In a bid to tap the mid-sized segment Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the Ciaz sedan in Indian car market. It will come as a replacement for the not-so-successful SX4 sedan which is also showing its age in the growing C segment. Suzuki, recently, unveiled the near production version of the Ciaz sedan in the Beijing Motor Show as Suzuki Alivio. Unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, the sedan is likely to make its Indian debut by the July this year. It will compete against the likes of Hyundai Verna, new generation Honda City, VW Vento, Fiat Linea, Skoda Rapid and soon to be launched Ford Fiesta facelift & Nissan Sunny facelift. In this article we try to find out how the upcoming Ciaz sedan justify itself against the immensely popular Hyundai Verna.
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The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz looks more modern and appealing compared to the SX4 sedan. The vehicle showcased at the Delhi Motor Show is undoubtedly the best design Suzuki ever present. The front fascia of the sedan is equipped with trapezoidal grille with chrome accents, large angular shaped projector headlamps, large bumper with wide air dams and a pair of fog lamps. The side profile of the sedan has aerodynamic crease that runs across the length. At the back, the vehicle gets aggressive looking curves and taillights. It also features dual tail pipes while the air scoops are now positioned into the bumper.
On the other hand, the Verna sedan looks futuristic and appealing; thanks to the ‘Fluidic’ design philosophy at Hyundai. The sedan gets two-tier grille which is flanked by large and sweeping headlamps, while the sleek bonnet with prominent creases add to its sporty character. The bumper features the smart looking fog lamps which further enhances the overall appearance of the sedan. The new Verna features coupe like window frames and aerodynamic creases which starts from wheel arches and flows towards the tail. Its flared wheel arches have been fitted to large 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the Maruti Ciaz is likely to share its design cues with the Ertiga MPV and Swift hatchback; however, the company is now more focusing on interior comfort. The vehicle is expected to features an advanced music system with Bluetooth, AUX-in and multimedia function. The top spec model will get automatic climate control with rear AC vents, Start/Stop button, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, etc.
The Hyundai Verna gets beige and black interiors, while the plastic quality and fit & finish are top notch. The dash features wood paneling which offers a plush feel, while the trip computer is controlled via the steering mounted controls. The top spec model gets climate control, audio player with USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, start/stop button, ABS with EBD, airbags and other high end features.
Hyundai Verna is priced at Rs, 7.18 lakh for the entry spec model while the top-of-the line model costs Rs. 11.52 lakh. On the other hand, the Maruti Ciaz aka Suzuki Alivio is likely to be priced in the range of Rs. 7.5-11 lakh.
| Technical Specifications | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Ciaz |
| Petrol Engine | 1.4-litre & 1.6-litre | 1.4-litre K Series |
| Diesel Engine | 1.4-litre CRDi & 1.6-litre CRDi | 1.3-litre Multi-Jet |
| Power Output Petrol | 105bhp & 121bhp | 92bhp @6000rpm |
| Power Output Diesel | 89bhp & 126bhp | 88bhp @4000rpm |
| Torque Petrol | 138Nm & 158Nm | 145Nm @4100rpm |
| Torque Diesel | 224Nm & 259Nm | 200Nm @1750rpm |
| Mileage/Fuel Economy | 17kmpl petrol & 23.5kmpl diesel | 20.73kmpl petrol & 26.30kmpl diesel |
| Transmission/Gearbox | 5-speed & 6-speed manual, and 4-speed automatic | 5-speed manual & CVT |
| Overall Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4370mm | 4,490mm |
| Width | 1700mm | 1,730mm |
| Height | 1475mm | 1,485mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570mm | 2,650mm |
| Fuel Tank | 43-litres | 45-50-litres |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | 165-170mm |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | McPherson strut with stabiliser bar | Independent suspension with gas-filled McPherson strut & anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Couple Torsion Beam Axle | Semi independent torsion beam with gas filled shock absorbers |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | Disc | Disc |
| Rear | Drum | Drum |
