Maruti Suzuki Ciaz snapped undisguised in China

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has been photographed in China, completely uncamouflaged. These snap shots give us the first glimpse of the sedan in its production form. To be labeled as Alivio in China, the Ciaz made its Indian debut at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo in February and will replace the SX4 sedan in the Indian car market. 

The pictures show that the design of the production model hasn’t deviated much from that of the Ciaz concept. A few details though, have been toned down and the car misses out on some of its ‘bling’ to make it less aggressive and more production feasible. The car retains the front fascia, the sculpted boot and large headlamps, though the grille loses out on one chrome slat and the fog lamp housings have been redesigned. It also gets different alloy wheels. 

 

For the Indian market, we expect the Ciaz to be equipped on par with the competition, which means it will get climate control, a navigation system, rear AC vents and an infotainment system among other features. The quality of interiors will also be raised up a notch to give it a more premium feel.

The Ciaz will be based on a new platform which will be shared with the S-Cross crossover. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine producing 103bhp and 145Nm of torque and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel producing 88bhp and 200Nm of torque. Gearbox options include a six-speed manual and a CVT. 

 

Though the SX4 still manages decent sales numbers, it is nowhere close to its rivals. Despite been given a few updates, it has now grown quite long in the tooth and it is high time Maruti replaced it with a new modern car. Being a Maruti, we can expect the Ciaz to be priced competitively against the likes of Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta and the newly launched Honda City. It will be launched around the festive season, this year.