Maruti Suzuki Celerio – Autoportal reviews the likeable hatchback

Although the demand for SUVs and crossovers are on the rise and that of mini cars in India is slightly slowing down now, carmakers are going strong in launching new and refreshed hatchbacks. Just from Maruti list, we have the Alto K10, Wagon R, the Ritz and the Swift. Now with the Celerio, there is more choice for the Indian car buyer. To know more about images, Photos of latest car models, upcoming cars in India, Follow Auto Portal on Pinterest. 

Significance

Celerio will be an important car in the history of Maruti Suzuki, as it was their first car to get an automatic gearshift, also called automated manual transmission (AMT).It is also the first car in the hatchback segment in India to feature EZ Drive that makes driving a pleasure.This car comes in at a time when the country has just begun to contemplate on automatic cars. Celerio is actually a launch by the company keeping up with the times and competition in the market.

Launch details

Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Celerio at the Auto Expo held in New Delhi on 6th February 2014. It was later officially launched with six variants of petrol and CNG and the Celerio was soon on roads within next six months. One year later in June 2015, Maruti brought out the diesel version of the car. It was claimed as India’s most fuel efficient hatchback at the launch.

Sales and market share

The Celerio model was registering nearly 1000 bookings per day post its launch making it one of the most successful cars from Maruti. Within a very short period of time, Celerio saw high sales and Maruti had to increase the production of the car to meet the rising demand. The domestic sales of the Celerio crossed the one lakh unit mark by July 2015. It has even increased the company’s market share in the segment by almost 10 per cent. 

More on the Auto Gearshift

Although it is not automatic transmission in the real sense, AMT brought in easy driveability along with high fuel efficiency.This system ensures that the gear and clutch operations happen at optimal timings thereby providing a better fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency claimed by Maruti for the petrol variant is is 23.1 kmpl, and 27.62 kmpl for the diesel variant. There is a provision built into the gear gate for using it as a proper automatic or a manual shift actuation. Drive-By-Wire Technology is yet another feature that aids in providing better torque delivery and more responsive drive.

 Conclusion

Maruti Celerio is a perfect package of good looks, spacious and comfortable interiors, good safety and comfort features along with good driving dynamics and high fuel efficiency – all at an extremely affordable price range of Rs 3.97 to Rs 5.78 lakhs. Check out more Auto Industry news, AutoMobile updates, upcoming cars ,Used cars and latest car models join Google+ to follow AutoPortal India .