Maruti Suzuki Celerio Review: India's Most Fuel-Efficient Hatchback (₹5.65-7.38 Lakh)

Model Range Overview

The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Celerio provides a balance of efficiency and space:

Price range: ₹565,000 to ₹738,000

Engine specifications: 998cc petrol engine

Power output: 65.71bhp@5500rpm

Torque: 89Nm@3500rpm

Fuel type: Petrol

Transmission options: 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT

Number of variants: 11

The Celerio's range spans from the entry-level LXI to the top-spec ZXI+ AMT, offering a good mix of manual and automatic transmission options. The inclusion of CNG variants caters to customers looking for even more economical running costs. This broad range allows buyers to choose a variant that best fits their requirements and budget, from those seeking a basic, no-frills commuter to those wanting a well-equipped compact car with automatic transmission for ease of driving in urban conditions.

The price range of approximately 5 to 7.1 lakh rupees positions the Celerio competitively in the compact hatchback segment, making it accessible to a wide range of customers while offering higher-end variants for those seeking more features and convenience.

Design and Styling

The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio represents a significant departure from its predecessor in terms of design. The new model adopts a more rounded and contemporary aesthetic, moving away from the boxy silhouette of the previous generation. This redesign gives the Celerio a more cheerful and youthful appearance, which is likely to appeal to a broader range of customers.

Exterior features common across variants include:

• Curved and swept-back headlamps

• Oval grille with a chrome bar bisection
• Black plastic surround for fog lamps and air dam (on higher trims)
• Soft contours on doors and wheel arches
• Flowing shoulder line extending to the tail lights

Higher-end variants are equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, enhancing the car's stance and visual appeal. The rear design continues the curvaceous theme, with well-integrated tail lights that complement the overall styling.

The interior design has also seen a significant update. The dashboard now features a winged look, giving it a more stylish appearance. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage in higher trims, while the part-digital instrument cluster adds a modern touch. The cabin materials, while still predominantly hard plastics, feature improved texturing, particularly on the dashboard top, lending a more premium feel.

Maruti Suzuki offers the Celerio in a range of vibrant colors, including:

Arctic White

Silky Silver

Glistening Grey

Solid Fire Red

Speedy Blue

Caffeine Brown

These color options allow buyers to choose a shade that best reflects their personality, further enhancing the Celerio's appeal as a stylish urban runabout.

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is powered by a new K10C DualJet engine, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This 1.0-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine offers the following specifications:

• Displacement: 998 cc

• Power Output: 66.62 PS @ 5500 rpm

• Torque: 89 Nm @ 3500 rpm

While these figures represent a slight decrease from the previous model (67 PS and 90 Nm), the new engine is designed for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. The DualJet technology, featuring two injectors per cylinder, ensures better fuel atomization and more efficient combustion.

Transmission choices include:

2. 5-speed manual transmission
3. 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

The manual transmission offers smooth shifts and a light clutch, making it easy to operate in city traffic. The AMT, branded as AGS (Auto Gear Shift) by Maruti, provides the convenience of an automatic with improved efficiency compared to traditional automatics.

A key feature of the new powertrain is the standard idle start/stop system, which contributes significantly to the Celerio's class-leading fuel efficiency.

Compared to key competitors:

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Offers a similar 1.0L engine (68 PS, 90 Nm) and a more powerful 1.2L option (83 PS, 113 Nm)

• Tata Tiago: Features a larger 1.2L engine (86 PS, 113 Nm)

• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Uses a similar 1.0L engine (68 PS, 90 Nm)

While the Celerio may not lead in terms of outright power, its focus on efficiency and the refinement of its new engine make it a strong contender in the segment.

Key Features Across Range

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio comes equipped with a range of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety across its variants. Some of the key features available in most or all variants include:

Comfort Features:

Power steering

Front power windows

Manual air conditioning

Tilt-adjustable steering wheel

Height-adjustable driver seat (in higher trims)

60:40 split rear seat (in higher trims)

Infotainment Features:

7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system (in higher trims)

Bluetooth connectivity

USB and AUX input

Steering-mounted audio controls (in higher trims)

Safety Features:

Dual front airbags (standard across all variants)

ABS with EBD

Rear parking sensors

High-speed alert system

Seat belt reminder for driver and front passenger

Standout features in the Celerio include the idle start/stop system for improved fuel efficiency and the hill-hold assist function in AMT variants, which are relatively unique in this segment.

Compared to key competitors:

• The Tata Tiago offers a more premium 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is not available in the Celerio.

• The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R provides more engine options, including a more powerful 1.2L engine.

• The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso offers a similar feature set but with a unique SUV-inspired design.

While the Celerio may not lead in terms of feature count, it offers a well-rounded package that balances essential features with affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a modern, well-equipped compact car.

Performance and Efficiency

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio's performance characteristics are tailored for urban driving conditions, prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of use over outright performance.

Engine Performance: The 1.0-liter K10C DualJet engine delivers smooth and linear power delivery, making it well-suited for city driving. While not particularly powerful, the engine's refinement and low-end torque make it responsive in stop-and-go traffic. The engine remains quiet at low RPMs but can get vocal when pushed hard.

Manual Transmission: The 5-speed manual gearbox offers smooth shifts and a light clutch action, enhancing the car's ease of use in urban environments. The well-spaced gear ratios allow for efficient cruising and adequate acceleration when needed.

AMT (Auto Gear Shift): The 5-speed AMT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission while maintaining efficiency close to that of the manual variant. While there's a slight lag during gear changes, typical of AMT systems, it's less pronounced than in earlier iterations. The AMT works well in city traffic but may require manual intervention for quick overtakes on highways.

Ride and Handling: The Celerio offers a comfortable ride, particularly at low speeds, absorbing most road imperfections well. The light steering makes city maneuvers easy, but it lacks feel at higher speeds. Stability is good for its class, but as with most small cars, it can feel a bit unsettled at high speeds or in strong crosswinds.

Fuel Efficiency: One of the Celerio's strongest selling points is its class-leading fuel efficiency:

• Manual Transmission: 25.24 km/l (ARAI certified)

• AMT: 26.68 km/l (ARAI certified)

These figures make the Celerio one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India.

Compared to competitors:

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: 24.35 km/l

• Tata Tiago: 19.01 km/l

• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: 24.12-24.76 km/l

The Celerio clearly leads in terms of fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers and those with high daily mileage.

Safety Suite

Maruti Suzuki has made significant strides in improving the safety quotient of the new Celerio, addressing concerns raised about its predecessor. The car is built on Suzuki's Heartect platform, which is designed to enhance structural rigidity and improve crash performance.

Standard safety features across all variants include:

Dual front airbags

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

Rear parking sensors

High-speed alert system

Seat belt reminder for driver and front passenger

ISOFIX child seat anchorages

Higher trims add:

Hill hold assist (for AMT variants)

Rear defogger

Front fog lamps

The Celerio's safety credentials are further bolstered by its compliance with the latest Indian safety norms, including frontal offset impact, side impact, and pedestrian protection standards.

However, it's worth noting that the Celerio has not been tested by Global NCAP, so there's no independent crash test rating available. This is in contrast to some competitors like the Tata Tiago, which has received a 4-star rating from Global NCAP.

Comparing with key competitors:

• Tata Tiago: Offers additional safety features like cornering stability control and a cooled glovebox

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Has a similar safety suite but lacks hill hold assist

• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Offers a comparable safety package

While the Celerio's safety features are comprehensive for its segment, it falls slightly short of the Tata Tiago in terms of advanced safety technologies. However, it matches or exceeds most of its direct competitors in the Maruti Suzuki lineup, reflecting the brand's increased focus on safety across its range.

Comfort and Space

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, despite its compact exterior dimensions, offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable interior. The car's dimensions are as follows:

Length: 3695 mm

Width: 1655 mm

Height: 1555 mm

Wheelbase: 2435 mm

These dimensions, particularly the width and wheelbase, contribute to a roomy cabin experience.

Interior Space:

• Front seats offer good headroom and legroom, even for taller occupants.

• The driver's seat in higher trims comes with height adjustment, improving comfort and visibility.

• Rear seat space is adequate for two adults, with reasonable knee room and headroom.

• While three adults in the rear would be a squeeze, it's possible for short journeys.

Comfort Features:

The seats are well-cushioned and provide good support, suitable for city commutes and occasional long drives.

• Air conditioning is effective, cooling the cabin quickly.

• The tilt-adjustable steering wheel helps in finding a comfortable driving position.

• Large windows provide good all-round visibility and contribute to an airy feel in the cabin.

Boot Space:

• The Celerio offers a boot capacity of 313 liters, which is impressive for its segment.

• The 60:40 split rear seat (in higher trims) adds flexibility for carrying larger items.

Compared to competitors:

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Offers more headroom due to its tall-boy design

• Tata Tiago: Has a similar interior space but a slightly smaller boot at 242 liters

• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Provides a higher seating position but less overall space

While not class-leading in every aspect, the Celerio offers a well-balanced package of interior space and comfort features, making it a practical choice for small families and urban commuters.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio's infotainment system has been upgraded in this new generation, offering improved connectivity and user experience. The key features of the infotainment setup include:

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system (in higher trims)

• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming

• USB and AUX input for external devices

• Steering-mounted audio and phone controls (in higher trims)

• Voice recognition for hands-free control

• Integration with Suzuki Connect telematics system (optional)

The SmartPlay Studio system offers a user-friendly interface with large, easy-to-read icons and responsive touch controls. It provides access to various functions including radio, media playback, and vehicle information.

However, it's worth noting that the Celerio's infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which are increasingly becoming standard features in this segment.

Compared to key competitors:

• Tata Tiago: Offers a similar 7-inch touchscreen but includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Features a similar SmartPlay Studio system

• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Also uses the SmartPlay Studio system

While the Celerio's infotainment system is functional and easy to use, the lack of smartphone mirroring technology puts it at a slight disadvantage compared to some rivals. However, for users who prioritize basic connectivity and audio playback, the system should prove adequate.

Key USPs

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio stands out in its segment with several unique selling points:

2. Class-leading Fuel Efficiency: With ARAI-certified figures of up to 26.68 km/l for the AMT variant, the Celerio is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India.
3. Idle Start-Stop System: This feature, standard across all variants, contributes significantly to fuel savings in stop-and-go traffic.
4. Spacious Interior: Despite its compact exterior, the Celerio offers a surprisingly roomy cabin and a large 313-liter boot.
5. AMT with Hill-Hold Assist: The Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission combined with hill-hold assist makes it one of the most convenient cars to drive in its segment, especially in hilly areas or congested city traffic.
6. Lightweight Yet Rigid Platform: The new Heartect platform ensures better performance, fuel efficiency, and safety without compromising on comfort.

These USPs position the Celerio as a practical, efficient, and user-friendly option in the compact hatchback segment, particularly appealing to urban commuters and first-time car buyers.

Target Audience

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is designed to appeal to a diverse range of customers within the compact hatchback segment. Its target audience primarily includes:

• First-time car buyers: Young professionals or families upgrading from two-wheelers, attracted by the Celerio's affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of use.

• Urban commuters: City dwellers looking for a compact, fuel-efficient car that's easy to maneuver and park in congested urban environments.

• Small families: Those needing a practical, spacious car for daily use and occasional out-of-town trips.

• Budget-conscious buyers: Customers prioritizing low running costs and value for money, drawn by the Celerio's excellent fuel efficiency and Maruti's reputation for affordable maintenance.

• AMT seekers: Those wanting the convenience of an automatic transmission without a significant price premium, particularly appealing to those dealing with heavy traffic regularly.

• CNG variant buyers: Customers in cities with good CNG infrastructure, looking for even lower running costs.

• Senior citizens: The easy ingress/egress, light controls, and good visibility make it suitable for older drivers.

• Secondary car buyers: Families looking for an additional car for running errands or as a backup vehicle.

The Celerio's broad variant range allows it to cater to different subsets within these target groups, from those seeking a basic, no-frills commuter to those wanting a well-equipped compact car with automatic transmission.

Competitor Landscape

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio competes in the highly competitive compact hatchback segment. Its key competitors include:

2. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
3. Tata Tiago
4. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Here's a comparison table highlighting key specs and features:

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Class-leading fuel efficiency
• Spacious interior and large boot for its segment
• Easy to drive with light controls and good visibility
• Smooth and refined engine suitable for city driving
• AMT option available across most variants
• Idle start-stop system standard across the range
• Improved safety features including dual airbags as standard
• Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network and low maintenance costs

Cons:

• Lacks the power of some competitors with larger engines
• Infotainment system doesn't offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Interior quality, while improved, still has hard plastics in many areas
• AMT can feel jerky at low speeds compared to conventional automatics
• Lacks some advanced features offered by competitors (e.g., connected car technology)
• No GNCAP crash test rating available yet
• Design may be considered too conservative for some buyers
• Higher variants can feel expensive compared to similarly equipped competitors

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, in its latest avatar, presents a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers seeking an efficient, practical, and easy-to-drive compact car. Its standout features - class-leading fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and user-friendly nature - make it an excellent choice for urban commuters and first-time car buyers.

While it may not lead the segment in terms of power or premium features, the Celerio compensates with its well-rounded approach to affordable mobility. The inclusion of essential safety features across all variants and the availability of AMT options enhance its appeal to a broad spectrum of customers.

For those prioritizing low running costs, ease of maintenance, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network, the Celerio makes a strong case for itself. It successfully builds on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing key areas for improvement, cementing its position as a significant player in India's compact hatchback market.