Maruti Suzuki Celerio X: What to expect?

Maruti Suzuki showcased a cross-version of the Celerio at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. The display car carried minimal cladding around the wheel arches and nothing more. Then, at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the Indo-Japanese manufacturer introduced a slightly-tweaked version of the hatchback, dubbed as the Celerio X. 

Now, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce a full-fledged cross-hatchback version of the Celerio, called the Celerio X. Expected to be launched this festive season, here’s what you can expect from the Maruti Suzuki Celerio X.

The Celerio X will be the most affordable cross-hatchback in the country.It will be based on the updated Celerio. As confirmed by the spied images of the hatch, the Celerio X will have completely redesigned bumpers and grille. The horizontal louvres are replaced by a honeycomb mesh grille, while the air-dams are reworked as well. One interesting design element on the X is the black insert just below the headlamps. It houses the circular fog lamps. The boomerang-shaped black inserts are similar to the one seen on the old Opel/Vauxhall Ampera. It does lend a distinct styling appeal to the Celerio. There will be black cladding all around, with roof rails and skid plates in a typical cross-hatchback manner.

Upon launch, the Celerio X will be available in eight variants - VXi, VXi (O), VXi AMT, VXi AMT (O), ZXi, ZXi (O), ZXi AMT and ZXi AMT (O). All the features of the standard Celerio such as keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs, power windows, Bluetooth connectivity, 60:40 split rear seats, steering mounted audio controls, ABS and dual airbags will be available as well.

Powering the Celerio X will be the same K10B 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The transmission options would include a five-speed manual and an AMT. The engine produces 60bhp and 90Nm which should be sufficient for the hatch, but we expect Maruti to slightly tune the powertrain to match the cross body style. The Celerio X is expected to have a higher ground clearance compared to the standard car. This will lend it the required cross-hatch appeal.

The Celerio X will compete mainly against the Renault Kwid and the Mahindra KUV100. Prices are expected to be slightly higher than the standard Celerio. The Celerio X will demand a premium of about Rs 25,000 – 50,000. Maruti will launch the Celerio X in the upcoming weeks to benefit from the ongoing festive season.