The Maruti Celerio, a popular hatchback in India, has gained a reputation for providing practicality and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for urban commuters. In November 2021, Maruti launched the second-generation Celerio, boasting a new design, platform, engine, and features. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons (Positives and Negatives) of the new Maruti Celerio to see how it stacks up against its rivals and expectations.
Contents
Maruti Celerio Positives (Pros)
- Attractive and Cheerful Design: The new Celerio showcases a more rounded and curvy shape compared to its predecessor, exuding a cutesy and cheerful appearance. The front grille, headlamps, fog lamps, and bumper add character to the face, while the rear tail lights and bumper complement the overall flow. Top-spec models are adorned with 15-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its stance.
- Spacious and Stylish Cabin: Inside, the new Celerio boasts a winged dashboard that looks modern and stylish. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is seamlessly integrated and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the part-digital instrument cluster borrowed from the Wagon R enhances its appeal. The cabin provides ample space for four adults, offering generous headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. With a decent boot space of 313 litres, it can handle most everyday luggage needs.
- Fuel-efficient and Peppy Engine: Powering the new Celerio is a 1.2-litre K12N DualJet petrol engine that delivers 89hp and 113Nm of torque. This engine is more potent and refined than the older 1.0-litre K10B engine, and it boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 26.68kmpl for the manual variant and 26.35kmpl for the AMT variant, making it one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India¹.
- Easy and Comfortable Drive: Negotiating city traffic becomes a breeze with the new Celerio, thanks to its light steering, smooth gearbox, and responsive engine. For those who prefer an automatic transmission, the AMT option provides added convenience. The ride quality is comfortable and composed, with excellent suspension damping and minimal NVH levels. The car’s braking performance is also commendable, with ABS and EBD as standard features.
- Affordable and Value-for-Money: The new Celerio comes with a competitive price tag, starting from Rs 4.99 lakh for the base LXi variant and going up to Rs 6.94 lakh for the top-end ZXi (O) AMT variant (ex-showroom India)². Considering the features, performance, and efficiency it offers, it proves to be a great value-for-money option. Furthermore, Maruti’s widespread service network and readily available spare parts contribute to its low maintenance costs.
Maruti Celerio Negatives Cons
- Average Build Quality and Safety: The new Celerio shares the Heartect platform with models like the Wagon R, S-Presso, and Ignis. Unfortunately, this platform is not known for its structural rigidity or crashworthiness. As a result, the car may feel light and less sturdy, with thin sheet metal and plastic parts. While it does come with dual airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, and seat belt reminders as standard safety features, it lacks additional safety features like ISOFIX child seat anchors, a rear camera, or ESP.
- Dated and Cheap Interior Elements: Despite the stylish dashboard, the new Celerio features some outdated and inexpensive elements that might impact the overall impression. For instance, the AC vents have an old-fashion and poorly finish design, the door handles are lift-type rather than pull-type, the keyless entry sensor is awkwardly place on the door panel, the steering wheel lacks audio controls, and the power window switches are located on the centre console instead of the doors.
- Lack of Premium Features: The new Celerio falls short in comparison to its rivals and even its own siblings when it comes to premium features. Notable omissions include LED headlamps or DRLs, alloy wheels on lower variants, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, steering-mounted controls, wireless charging, push-button start, or smart key access.
- Poor High-Speed Stability and Handling: The new Celerio is not optimize for high-speed driving or sharp cornering, as it may exhibit poor stability and handling at higher speeds. On highways or twisty roads, the car may feel nervous and unsettled, with noticeable body roll and steering vagueness. The tyres also lack grip and confidence, particularly on wet or slippery surfaces.
- Limited Rear Seat Comfort: Despite its spacious cabin for four adults, the rear seat comfort in the new Celerio falls short of expectations. The seat cushioning is thin and firm, and the backrest angle is upright, while the headrests are integrat and small. Additionally, the rear seat lacks a centre armrest, adjustable headrests, cup holders, or bottle holders.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the new Maruti Celerio presents itself as a practical and fuel-efficient hatchback, ideal for daily commuting and budget-conscious consumers. Its attractive design, spacious cabin, fuel-efficient engine, and easy drive make it a compelling choice. Additionally, its affordable price and low maintenance costs contribute to its value-for-money proposition. However, it’s essential to consider its average build quality, limited safety features, dated interior elements, lack of premium features, and compromised high-speed stability and handling. This are few the pros and cons (Positives and Negatives) of the new Maruti Celerio.
The new Maruti Celerio is best suited for city driving and occasional highway journeys, making it an excellent option for those seeking a simple and sensible hatchback that meets their basic needs and budget.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, the new Maruti Celerio boasts impressive fuel efficiency, making it one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India, with up to 26.68kmpl for the manual variant and 26.35kmpl for the AMT variant.
The new Celerio comes with dual airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, and seat belt reminders as standard safety features. However, it lacks advanced safety features such as ISOFIX child seat anchors, a rear camera, or ESP.
Yes, the new Celerio offers a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates four adults, providing ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room.
Some of the main drawbacks of the new Celerio include its average build quality and safety, dated and cheap interior elements, lack of premium features, poor high-speed stability and handling, and limited rear seat comfort.
Yes, the new Celerio is competitively priced and offers good value for money, considering its features, performance, and efficiency. Additionally, its low maintenance costs contribute to its overall value proposition.