New Maruti Ciaz Dominates Sales As Rivals’ Volume Drops By Up To 57%

The facelifted Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is expected to carry the same sales momentum in the coming months as well

In the midst of huge expectations, Maruti Suzuki introduced the facelifted avatar of the Ciaz mid-size sedan on August 20 with competitive prices ranging between Rs. 8.19 lakh and Rs. 10.97 lakh (ex-showroom). At the end of August, the new Ciaz registered a total of 7,002 unit sales with 8 percent YoY growth.

It has replicated a similar feat in September 2018 as 6,246 examples were retailed with 11 percent sales surge compared to the same month last year. In contrast, all of its rivals endured massive drop in YoY volumes. The second-placed Hyundai Verna recorded 45 percent sales slump while another main rival City managed only 2,564 units with 57 percent de-growth.

Elsewhere, the Skoda Rapid, Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Vento encountered 931, 595 and 430 unit sales respectively. The C-segment sales table clearly shows that the new Ciaz has eaten into its rivals volumes by a big margin and the same trend could continue in the months to come. One of the key factors for its success is the diligent price strategy being used.

The facelifted Ciaz gets a range of cosmetic upgrades as well as interior revisions. The exterior boasts a sleeker front end with restyled headlight unit and integrated Daytime Running Lights, new sportier bumper with wider air dams and fog lights, eye-catching alloy wheels and noticeable changes to the tail lamp section with updated graphics.

Maruti Suzuki introduced a newly developed 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder petrol engine with SHVS mild-hybrid technology enabling class-leading mileage of 21.56 kmpl. The system produces 104.7 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of peak torque at 4,400 rpm – connected to either a standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The new motor will be utilised on upcoming models including the new generation Ertiga. The diesel unit, on the other hand, continues to be the 1.3-litre DDiS with 90 PS and 200 Nm, until a brand new 1.5-litre mill replaces it in the near future. The new Ciaz was the first Maruti Suzuki vehicle to come equipped with dual batteries as well.