Maruti Celerio: As the only car to democratize the automatic transmission technology in India, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is an important car in India’s automotive history.
First introduced in 2014 and extensively updated in 2021, this compact hatchback embodied the values of Maruti Suzuki – efficiency, affordability and practical utility – while implementing technology in the car that defined its new standard of offerings within its segment.
Maruti Celerio: Evolution Through Generations
The first-gen Celerio gained popularity as it was the first car to bring the revolutionary Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) technology at an affordable price to the Indian market.
Tagged “Auto Gear Shift” (AGS), this new transmission mated the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic and enabled customers to enjoy the benefits of automatic gear shifting without a foot-operated clutch; with similar fuel efficiency as that delivered by the manual version- a key buying criteria for an economically sensitive market!
The 2021 second-generation model came out on the same solid footing while it completely redesigned the exterior, the cabin and the platform.
The larger size allowed more interior space despite still being within the 4 meter length bracket, and the new HEARTECT platform improvements in structural rigidity and collision safety were achieved, while reducing weight.
Design style: Practical simplicity
The current Celerio has a roundish design language compared to the angular design of its predecessor.
Flanking the curved grille are traditional halogen headlamps on the base model (LED daytime running lights are included on higher trim levels), and the bumper is home to fog lamp housings that look interesting but not busy.
From the side, the car has a utilitarian shape and ingress and egress is easy through the doors, which is an important factor for urban drivers getting in and out of the car in confined spaces.
The uncomplicatedness is carried forward into the rear design, with basic-shaped tail lights and a neat tailgate that optimises load practicality.
That philosophy of functionality over form prioritises function over form, and is a refreshing ode to the fact that the Celerio’s raison d’être is for real, practical urban mobility and not fashion statement making.
However, the design does have enough mod cons about it that it won’t look like a dinosaur up against the other influences.
Powertrain Efficiency
Powering the Celerio is Maruti Suzuki’s new K10C DualJet petrol engine, a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder mill generating around 67 PS and 89 Nm.
Featuring two injectors per cylinder, the engine is one of the most efficient powerplants while simultaneously offering enough grunt for city manoeuvrability alongside stop-start capability.
It gets a 5-speed manual and there is the second-gen Auto Gear Shift (AGS) too as a part of the transmission options.
Both are rated for great fuel economy of over 25kmpl in laboratory conditions and a real-world fuel economy figure that can range from between 19-23kmpl depending on driving situations—among the best in the segment.
There’s also the factory-fit CNG option, which makes the Celerio even more economical to run, albeit at the cost of some desirability and practicality – you have to put up with lower power and lugging around a CNG tank in the boot to save money.
This model has been a favourite among cost-sensitive customers and fleet operators who are looking at keeping operating costs under control.
Cabin Experience
In the cabin, the Celerio has a design that’s more about practicality than luxury aspirations on the inside. The dash arrangement is blessedly straightforward, with easy-to-use controls and useful storage for the stuff you carry with you every day.
Up-level trims receive a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a smartphone connection via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
While it may be small on the outside, the packaging is clever enough to leave arm’s reach in front, with rear room for shorter trips.
The car is lifted sufficiently high to provide an excellent view over other city traffic, and the 235-liter boot is useful for any grocery runs and weekend luggage.
Material Quality: It’s appropriate to the budget positioning of the vehicle, with hard plastic covering most surfaces.
Not only that, fit and finish is so much better in the second-generation, with smaller panel gaps and better assembly quality all around the interior.
Safety Framework
Safety also sees an improvement in the new Celerio, which comes standard with dual front airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors in addition to high-speed alert system.
The heartect platformð”™ of the car uses high tensile steel in its critical areas which makes the car while being light weight also safe for its occupants.
Market Position
The Celerio is at a sweet spot in Maruti’s vast range somewhere in between the base level Alto and the premium Swift.
This positioning is aimed at first time car buyers who want more than just a basic form of transport, or families looking for a low cost second car for most urban based forays.
Maruti Celerio:
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a fine example of product development done right, and done not as a comparison of competitors to competitors, but as a response to what a market demands.
Prioritising fuel-efficiency, affordability of maintenance and practical applicability, while also making automatic transmission technology more accessible, Maruti Suzuki was aiming to evolve the way India drives through a vehicle that truly delivers optimum value for those on a budget zooming through the ever-growing congestion in India’s urban areas.