Maruti Suzuki Ciaz : The executive sedan segment just received an unexpected jolt of energy. Yesterday’s unveiling of the new Maruti Suzuki Ciaz at the Auto Expo proved that India’s largest carmaker isn’t content with just dominating the small car market. The completely reimagined Ciaz brings genuine performance credentials to a nameplate previously known more for fuel efficiency than driving excitement. With bold styling and a powertrain that nobody saw coming, this isn’t the mild-mannered sedan buyers remember.
Exterior Design That Commands Business Class Respect
The transformation begins the moment you lay eyes on the new Ciaz. Gone is the conservative styling that blended into corporate parking lots. The front fascia now features a dramatic chrome-studded grille that flows seamlessly into sharp LED headlamps, creating a face that demands attention in your rearview mirror. The hood gets pronounced power bulges that hint at what lies beneath, while the lower bumper incorporates functional air intakes that actually serve a purpose beyond aesthetics.
Walking along the side reveals a completely new character. The roofline flows more dramatically into the rear deck, creating a fastback-inspired silhouette without sacrificing rear headroom. Chrome door handles and window surrounds add premium touches, while new 17-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches properly – addressing a long-standing criticism of the previous model. The shoulder line rises gently toward the rear, adding visual muscle to what was once a rather plain profile. At 4,690mm long, the Ciaz grows slightly but uses every millimeter to enhance its road presence.
Interior Luxury That Exceeds Segment Expectations
Opening the doors reveals an interior that could embarrass some entry-level luxury cars. The dashboard architecture abandons Maruti’s typically functional approach for something genuinely stylish. Soft-touch materials wrap surfaces you actually touch, while brushed aluminum and piano black accents create visual interest without overwhelming the design. The seats, now wrapped in perforated leather (leatherette on lower variants), offer both heating and cooling functions – features unheard of in this segment until now.
The driver-focused cockpit centers around a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that changes displays based on driving mode selection. Next to it, a 10-inch floating touchscreen handles infotainment duties with Maruti’s latest SmartPlay Pro+ system. Physical controls remain for climate functions, thankfully avoiding the all-touchscreen trend that frustrates many users. Rear passengers haven’t been forgotten either – dedicated AC vents now include their own temperature controls, while the increased wheelbase translates to genuinely spacious legroom that rivals larger sedans.
The Powertrain Revolution Nobody Expected
Here’s where Maruti drops the biggest surprise. Under that sculpted hood lies an all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. For context, that’s nearly 50% more power than the outgoing model. Developed in collaboration with Maruti’s global partners, this engine represents a significant shift in philosophy for a brand traditionally focused on efficiency over performance.
The numbers tell only part of the story. Peak torque arrives from just 1,500 rpm, making city driving effortless while providing strong overtaking ability on highways. The six-speed manual transmission features shorter throws and better weighted shifts, while the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (yes, a DCT in a Maruti) delivers lightning-quick gear changes. During acceleration runs, the Ciaz dismisses 0-100 kmph in a claimed 8.9 seconds – genuinely quick for a family sedan. Yet somehow, Maruti claims fuel efficiency of 18.5 kmpl for the manual and 17.8 kmpl for the automatic, though real-world figures will likely be lower.
Driving Dynamics That Surprise and Delight
The chassis receives equally significant updates to handle the newfound power. The suspension setup uses frequency-selective dampers that differentiate between small bumps and larger undulations, providing comfort without sacrificing control. The electric power steering, often a weak point in Maruti cars, has been completely recalibrated to provide better feedback and weight buildup with speed.
Three driving modes alter the Ciaz’s character dramatically. Eco mode softens throttle response and maximizes efficiency for daily commuting. Normal mode strikes a balance suitable for most situations. Sport mode, however, transforms the sedan into something genuinely entertaining – sharpening throttle response, holding gears longer, and adding weight to the steering. The exhaust note also changes, developing a sporty growl under hard acceleration that you’d never expect from a Maruti sedan.
Technology and Safety That Matches Premium Ambitions
The feature list reads like something from a segment above. Wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera system, and nine-speaker Bose audio system all make appearances. The connected car technology includes remote start, location tracking, and even geofencing alerts – useful for parents lending cars to teenagers.
Safety equipment impresses equally. Six airbags come standard across all variants, while the top models add features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking. (Maruti Suzuki Ciaz) The body structure uses high-strength steel in critical areas, though official crash test ratings are awaited. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert address common urban driving hazards, while the tire pressure monitoring system adds another layer of safety.
Market Positioning That Challenges Conventions
Priced between ₹11.5 lakhs and ₹16.8 lakhs, the new Ciaz enters territory previously dominated by compact SUVs. This aggressive pricing for a sedan packed with features and genuine performance credentials could reshape buyer preferences. The value proposition becomes even stronger considering Maruti’s unmatched service network and traditionally strong resale values.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz A New Chapter Begins
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz represents more than just a model update – it’s a statement of intent from India’s largest carmaker. By combining unexpected performance with premium features and aggressive pricing, Maruti has created a sedan that doesn’t just compete on value but on desirability. Whether this strategy convinces SUV-obsessed buyers to reconsider sedans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Ciaz is no longer the sensible-but-boring choice it once was.