Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz stands as one of the most significant offerings in India’s premium sedan segment. Since its introduction,
the Ciaz has carved out a reputation for combining elegant styling, spacious interiors, and impressive fuel efficiency—qualities that have helped it maintain a strong position in a competitive market.
This premium sedan from NEXA, Maruti Suzuki’s upscale retail network, represents the manufacturer’s vision of a sophisticated urban vehicle that doesn’t compromise on practicality.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore every aspect of the Ciaz, from its striking design elements to its performance capabilities and value proposition in today’s automotive landscape.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz- The Evolution of the Ciaz
The Ciaz has undergone several refinements since its initial launch, with Maruti Suzuki continuously updating the vehicle to meet changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.
The current iteration reflects the company’s commitment to offering a product that balances luxury, efficiency, and reliability—three pillars that have defined the Ciaz’s identity in the market.
When introducing the Ciaz, Mr. Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki, emphasized the company’s dedication to bringing “newer, advanced and greener technologies to India.
This philosophy has guided the development of the Ciaz, which was the first car in India to feature next-generation Smart Hybrid technology with a Lithium-Ion battery.
Exterior Design: Understated Elegance
The Ciaz presents a design language that prioritizes sophistication over flashiness. Its exterior styling features clean lines and balanced proportions that give it a mature, executive presence on the road.
The front fascia is characterized by a striking chrome grille that flows seamlessly into LED projector headlamps with distinct daytime running lights (DRLs), creating an imposing yet refined look.
The sedan’s profile reveals a sleek silhouette with a gently sloping roofline that transitions into a well-proportioned trunk. Chrome accents along the window line and door handles add touches of premium appeal without appearing ostentatious. At the rear, wrap-around tail lamps and subtle chrome garnishes complete the car’s elegant appearance.
With dimensions measuring 4490mm in length, 1730mm in width, and 1485mm in height, the Ciaz presents an imposing road presence. Its 2650mm wheelbase—one of the longest in its class—contributes significantly to its spacious interior and stable handling characteristics.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Interior: Space and Sophistication
Step inside the Ciaz, and you’re greeted by what Maruti Suzuki describes as “luxurious interiors” that evoke the feeling of a lounge—”gorgeous, indulgent, comfortable, expansive.” This isn’t mere marketing hyperbole; the Ciaz genuinely offers one of the most spacious cabins in its segment.
The interior design showcases a thoughtful approach to both aesthetics and functionality. The dashboard features a birch blonde wood finish that adds warmth and sophistication to the cabin ambiance. Soft-touch materials on frequently contacted surfaces enhance the premium feel, while the ergonomic layout ensures that all controls are intuitively positioned.
One of the Ciaz’s most compelling attributes is its generous rear legroom—a factor that has contributed significantly to its popularity among chauffeur-driven executives. The comfortable seating, ample headroom, and well-cushioned seats make long journeys a pleasant experience for all occupants.
The cabin’s practical aspects haven’t been overlooked either. Multiple storage compartments, including a spacious glovebox, door pockets, and center console storage, provide convenient spaces for everyday items. The 510-liter trunk capacity further enhances the Ciaz’s practicality, offering sufficient space for luggage during extended trips.
Performance: Refined Power Delivery
Under the hood, the Ciaz houses a 1.5-liter K15 petrol engine that produces 103.25 bhp at 6000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. This powerplant is paired with Maruti Suzuki’s innovative Smart Hybrid technology, which incorporates both Lithium-ion and Lead Acid dual battery setup to enhance fuel efficiency and performance.
The Smart Hybrid system employs features like idle start-stop functionality and brake energy regeneration to optimize fuel consumption without compromising on power delivery. This technology represents Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to developing greener mobility solutions that don’t sacrifice driving enjoyment.
Transmission options include a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic transmission. While the automatic variant prioritizes comfort and ease of use in urban conditions, the manual offering provides greater control and slightly better fuel economy for enthusiastic drivers.
According to user experiences, the Ciaz delivers strong power delivery at low speeds, even when carrying multiple passengers and luggage. There’s a noticeable increase in power delivery above 3,000 rpm, which aids in overtaking maneuvers. The manual transmission allows drivers to extract maximum performance from the engine, making it the preferred choice for those who prioritize driving engagement.
Ride and Handling: Comfort-Oriented Dynamics
The Ciaz’s suspension setup has been calibrated to deliver a comfortable ride quality that insulates occupants from road imperfections. The front McPherson strut and rear torsion beam arrangement effectively absorb bumps and undulations, resulting in a plush ride experience that’s particularly appreciated on longer journeys.
Steering feel is lightened for ease of maneuverability in urban environments, with minimal effort required for parking and navigating congested streets. While enthusiasts might find the steering somewhat lacking in feedback, particularly around the center position, the majority of Ciaz owners appreciate its effortless operation in everyday driving scenarios.
The sedan’s handling characteristics are geared toward stability and predictability rather than outright sportiness. At legal speed limits on normal roads, the Ciaz feels secure and planted, inspiring confidence in most driving conditions. However, some users have noted that the car can feel unsettled when driven over prominent road edges and large bumps, occasionally producing noticeable suspension noise.
Technology and Connectivity: Modern Conveniences
The Ciaz comes equipped with Maruti Suzuki’s SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, which serves as the technological centerpiece of the cabin. This touchscreen interface allows occupants to play music, navigate, and stay connected by simply connecting a smartphone.
The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling seamless integration with mobile devices for navigation, music streaming, and hands-free communication. Voice command functionality further enhances convenience by allowing drivers to control various features without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Additional technology features include automatic climate control, push-button start/stop, cruise control in higher variants, and a multi-information display in the instrument cluster that provides real-time data on fuel efficiency, driving range, and hybrid system operation.
Safety: The NEXA Safety Shield
Safety has received appropriate attention in the Ciaz’s design, with the sedan featuring what Maruti Suzuki terms the “NEXA Safety Shield”—a collection of advanced safety features that adhere to stringent safety standards.
Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and reverse parking sensors. Higher trims benefit from a rearview camera that facilitates safer parking in tight spaces. The Ciaz’s body structure incorporates high-tensile steel that enhances crash protection while maintaining optimal weight for efficiency.
While the Ciaz’s safety package meets regulatory requirements, it’s worth noting that some competitors in the segment offer more comprehensive safety suites with additional airbags and advanced driver assistance systems.
Fuel Efficiency: A Key Strength
One of the Ciaz’s most compelling attributes is its impressive fuel efficiency. The combination of the efficient K15 engine and Smart Hybrid technology results in ARAI-certified mileage figures of 20.65 kmpl for the manual variant and 20.04 kmpl for the automatic version.
Real-world efficiency, as reported by users, ranges between 17.5 to 18.62 kmpl—still impressive figures for a sedan of this size. This fuel economy, coupled with a 43-liter fuel tank, provides the Ciaz with a substantial driving range that reduces the frequency of fuel stops during long journeys.
Variants and Pricing: Value Proposition
The Ciaz is available in multiple variants to cater to different budget and feature preferences. The lineup includes Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha trims, with each step up adding more features and refinements.
Pricing for the base Sigma variant starts at approximately Rs. 9.42 Lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-end Alpha variant with automatic transmission and dual-tone color option is priced at around Rs. 12.47 Lakh (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Ciaz as an attractive value proposition in the premium sedan segment, offering a spacious, feature-rich package at a competitive price point compared to some rivals.
Color Options: Expressing Personality
Maruti Suzuki offers the Ciaz in a range of sophisticated color options that complement its elegant design. While specific color names may vary by market and model year, options typically include various shades of silver, white, blue, and gray.
A dual-tone option is available on higher trims, adding a distinctive touch for those seeking to make a stronger visual statement. The premium Grandeur Grey with Bluish Black combination, in particular, emphasizes the sedan’s executive character.
User Experience: Real-World Perspectives
Customer feedback on the Ciaz has generally been positive, with the sedan receiving an average user rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 546 reviews according to one automotive website.
Owners frequently praise the Ciaz for its comfortable ride quality, spacious interior, and impressive fuel efficiency. Many also appreciate the sedan’s low maintenance costs and reliable performance, which contribute to a satisfying ownership experience.
Recent user reviews highlight the Ciaz’s practical attributes. One owner from June 2025 described it as “Just the right blend,” noting its “great road presence” and “unmatched comfort,” though mentioning that the ground clearance could be better for Indian roads.
Another reviewer from April 2025 called it a “Good first car to buy,” praising its mileage and comfort while suggesting that the interiors could be improved and noting some stability issues at very high speeds.
Comparison with Competitors
The Ciaz competes in a segment that includes established players like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Skoda Slavia. In this competitive landscape, the Ciaz distinguishes itself primarily through its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and value pricing.
When compared to the Honda City, the Ciaz offers similar space and comfort at a more accessible price point, though the City edges ahead in terms of premium feel and engine refinement. Against the Hyundai Verna, the Ciaz provides more interior room but faces tough competition in terms of feature content and modern styling.
The Skoda Slavia, a newer entrant to the segment, challenges the Ciaz with European build quality and driving dynamics, though at a higher price point that may deter some value-conscious buyers.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
Spacious and comfortable interior, particularly for rear passengers
Impressive fuel efficiency thanks to Smart Hybrid technology
Smooth and comfortable ride quality on most road surfaces
Value-oriented pricing compared to some competitors
Low maintenance costs and Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network
Light steering and clutch effort that ease urban driving
Limitations:
Engine sound can become harsh at higher RPMs
Limited airbag count compared to some rivals (only 2 airbags)
No sunroof option, which some competitors offer
Automatic transmission, while smooth, is slower to shift than some modern alternatives
Interior quality, while good, falls short of some premium competitors
Limited ground clearance can cause issues on rough roads
Conclusion: The Ciaz’s Place in the Market
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz represents a thoughtful balance between premium aspirations and practical considerations. It’s a sedan that prioritizes the core attributes.
that matter to many Indian consumers—space, comfort, efficiency, and value—while offering enough sophistication to satisfy those seeking an upgrade from mass-market options.
While it may not lead the segment in terms of cutting-edge features or performance credentials, the Ciaz delivers a well-rounded package that continues to resonate with a significant portion of sedan buyers.
Its success underscores the enduring appeal of a.
vehicle that excels in the fundamentals while providing a touch of luxury and refinement.
For urban professionals seeking a comfortable, efficient, and reasonably priced sedan that makes a subtle statement of success, the Ciaz remains a compelling option in a segment filled with worthy contenders.
As Maruti Suzuki continues to refine and evolve this premium offering, the Ciaz is likely to maintain its position as a significant player in India’s sedan market for years to come.