2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio launched at Rs 4.99 lakh

After months of speculation it’s finally here - say hello to the 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio, one of the brand's popular models that is back in it’s second generation. With prices starting at Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India), Maruti Suzuki seems ready to regain volumes with the Celerio which, time and again, has been one of the best selling products from Maruti Suzuki’s stable, selling in excess of 5.9 lakh cars till date.

First launched in 2014, the Celerio was one of the first Maruti Suzuki vehicles to get the AGS (Automatic Gear Shifting) transmission. A refresh was long overdue and this all-new generation comes like a shot in the arm for Maruti’s city friendly run about. Here’s all you need to know about the all-new Maruti Suzuki Celerio.

Built on the 5-th generation HEARTECT platform, the all-new Maruti Suzuki Celerio's exterior design is a complete departure from the outgoing version's squarish looks, the design team seems to have gotten rid of any angular elements to give it a rounded profile. The same can be said about the oval grille which wears chrome garnish on either side of the Suzuki logo. The headlamps are redesigned and so is the front bumper, which makes use of contrasting plastic bits finished in black. Fog lamps are to be offered on the higher-spec variants.

Dimensionally, the 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio has grown in width by 55mm (1655mm) and 10mm in its wheelbase (2435mm), which should translate to more cabin space for the passengers. The length of the car remains identical to the outgoing generation at 3695mm, whereas the height has come down by 5mm (1555mm). Visually, it’s the side where the changes are most evident, especially after the C-pillar. The creases under the window line seem more pronounced, adding character and flair to it’s look. However, lift-type door handles are used as compared to the outgoing generation’s pull-type door handles which lack appeal. Top variants to come equipped with black 15-inch alloy wheels for a sportier look.

The rear is reminiscent of the outgoing Celerio, with the newly designed wrap-around tail lamps cutting into the shape of the boot and the windscreen. The angular cuts do look good on an otherwise rounded off car. The bumper is re-designed too, and it all comes across as a very safely designed hatchback.

With the increase in dimensions, the 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio promises more space for its occupants. The dashboard receives a new aesthetic treatment and the AC vents sport chrome garnish for that added sense of premiumness, however Maruti Suzuki has retained rotary knobs for the HVAC control of the WagonR. Infact, a lot of bits like the steering wheel and the instrument cluster are a straight pick from the Wagon R. Customers are sure to like the newly-designed gear lever for the AMT transmission. Noticeably, the boot space on the Maruti Suzuki Celerio has gone by 40 percent, now offering 313 litres in total. Usability is further enhanced by a 60:40 rear split seat.

Maruti Suzuki claims that the all-new Celerio is aimed at the younger and vibrant audience and has offered features in line with this. There’s a smart key on offer that grants access via the door request button, a new start-stop button has been added to the dashboard along with a 7-inch infotainment system with Maruti’s Smart Play Studio that gets voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and steering mounted controls as well. For its ease of use in the city, the 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio comes with rear parking sensors and turn-signals integrated with the ORVMs. Also, an idle start/stop system contributes to better fuel efficiency in the city.

The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio will come powered by sole engine — a 1.0-litre three-cylinder nat-asp engine with 66bhp @ 5,500rpm and 89Nm @ 3,500rpm of torque. The K10C engine, which did duties in the Baleno RS (with a turbocharger strapped on), boasts Dual Jet dual VVT technology for better fuel efficiency, however performance figures have gone down slightly so. This engine uses two fuel injectors per cylinder and as a result, with 26.68kmpl (ARAI figures), the 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio is now India’s most fuel efficient petrol vehicle.

The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio will come with an option of a five-speed manual transmission and a five-speed AMT unit (coined AGS as Maruti Suzuki). The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio is also the first car in its segment to come with a Hill Hold Assist.

The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio will be offered in four variants, with prices starting at Rs 4.99 (ex-showroom, India) lakh for the LXI MT and going all the way upto Rs 6.94 lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the ZXI+ AMT.

Two new vibrant colors have been offered, Fire Red and Speedy Blue, and Maruti Suzuki is also offering customisation options for buyers. One can visit Arena dealerships or log onto the Maruti website to reserve a unit. The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio will compete against the likes of the Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid, Datsun Redigo and it’s own two siblings - the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.