Evolution of the Maruti Suzuki Celerio over the years

Maruti Suzuki has been very successful in India, and one of the key pillars of that success has been the Celerio hatchback. Since its debut in 2014, it’s delivered practicality, efficiency and affordability in an easy-to-digest package to buyers. It’s now been more than a decade that we’ve had the Celerio plying on our roads, and over the years, Maruti Suzuki has gradually updated it to keep it relevant and appealing. The Celerio was the first Maruti Suzuki model to feature the highly-successful AGS automatic transmission. In this guide, we will run through its evolution and all its highlights that have helped the Celerio become a household name.

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Maruti Suzuki Debuts Second-Generation Celerio in 2014

Even though the Celerio had been in production since 2008, it only reached Indian shores by 2014 in its second generation. The second-generation Maruti Suzuki Celerio was a game-changer for the hatchback market in India, making automatic driving more affordable and accessible.

Launch Year and Key Specifications

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio was launched in February, 2014 at the Auto Expo. It debuted with one engine option. S The Celerio used a 1.0-litre K10B petrol engine producing 67 bhp and 90 Nm of torque. As standard, the small hatchback was paired with a 5-speed manual, but it also debuted Maruti’s AGS gearbox, a 5-speed AMT which is now used in nearly all of the manufacturer’s compact models.

The car offered an impressive fuel efficiency of 23.1 kmpl, positioning it as a budget-friendly yet innovative hatchback.

Initial Design Philosophy and Target Audience

The Celerio was designed as a compact, stylish, and functional hatchback to appeal to middle-class urban families. Its simple yet modern styling, compact dimensions, and fuel efficiency made it ideal for city commutes. The addition of the AMT gearbox targeted young professionals and first-time car buyers looking for convenience without the high cost of conventional automatic cars.

Sales Performance

The Celerio’s innovative AMT technology and competitive pricing made it an instant hit. Within the first year of its launch, Maruti Suzuki sold over 95,000 units, with a significant percentage opting for the AMT variant. This success firmly established the Celerio as a leader in its segment.

Diesel Maruti Suzuki Celerio Launched in 2015

The diesel variant of the Celerio marked Maruti Suzuki's entry into the small diesel engine space, expanding its appeal to fuel-conscious buyers.

Key Highlights

• The Celerio diesel, launched in June 2015, featured a 793cc, two-cylinder DDiS 125 engine, producing 47 bhp and 125 Nm of torque
• It was India’s most fuel-efficient car at the time, delivering a mileage of 27.62 kmpl
• The lightweight diesel engine was designed to offer better running costs, making the car attractive for those traveling long distances regularly
   

Although innovative, the diesel Celerio faced lukewarm demand due to its limited power output and rising interest in petrol cars. Despite having invested a cumulative ₹900 crore towards the development of the DDiS 125 diesel engine, Maruti Suzuki eventually discontinued the diesel variant.

Maruti Suzuki CelerioX Launched in 2017

In 2017, Maruti Suzuki introduced the CelerioX, a sportier and rugged version of the Celerio, targeting younger buyers.

Key Highlights
 

• The CelerioX featured bold styling upgrades, including:
  • A new matte black grille
  • Cladding on the bumpers and sides for a rugged look
  • Contrast-coloured highlights around the fog lamps
• It retained the same 1.0-litre K10B engine with manual and AMT transmission options.
• The CelerioX was available in multiple dual-tone colour options, appealing to younger and more adventurous buyers.
   

This variant added versatility to the Celerio lineup, offering a fresh choice for style-conscious customers.

New Maruti Suzuki Celerio Launched in 2021

The third-generation Celerio (second-generation in India) marked a significant transformation, introducing a new design language, improved performance, and upgraded technology.

Key Changes

• Built on Suzuki’s Heartect platform, the new Celerio was lighter, safer, and more rigid, improving its overall performance and safety
• The car was powered by a 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine with DualJet and Dual VVT technology, producing 67 bhp and 89 Nm
• It offers class-leading mileage of 26.68 kmpl, making it India’s most fuel-efficient petrol car
• Features like a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, engine start/stop button, and improved safety with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and hill-hold assist (AMT only) were introduced
   

Styling Changes

The third-generation Celerio underwent a complete design overhaul:
 

• A rounded and flowing exterior design, replacing the boxy look of its predecessor
• New swept-back headlamps and a redesigned grille with chrome accents
• Updated 15-inch alloy wheels and a more modern rear profile with angular tail lights
   

The new Celerio is also bigger than its predecessor, and measures 3,695mm in length, 1,655mm in width, 1,555mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,435mm. This makes it 55mm wider, with a 10mm longer wheelbase. Its ground clearance was also increased to 170mm, an increase of 5mm. It’s offered in six colours: Arctic White, Silky Silver, Glistening Grey, Solid Fire Red, Speedy Blue, and Caffeine Brown. These changes gave the Celerio a more premium and contemporary appearance, appealing to a wider audience.
 

Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG Launched in 2022

To cater to the growing demand for greener and more economical vehicles, Maruti Suzuki introduced the Celerio CNG in 2022.

Key Highlights

• Powered by the same 1.0-litre K10C engine, the CNG variant delivered 57 bhp and 82.1 Nm of torque in CNG mode
• Offered an impressive mileage of 35.60 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient CNG cars in India
• The dual-fuel setup allowed seamless switching between petrol and CNG, providing flexibility for buyers
• Retained the premium features of the petrol variant, including the SmartPlay Studio infotainment system and safety features like ABS and dual airbags
   

The Celerio CNG targeted cost-conscious buyers, particularly those seeking environmentally friendly driving options.
 

Comparing the Generations of the Maruti Suzuki Celerio

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio has so far been through two generations, and with it there have been a considerable number of changes and highlights.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a benchmark in the compact hatchback segment. From introducing India’s first AMT technology in 2014 to delivering industry-leading mileage and eco-friendly options in its latest iterations, the Celerio has consistently catered to Indian buyers' needs.

With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and affordability, the Celerio has become a reliable choice for urban commuters and families alike. As the Indian automotive market continues to evolve, the Celerio remains a key player in redefining the hatchback experience for Indian consumers.