Maruti Suzuki Ciaz might be launched in India in July 2014

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, which will be the SX4 replacement, was unveiled at the recently concluded Auto Expo. The SX4 might be discontinued next year with the arrival of this new car. If latest reports from a website are to be believed, the Ciaz might be launched as early as July 2014.

The Ciaz dubbed as the YL1 has been spied testing in India several times. It is Maruti Suzuki's new C-segment sedan competitor that borrows design cues from the Suzuki Authentics concept that was displayed at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The front gets an aggressive fascia with a trapezoidal grille. The crease lines flow smoothly to the back of the car and it gets plenty of chrome as well. The vehicle is expected to be packed with a whole load of new features including an infotainment system with bluetooth, AC with climate control, cooled glove box, steering mounted audio controls, ABS, EBD etc.

The petrol variant of the new sedan is expected to be powered by the 1.6-litre engine from the SX4. For the diesel variant, the 1.6-litre Multijet diesel engine, might be sourced from Fiat. The same engine might also power the S-Cross SX4 crossover which is also expected to be launched in India soon. The gearbox options will include a five-speed manual transmission while the company is expected to introduce the AMT (automated manual transmission) from the Celerio.

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz when launched in India will go up against the Honda City, Renault Scala, VW Vento and the Hyundai Verna from the C-Segment in the Indian market.