Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

The Sensible Urban Sedan

In the realm of Indian sedans, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz continues to make its presence felt, even in the face of newer competition. Its enduring charm and capability to rival formidable opponents like the Honda City underscore its timeless appeal, but it does wear the badge of a dated sedan.

The Ciaz boasts an exterior design that is begging for an overhaul. While it still makes a striking impression on the road, in a segment known for fierce competition and evolving trends, the Ciaz's classic aesthetic looks prehistoric in comparison. 

However, the Ciaz’s true strength lies in the realm of passenger comfort, particularly in the rear seat area. It's a sedan that excels in providing a serene ride experience, whether navigating city streets or embarking on long journeys.

In this review, we'll explore the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in depth, uncovering its enduring strengths and areas where it continues to shine brightly. 

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Pros and Cons 

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Exterior Design

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz boasts a classic sedan styling that exudes a timeless appeal. However, some design elements have begun to show their age, notably the tail lamps and headlamps, although the addition of LED daytime running lights and a blacked-out appearance lends a contemporary touch. The presence of chrome on the front bumper, door handles (in the top-end variant), and window sills may not appeal to everyone and could be perceived as somewhat gaudy. Notably, there's even a strip of chrome running across the boot, connecting the two tail lamps, adding a touch of bling. The projector LED headlights are a highlight, offering excellent illumination with a wide spread. The LED tail lamps, while modern, feature halogen turn signals.

With a ground clearance of 170 mm, the Ciaz should comfortably handle road bumps and imperfections. However, the 195/55 tires on 16-inch rims may appear somewhat dated in terms of design. Nevertheless, despite some ageing design elements, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz retains its status as a smart-looking sedan with a classic aesthetic.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Interiors 

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz's interior is where a significant update is most warranted. It bears a design that seems to be a relic from the mid-2010s rather than a representation of the 2020s, calling for a modern refresh. Nevertheless, the build quality is decent, although some may find the faux wood elements in the cabin to be an acquired taste.

The beige interiors do lend the cabin a smart and airy feel, enhancing the overall ambiance. Soft-touch points, thoughtfully placed for the driver, include the steering wheel, faux leather-wrapped armrest, and door pads, providing comfort during the drive. The car also excels in offering ample space for bottles and small items, catering to practical needs.

A standout feature is the Ciaz's substantial 510-litre boot, spacious enough to accommodate luggage for a road trip or daily commuting needs. While the interior design might need a modern facelift, the Ciaz compensates with its comfortable and practical cabin layout.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Comfort 

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz offers a comfortable cabin, but it does have some notable quirks. The steering wheel's inability to adjust for reach, limiting customization of the driving position, is a drawback that stands out, considering it's an area where cost-cutting could have been avoided.

On the brighter side, the seats are comfortable, although the quality of the leather is somewhat average and might not age gracefully. In the rear, the Ciaz shines with good knee room and headroom, comfortably accommodating three passengers. The inclusion of rear AC vents is a practical addition, ensuring a cool and pleasant ride in warmer weather.

The Ciaz continues to excel in providing ample space for storage, making it convenient for storing bottles and small items. A thoughtful touch is the sunblind on the rear window, a small but welcome addition that shields passengers from the sun during hot days. Rear seat comfort is a strong suit for the Ciaz, particularly for those who prefer a chauffeur-driven experience, making it an inviting place to be during long journeys.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Performance and handling

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz features a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 103 bhp and 138 Nm of torque. However, when it comes to performance, it may leave enthusiasts wanting more. The car feels notably underpowered, lacking that fun factor that makes driving engaging and enjoyable. The presence of a four-speed automatic transmission is a bit of a letdown, as a five-speed would have been more appropriate and could possibly help fuel economy as well.

The Ciaz's performance struggles when pushed to its limits, particularly during enthusiastic driving. The engine is tuned primarily for mileage, and this prioritisation shows in its lack of punch. The paltry 138 Nm of torque also tends to be felt with a full load of passengers and luggage and while climbing even not so steep hills. On a positive note, the car doesn't face difficulties in reaching and maintaining highway speeds, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.

In terms of ride quality, the Ciaz offers a decent experience with adequate steering feel. While it may not be the most thrilling car to drive, it caters to those who prioritise fuel efficiency and comfortable highway journeys over spirited performance.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Key Specifications 

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Safety Features

The safety features of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz reveal a mix of commendable aspects and notable omissions. While the car boasts a respectable 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating, indicating good crash safety performance, there are certain areas that leave room for improvement.

One significant drawback is the presence of only two airbags even in the top trim, which may be considered inadequate for a car that costs over ₹14 lakh on-road, especially when compared to competitors offering more comprehensive airbag systems. Nevertheless, the inclusion of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBP (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and TC (Traction Control) contributes to improved on-road safety.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Technology and Infotainment

The tech offerings in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz provide a basic yet functional experience. The inclusion of steering-mounted controls for audio and cruise control settings enhances convenience during drives. The touchscreen interface, while serviceable, falls short of the standards set by competitors, although it does feature a valuable reverse camera for parking assistance. The audio quality is decent, offering ample bass, but it lags behind rivals' superior audio systems in terms of overall sound quality. The Ciaz ensures connectivity with two charging ports in the front and an additional 12V charger in the rear. Push-button start adds a modern touch, while the smart hybrid technology, featuring a start-stop function, aids in fuel savings at traffic lights, available in both manual and automatic variants. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility further bolster connectivity, facilitated through the 7-inch screen and a 6-speaker audio system. However, it's worth noting that the Ciaz's tech package feels somewhat lacklustre compared to rivals, including the Honda City, which itself falls short in the tech department.

Is the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz for you?

It’s difficult to recommend the Ciaz to anyone other than die-hard fans of Maruti Suzuki and those looking for a chauffeur driven sedan. At its price, the Ciaz just doesn’t offer enough to justify buying it over its rivals. Sure, you get the low maintenance costs of a Maruti Suzuki, but what else? The build quality is adequate, the feature list is miniscule and the looks need a major overhaul.