Review: 2017 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz SmartHybrid
31 December 2017, Neil Parkhi
Introduction
The Suzuki Ciaz (also known as Suzuki Alivio) is a compact car produced by Suzuki, developed to replace the Suzuki SX4 Sedan in Asian and Latin American markets. In 2014, the Sedan version of the SX4 has been replaced by the Suzuki Ciaz. It comes with features like projector headlamps, new 16 inch alloy wheels, key-less entry, window blinds, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, automatic climate control, ABS with EBD and two airbags, rear AC vents, push button stop-start system, etc. The Chinese Version of Ciaz has sunroof as an extra feature. The Suzuki Ciaz comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) on all variants. It comes with Dual Airbags across all variants. The car gets a reverse parking sensors in V+ variant while reverse camera is available in Z and Z+ variants. The car was also tested by ASEAN NCAP and got a 4-star rating. The Ciaz seen here is the new facelifted version. The exteriors of the new Ciaz has received a lot of cosmetic updates over the older version including a slightly redesigned front grille, revised fog lamps with chrome embellishment, LED DRLs and HID projector headlamps. The new Ciaz also brings newly designed alloy wheels. The high-end trim also gets a sunroof. The physical tweaks have also been carried towards the rear profile which features a redesigned tail light cluster, with chrome accents, and a new rear bumper. A new ‘Nexa Blue’ color scheme is also added to the present color options. The facelifted Ciaz also has many safety features. Features like ABS (anti-lock braking system), dual safety airbags and child safety lock have been added as standard across all variants. On the inside of the car, the dashboard has got an all black theme along with a touchscreen infotainment system with AppleCarPlay connectivity. There are bottle holders on both the front as well as the rear door with cup holders on the rear centre armrest. There is an automatic climate control and remote control audio system of the integrated 2-DIN speaker system, integrated with Bluetooth and AUX connectivity.
Heritage
The predecessor to the Ciaz was the Suzuki SX4 Sedan. The SX4 was initially released as a five-door hatchback body style, marketed as the SX4 Crossover. With boot space of 300 liters (270 liters VDA) and 60:40 split fold rear seats, they have a tumble/roll configuration that allows for a flat load area up to a maximum volume of 1,045 litres. The sedan model, marketed as the SX4 Sport, debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show and was released in Japan, India, and a few Eastern European markets. It replaced the Suzuki Aerio sedan and also the Daewoo-based Suzuki Forenza sedan and station wagon. Maruti Suzuki launched the Indian version of the SX4 sedan that same year with minor cosmetic differences compared to the models assembled and marketed elsewhere. Maruti introduced a compressed natural gas (CNG) factory fitted kit in August 2010. In February 2011, a diesel version was introduced, which ran on the same engine as the Fiat Punto and Linea Diesel.
Specifications
| Steering and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Steering Type | Electric Assist, Rack and Pinion Power Steering |
| Transmission Type | 5 Speed Manual |
| Wheels and Tires | |
| Front Wheel Type | 16 inch 16 spoke alloy wheels |
| Rear Wheel Type | 16 inch 16 spoke alloy wheels |
| Front Tire Type | 195/55R16 |
| Rear Tire Type | 195/55R16 |
| Front Brake Type | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Drum |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension Type | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension Type | Torsion Beam |
| Suspension Features | Stabilizer Bars, Coil Springs, Gas Pressurized Shock Absorbers |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (in, mm) | 176.8in, 4490mm |
| Width (in, mm) | 68.1in, 1730mm |
| Height (in, mm) | 58.5in, 1485mm |
| Wheelbase (in, mm) | 104.3in, 2650mm |
| Weight (lb, kg) | 2502lb, 1135kg |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Type | 1.3 litre 16 valve DDiS diesel inline 4 cylinder |
| Power (bhp, PS, kW) | 89bhp, 90PS, 66kW @ 4000RPM |
| Torque (lb-ft, Nm) | 148lb-ft, 200Nm @ 1750RPM |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) | 14.6 seconds |
| Top Speed (mph, kmph) | 118 mph, 190 kmph |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) | 11.4 gallons, 43L |
| Fuel Type (AKI, RON) | B20 Diesel |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 59mpg, 25kmpL |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 66mpg, 28kmpL |
| Cargo Specifications | |
| Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 18ft3, 510L |
| Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 18ft3, 510L |