Ciaz: A Lonely Mid-Size Sedan Warrior from the House of Maruti Suzuki

 

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, synonymous with elegance, comfort, and reliability, has been a stalwart in the mid-size sedan segment since its launch in 2014. Over the years, it has carved a niche, standing tall amidst fierce competition from other brands. However, recent reports suggest that Maruti Suzuki might discontinue this beloved model by April 2025. This blog delves into the evolution of the Ciaz and argues why it should not be discontinued.

The Birth of an Underrated Legend: 2014 Launch

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz was introduced in September 2014 as a successor to the SX4 sedan. It was developed to cater to India's growing demand for premium mid-size sedans. The Ciaz was designed to offer a perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance, making it an instant hit among Indian car buyers.

The initial model came with two engine options: a 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine produced 95 PS and 130 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine delivered 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque. Both engines were mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission reserved for the petrol version.

Evolution Over the Years

2015: Introduction of SHVS Technology

In 2015, Maruti Suzuki introduced the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology in the Ciaz. This mild hybrid system used an integrated starter generator and a lead-acid battery to assist the engine during acceleration and improve fuel efficiency. The SHVS technology made the Ciaz one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its segment, further enhancing its appeal.

2017: Transition to NEXA

Initially sold through Maruti Suzuki's ARENA dealerships, the Ciaz was moved to the premium NEXA dealership network in 2017. This transition was aimed at positioning the Ciaz as a more premium offering, aligning it with other NEXA models like the Baleno and S-Cross.

2018: Major Facelift

The Ciaz received a significant facelift in 2018, which included a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, replacing the older 1.4-litre unit. The new engine produced 105 PS and 138 Nm of torque, offering better performance and refinement. The facelift also brought design updates, such as a new front grille, LED projector headlamps, and revised bumpers, giving the Ciaz a more contemporary look.

Post-2020: BS6 Compliance and Feature Enhancements

With the implementation of BS6 emission norms in 2020, Maruti Suzuki updated the Ciaz's engines to comply with the new standards. The diesel engine was discontinued, and the Ciaz was offered solely with the 1.5-litre petrol motor. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki introduced several feature enhancements, including improved safety features, a more advanced infotainment system, and enhanced comfort elements.

The Current Scenario: Challenges and Decline

Despite its initial success, the Ciaz has faced several challenges in recent years. The mid-size sedan segment has seen a significant decline in sales, with buyers increasingly preferring SUVs over sedans. In 2015, sedans accounted for 20% of India's car market, but by 2024, their share had dropped to below 10%, while SUVs surged to over 50% of total passenger vehicle sales.

The Ciaz's sales have also been affected by the lack of major updates since its 2018 facelift. Competitors like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia have introduced multiple upgrades, including advanced features like electric sunroofs, digital instrument clusters, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). In contrast, the Ciaz has remained largely unchanged, making it feel outdated in a rapidly evolving market.

Why the Ciaz Should Not Be Discontinued

1. Legacy and Brand Value

The Ciaz has built a strong legacy and brand value over the years. It is known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making it a preferred choice for many Indian car buyers. Discontinuing the Ciaz would mean losing a well-established nameplate that has garnered a loyal customer base.

2. Potential for Revival

With the right updates and marketing strategies, the Ciaz has the potential to regain its lost glory. Maruti Suzuki can introduce a new generation of the Ciaz with modern features, improved performance, and a refreshed design to attract buyers. Additionally, offering a strong hybrid or electric variant could help the Ciaz stay relevant in the changing automotive landscape.

3. Market Presence

The mid-size sedan segment, though shrinking, still has a dedicated customer base that prefers sedans over SUVs. By discontinuing the Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki would be exiting this segment, leaving it open for competitors to capture. Maintaining a presence in the mid-size sedan segment would ensure that Maruti Suzuki caters to a wider range of customers.

4. Competitive Edge

The Ciaz has always been known for its competitive pricing and value-for-money proposition. By introducing new features and updates, Maruti Suzuki can position the Ciaz as a more attractive option compared to its rivals. This would help the brand maintain its competitive edge in the market.

5. Environmental Considerations

With increasing awareness about environmental issues, there is a growing demand for fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles. The Ciaz, with its SHVS technology and potential for hybrid variants, can cater to this demand. By discontinuing the Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki would be missing out on an opportunity to cement its name as one of the greener vehicles in the mid-size segment.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has been a significant player in the mid-size sedan segment for over a decade. Its evolution from a stylish and feature-packed sedan to a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle has made it a beloved choice for many. While the market dynamics have changed, and the popularity of SUVs has surged, the Ciaz still holds immense potential.

By discontinuing the Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki would be losing a valuable asset that has the potential for revival. With the right updates, marketing strategies, and a focus on eco-friendly technologies, the Ciaz can continue to be a strong contender in the mid-size sedan segment. Maruti Suzuki needs to recognize the legacy and potential of the Ciaz and make efforts to keep this iconic model alive.

An Amazingly Desirable Battle for the Entry-Level Sedan Crown: 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs 2025 Honda Amaze

 

The entry-level sedan segment in India is witnessing an exciting duel with the launch of two highly anticipated models: the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the 2025 Honda Amaze. Both vehicles promise to elevate the standards in this competitive segment, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced features. Let’s take a closer look at how these two sedans stack up against each other in this battle for the entry-level sedan crown.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire: The 2024 Dzire sports a refreshed design that exudes sophistication and modernity. Its wide front fascia, complete with a bold grille and sleek LED headlights, gives it a commanding road presence. The redesigned bumper and sculpted lines add to its contemporary appeal. The Dzire's dimensions have also been optimized to provide a balanced stance, making it look more robust and planted on the road.

2025 Honda Amaze: The 2025 Amaze, while retaining its understated elegance, introduces subtle yet impactful design tweaks. The front end features a revised grille with chrome accents, flanked by sharp LED headlamps. The rear profile is equally impressive with updated LED taillights and a refined bumper design. The Amaze’s longer wheelbase contributes to its spacious interior, while the overall dimensions ensure a sleek and aerodynamic look.

Both sedans offer distinct styling cues that cater to different tastes. The Dzire leans towards a bolder, more aggressive design, while the Amaze focuses on elegance and simplicity.

Interior and Comfort

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Step inside the Dzire, and you’re greeted with a well-appointed cabin that combines luxury with functionality. The dual-tone beige and black interior theme exudes a sense of spaciousness. Premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces and chrome accents, enhance the overall ambiance. The Dzire offers a host of features such as an electric sunroof, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and automatic climate control. The redesigned seats provide excellent support and comfort, making long journeys a breeze.

2025 Honda Amaze: The Amaze’s cabin, on the other hand, is a testament to Honda’s commitment to quality and ergonomics. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a focus on driver-centric controls. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is seamlessly integrated, offering connectivity features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Amaze also boasts a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and rear AC vents. The seats are plush and well-cushioned, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants.

Both sedans excel in providing a premium interior experience, but the Dzire’s inclusion of an electric sunroof and a larger infotainment screen gives it a slight edge in terms of luxury features.

Performance and Efficiency

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Under the hood, the 2024 Dzire is powered by a refined 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder DualJet petrol engine that delivers 90 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Dzire also introduces a CNG variant, which provides excellent fuel efficiency of up to 26.8 km/kg, catering to eco-conscious buyers.

2025 Honda Amaze: The 2025 Amaze continues to be powered by the reliable 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, producing 90 bhp and 110 Nm of torque. Available with either a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission, the Amaze offers a refined and efficient drive. Honda claims an impressive fuel efficiency of 18.6 km/l for the manual variant and 19.5 km/l for the CVT, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.

While both sedans offer commendable performance and efficiency, the Dzire’s CNG option gives it an advantage for those prioritizing lower running costs.

Safety and Technology

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Maruti Suzuki has raised the bar with the Dzire’s safety features, achieving a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. The sedan is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold assist, and a reverse parking camera. The Dzire also introduces a 360-degree camera, providing a comprehensive view of the surroundings, enhancing parking safety.

2025 Honda Amaze: The Amaze, although not yet tested by Global NCAP, boasts a robust safety package. It includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. One of the standout features is the inclusion of Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), offering features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Both sedans prioritize safety, but the Amaze’s ADAS features make it a leader in this category, offering advanced safety technologies typically found in higher-end models.

Pricing and Value Proposition

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Maruti Suzuki has priced the Dzire competitively, starting at Rs. 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant. The pricing strategy is designed to attract a wide range of customers, offering excellent value for money with its feature-packed variants and advanced safety options.

2025 Honda Amaze: The Amaze is priced slightly higher, starting at Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite the higher entry price, the Amaze justifies its cost with the inclusion of ADAS, a more refined interior, and a robust set of standard features.

Conclusion

The battle for the entry-level sedan crown between the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the 2025 Honda Amaze is fiercely competitive. Both models bring their own strengths to the table, making the final choice a matter of personal preference and priorities.

**For those seeking a more aggressive design, luxurious interior features like an electric sunroof, and the option of a CNG variant, the Dzire is the ideal choice.

**If advanced safety technology, elegant design, and a comprehensive feature set are your top priorities, the Amaze stands out as a compelling option.

Ultimately, both the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the 2025 Honda Amaze redefine the standards in the entry-level sedan segment, offering a blend of style, performance, and value that is hard to beat. The choice between the two will depend on individual needs and preferences, making this an amazingly desirable battle for the entry-level sedan crown.

ADAS under Rs. 11 Lakh!!! Honda's Amazing Proposition ft. 2025 Honda Amaze

 

In a market where cutting-edge safety is often reserved for high-end luxury vehicles, Honda has made a groundbreaking move with the launch of the 2025 Honda Amaze. Ranging between Rs. 7.99 lakh and Rs. 10.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the Amaze is the most affordable car in India to offer ADAS, making it a game-changer in the compact sedan segment.

The Rise of ADAS

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are designed to enhance vehicle safety and driving comfort by providing features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Traditionally, these features have been available only in premium cars, but Honda has democratized this technology with the new-generation Amaze.

The 2025 Honda Amaze: 

Features and Specifications

The 2025 Honda Amaze is a compact sedan that combines practicality and bleeding-edge technology. Here are some key features and specifications:

Engine: The Amaze is powered by a 1.2L naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 90 hp of power and 110 Nm of torque. It comes with a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic gearbox.

Fuel Efficiency: The manual model delivers a fuel efficiency of 18.65 km/l, while the CVT model offers 19.46 km/l.

Safety: The Amaze is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, electronic stability control (ESC), an ORVM-mounted Lane Watch camera on the left side, and a rearview camera. It also features Honda Sensing, the brand's suite of ADAS technologies.

Interior: The interior boasts a new dashboard layout with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker music system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a wireless phone charger.

Design: The Amaze features a refreshed design with a honeycomb front grille, Bi-Projector LED headlights, and new rear-view mirrors. The Honda City-ish LED taillights with always-on elements and 15-inch alloy wheels add to its modern look.

Why the 2025 Honda Amaze is a Game-Changer

The introduction of ADAS in a budget-friendly car like the Amaze is a significant step forward for automotive safety in India. By making these advanced features accessible to a wider audience, Honda is not only enhancing road safety but also setting a new standard for affordable cars.

Market Impact and Competition

The 2025 Honda Amaze directly competes with other compact sedans like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Tigor, and Hyundai Aura. With its combination of advanced safety features, efficient engine, and competitive pricing, the Amaze is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the market.

Conclusion

The 2025 Honda Amaze is a testament to Honda's commitment to innovation and safety. By offering ADAS at an affordable price, Honda has made advanced driving technology accessible to the masses. This move not only benefits consumers but also sets a new benchmark for the industry. The Amaze is a compelling proposition for anyone looking for a safe, efficient, and feature-packed compact sedan without breaking the bank.