds of people regarding their power and acceleration.
Festive season launches are always considered to be auspicious in India and Maruti too, doesn't want to miss out on this golden opportunity and cash it with Ciaz sedan.
Price
There is a strong buzz that it won't be much longer when the company makes a formal announcement of the commencement of advance bookings for this sedan.
As known, it has already stalled the production of SX4 to pave way for Ciaz and in order to clear the current stock, it is even offering cash discounts of up to 120,000.
There is also no air on the pricing aspect but it is highly expected that Maruti Ciaz would be placed in a price bracket of Rs 7 - 11 lakh.
So, all we can do for the time being is to wait and let the drama unfold in and around October.
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