2014 Beijing International Motor Show witnessed global unveiling of Suzuki’s Alivio concept, a mid-sized sedan from the stables of Japanese auto maker. Interestingly this is the same vehicle which was exhibited at the 2014 Auto Expo by the name of Maruti Ciaz.Alivio Concept looks close to the production version of Ciaz sedan which is due to be launched in India by festive season this year.
Suzuki Alivio has borrowed styling cues from Suzuki Authentics Concept. The Authentics Concept was put on display last year at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. If we closely look at the dimensions of Alivio, it is definitely a roomier sedan promising high comfort level to the passengers. The sedan is 4,545 mm long, 1,475 mm tall, 1,730 mm wide and will offer a substantial wheelbase of 2,650 mm.
Suzuki will equip new Alivio sedan with a 1.6 litre DOHC four cylinder petrol mill. A newly developed six-speed manual gearbox will be mated to the petrol engine.
In India, Ciaz will be replacing SX4 sedan, which failed to carve a niche for itself in the mid-sized sedan segment. This is one segment where Maruti has not been able to thrive, company introduced sedans like Esteem and Baleno into the domestic market which were phased out eventually owing to sagging sales volume. However, Esteem was the only sedan from MSI which catered to the requirement of customers for almost fourteen years and was discontinued in 2008. Baleno was another sedan from MSI which failed to leave a mark and was taken off production in 2007. SX4 is the latest sedan to be removed from MSI’s portfolio, Maruti launched SX4 in 2007, the company gave a couple of tweaks to the vehicle but despite that it did not create a magic.MSI has high hopes from the new Ciaz sedan that received good response at the 12thAuto Expo. Unlike SX4, Ciaz possesses modish looks, the increased ground clearance and height will enable improved ride quality.
Maruti Suzuki India will power new Ciaz with the same set of engines as available on the current generation SX4. However, speculations are rife that Maruti could pack the high end version of diesel Ciaz with a 1.6 litre multi-jet diesel powertrain. The company will offer Ciaz in a five-speed conventional transmission and an automated manual transmission will also be put on offer. In India, Ciaz will compete with the likes of new generation Honda City sedan, Hyundai Verna and Ford Fiesta facelift which is yet to be launched in India.
Image Source: IAB
