2018 Maruti Ciaz’s production has already commenced and the car has also been caught on camera while it was testing on roads without any camouflage, indicating that the car is just due for an official launch. As per reports, Maruti had initially planned to launch the facelift of the sedan on 6th August, 2018, however due to a clash with another event (Honda CRV diesel media drive), it has been postponed to 20th August.
As reported earlier, Maruti will be launching the new Ciaz only in a petrol engine option and a diesel engine will come into offering at a later date. The face-lifted Ciaz will draw power from a new K-Series 1.5 litre mild hybrid petrol engine which will be a segment-first in itself.
The engine will be capable to churn out 104 bhp and 138 Nm of torque and can potentially feature on the 2018 Ertiga as well which is scheduled for a launch later this year. 2018 Maruti Ciaz will bring along an updated exterior look with a revised front bumper and nose, new set of LED headlamps, DRLs, an updated rear bumper and new LED tail lamps.
On the inside, new Ciaz will get a new upholstery combination, a refreshed steering wheel design, apart from faux wood inserts around the cabin. The SmartPlay infotainment system will have updates too and will be supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also a possibility that Maruti might offer the Suzuki Connect Telematics system with the 2018 Ciaz.
Prices for new Maruti Ciaz aren’t out as of yet however if you are looking out for a sweet deal, you may visit any of the Nexa showrooms and you can get discounts in the range of Rs 75K – 1.5 lakhs on the unsold stock of the current version of Ciaz.
Post launch, 2018 Maruti Ciaz will continue to compete with the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, VW Vento and the Skoda Rapid. However, the lack of a diesel engine option might sway some customers to the competition till the diesel motor is reintroduced. Diesel engine will be launched at a later date, maybe before Diwali. More clarity we should get on launch date. Have a look at spy shots below.