In the bustling streets of India’s cities, where space is at a premium and efficiency is paramount, Maruti Suzuki has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the New Celerio 2024.
This latest iteration of the popular hatchback is not just an update; it’s a reimagining of urban mobility that promises to set new benchmarks in the compact car segment.
A Design Revolution
The 2024 Celerio marks a bold departure from its predecessor, embracing a design language that’s both modern and distinctively Maruti.
The front fascia now sports a wider, honeycomb grille that seamlessly integrates with sleek, swept-back LED headlamps. This gives the car a more assertive presence on the road, while maintaining its friendly, approachable character.
The side profile reveals a more sculpted look, with strong character lines running from the front fenders to the rear, creating a sense of motion even when stationary.
The slightly raised stance and larger wheel arches not only add to the visual appeal but also hint at improved ground clearance – a crucial factor for Indian road conditions.
At the rear, new LED taillights and a reshaped bumper complete the makeover.
The overall silhouette retains the tall-boy design that the Celerio is known for, ensuring ample headroom and easy ingress/egress, while adding a touch of sportiness to its stance.
Heart of Innovation: The K10C DualJet Engine
Under the hood, the 2024 Celerio houses Maruti’s latest marvel – the K10C DualJet engine. This 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder powerplant is a testament to Maruti’s commitment to efficiency and performance:
Displacement: 998cc
Max Power: 67 PS @ 5500 rpm
Peak Torque: 89 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Transmission Options: 5-speed manual or AGS (Auto Gear Shift)
The standout feature of this engine is its exceptional fuel efficiency. Maruti claims a staggering 28.5 km/l for the AGS variant, making the New Celerio India’s most fuel-efficient petrol car. This feat is achieved through:
Dual VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
Cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Idle Start-Stop function
Advanced thermal management system
Moreover, the engine’s refinement has been significantly improved, with reduced vibrations and enhanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels, ensuring a comfortable driving experience even at higher speeds.
Spacious and Tech-Savvy Interior
Step inside the 2024 Celerio, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s a significant leap forward in terms of quality and features.
The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, dominated by a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a first in its segment.
The instrument cluster now features a 7-inch TFT display, providing a wealth of information including real-time fuel efficiency, driving range, and even mild-hybrid system status in select variants.
The steering wheel, wrapped in premium leather in top trims, comes with integrated controls for audio, phone, and voice commands.
Seating comfort has been enhanced with better cushioning and bolstering. The use of high-quality, soft-touch materials throughout the cabin elevates the premium feel.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, clever packaging has resulted in class-leading interior space:
Best-in-class headroom: 1000mm
Generous legroom: 975mm (front), 870mm (rear)
Increased shoulder room: 1370mm (front), 1330mm (rear)
Capacious boot space: 325 liters
Notable interior features include:
Wireless smartphone charging
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support
60:40 split rear seats
Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines
Advanced Technology Suite
The 2024 Celerio is packed with technology that was once the preserve of higher segments:
Suzuki Connect: This advanced telematics system offers over 40 features including geofencing, vehicle tracking, driving analytics, and remote operations via smartphone app.
Advanced Voice Recognition: Control various functions through natural voice commands in multiple Indian languages.
Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates: Keep the infotainment system and vehicle software up-to-date without visiting a service center.
360-degree Camera: A segment-first feature that provides a bird’s eye view of the car, making parking in tight spots a breeze.
Heads-Up Display: Another segment-first, projecting essential information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Safety: A Top Priority
Safety has been a key focus area in the development of the 2024 Celerio. Built on Maruti’s HEARTECT platform, known for its lightweight yet rigid structure, the car offers enhanced crash protection. Key safety features include:
6 airbags (front, side, and curtain) – a segment-first
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist
ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Speed Alert System
Driver and co-driver seatbelt reminders
Rear parking sensors with camera
The 2024 Celerio has been designed to meet and exceed the latest Indian and global crash test norms, providing peace of mind to occupants.
Driving Dynamics: Agile and Comfortable
The New Celerio shines in its natural habitat – the bustling city streets. The electric power steering is light at low speeds, making maneuvering through tight spaces effortless, while weighing up nicely at higher speeds for increased stability.
The improved suspension setup, with McPherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear, offers a plush ride even over rough patches.
The AGS (Auto Gear Shift) transmission has been further refined, offering smoother shifts and better responsiveness.
It now comes with a creep function, making it easier to navigate stop-and-go traffic. For those who prefer complete control, the 5-speed manual gearbox offers precise shifts and a light clutch action.
Despite its city-centric focus, the Celerio holds its own on highways. The engine feels peppy enough for overtakes, and the car remains stable at higher speeds, inspiring confidence in the driver.
Variants and Pricing: Value for Every Buyer
The 2024 Celerio is offered in five variants:
LXi: The base variant with essential features
VXi: Adds convenience features like power windows and central locking
ZXi: Includes the infotainment system and alloy wheels
ZXi+: Top-end variant with all bells and whistles
ZXi+ AGS: Automatic transmission with all premium features
Pricing is competitive, ranging from approximately ₹5.50 lakh for the base LXi to ₹8 lakh for the top-end ZXi+ AGS (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Celerio as an attractive proposition in the compact hatchback segment, offering features of a higher segment at a competitive price point.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
The 2024 Celerio’s fuel efficiency deserves special mention. With a claimed figure of 28.5 km/l for the AGS variant, it sets a new benchmark in its segment. This efficiency is achieved through:
DualJet technology with dual fuel injectors
Idle start-stop system
Low rolling resistance tires
Improved aerodynamics
Lightweight HEARTECT platform
From an environmental perspective, the New Celerio makes significant strides:
BS6 Phase II compliant engine with reduced emissions
Use of recycled and eco-friendly materials in manufacturing
Improved fuel efficiency leading to lower CO2 emissions per kilometer
While not an electric or hybrid vehicle, these measures demonstrate Maruti’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of its vehicles.
Market Positioning and Competition
The 2024 Celerio enters a fiercely competitive segment, facing off against rivals like:
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Tata Tiago
Renault Kwid
However, its combination of fresh design, class-leading fuel efficiency, advanced features, and Maruti’s strong brand value and after-sales network gives it a distinct advantage.
The Celerio positions itself as a premium offering in the compact hatchback segment, bridging the gap between entry-level cars and more expensive B-segment hatchbacks.
The Ownership Experience
Owning a Celerio comes with the assurance of Maruti Suzuki’s vast service network – the largest in India. The company’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs adds to the Celerio’s appeal as a value-for-money proposition.
Maruti offers a standard warranty of 2 years/40,000 km, which can be extended up to 5 years/100,000 km, providing additional peace of mind to owners.
The Suzuki Connect telematics system also allows for proactive maintenance alerts and remote diagnostics, ensuring that the car remains in top condition throughout its lifecycle.
New Maruti Celerio : A New Benchmark in Compact Mobility
The 2024 Maruti Celerio is more than just an update; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of urban mobility.
By addressing the evolving needs of modern car buyers and building on its strengths, Maruti has created a vehicle that’s well-equipped to meet the demands of the next decade.
From its fresh design and efficient powertrain to its tech-laden interior and impressive fuel economy, the New Celerio ticks all the right boxes.
It manages to offer a premium feel and advanced features while maintaining the affordability and practicality that Maruti is known for.
In a market where first-time buyers are becoming increasingly discerning and existing car owners are looking to upgrade, the 2024 Celerio presents a compelling case for itself.
It’s not just a car; it’s a statement that compact doesn’t mean compromise.
As urban spaces become more congested and environmental concerns take center stage, vehicles like the New Celerio, with their blend of efficiency, technology, and comfort, are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of personal mobility in India.
The 2024 Maruti Celerio, then, is not just an evolution of a popular model; it’s a glimpse into the future of urban transportation – efficient, connected, and surprisingly premium.
It’s a testament to Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of the Indian market and its ability to deliver products that resonate with a wide range of consumers.
As it hits the roads, the New Celerio is poised to redefine expectations in the compact hatchback segment, setting new benchmarks for its competitors to aspire to.