India’s leading auto maker, Maruti Suzuki India opened pre-launch bookings for its upcoming mid-sized sedan three days ago on September 3, 2014 and as we get to know from close sources the company so far has roped in 3000 bookings. Bookings are open for the sedan at a token amount of Rs 21,000 across authorized Maruti Suzuki India dealers in the country. Ciaz has been able to create a buzz among customers as the sedan has received around 10,000 to 12,000 inquiries so far. With almost a month or more than that left for the launch of Ciaz in India, booking numbers are expected to increase. Slated to launch in India in first week of October MSI is aggressively promoting the sedan.
Production of Ciaz has already begun at its manufacturing unit located in Manesar. Ciaz’s arch rival in C segment will be the current segment leader Honda City, however the car will also compete with other rivals such as Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea, Nissan Sunny, Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid. A hypothetical price ranging between Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 10.5 lakh is being speculated for the upcoming sedan.
Claimed to boast segment largest dimensions, Ciaz is expected to offer a roomier cabin. MSI will launch Ciaz in both petrol and diesel engine options in total of four trim levels. Petrol variants are expected to house 1.4 litre K-Series engine that is good for a top power output of 92.45 PS and 130 Nm of peak torque. Diesel range of Ciaz is likely to get Fiat sourced 1.3 litre Multijet diesel powertrain that offers pinnacle power of 90 PS and towering torque of 200 Nm. Diesel engine is claimed to deliver an ARAI certified fuel economy of 26.21 kmpl. Both the engines will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission, a four-speed automatic gearbox could also be offered on the petrol variant.
Source: ET
