Maruti Celerio: In Indian cities’ choking traffic movtherwebs, where floor space is so expensive and fuel efficiency so dictates how much of your paycheck goes into the fuel tank as a modus operandi, the Maruti Celerio has managed to build itself a firm fanbase.
This honest little hatchback is a car that promises straightforward transportation and a stop to urban woes, with fibre-reinforced sock puppetry nowhere to be found.
Evolution of Essentials
It’s an evolution of the latest Celerio. The updated outer casing def avoids straight lines and adopts an agnostic look instead of the angular one of the previous model.
Up front, a tidy grille is encompassed by the swept-back headlamps for a friendlier-looking face, and the silhouette is conservative, with attention paid more to interior room than dramatic looks.
That philosophy carries over to the daily driving experience as well – door handles easy to reach for entry, pull the SUV up and step in – the same when getting out – and glass all around to give drivers good visibility in tight parking situations.
And these small touches add up to a car that doesn’t add to the daily shitshow, that actually takes some of it away.
Heart of Efficiency
Power comes from under the bonnet where Suzuki’s newest K-series engine, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder wonder, provides the power and has excellent fuel economy.
Performance figures are ho-hum with just 66 horsepower on tap, and the little car’s vibe is one of quality rather than quantity; it’s a light car for city driving in almost any sense of the term.
The headline feature is still the fuel economy, with real world city driving figures comfortably topping 20-23 km/l.
This economy translates every visit to the gas station into a trip that comes less often, a very real-world payoff that hits home with value-minded buyers.
It is mated to an easy-to-shift 5-speed manual transmission as well as the now sought after Auto Gear Shift (AGS) – Maruti’s form of the AMT transmission which takes away the pain of shifting the clutch in city driving.
There’s the telltale nodding of the AGS when it’s on the move, yet many more motorists who wrestle with gridlock on a daily basis find it urbanised ease of use more than makes up for these foibles.
Living with Simplicity
On the inside, the Celerio is all about unpretentious simplicity. And the dashboard puts its controls where they ought to be, with easy-to-locate physical buttons for important functions — a welcome reprieve from screens that overdo it these days.
The higher trims add a 7-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, though the screen’s small size and resolution won’t win any tech comparisons.
There is quite a bit of space, considering the small exterior size. Front occupants have decent head room and acceptable shoulder room and those in the back are fine for a couple of average-sized adults to be able to cope with city trips.
The tall roof design especially pays off for headroom, making it feel airier than some rivals.
Storage solutions are well-considered, with bottle holders in each door, a handy glovebox and little caddies for every day items.
The boot, meanwhile, copes adequately with the weekly shop, but weekend trips demand clever packing – or you could always fold the rear seats down to utilise all available space, of course.
Road Behavior
Along the go, the Celerio offers exactly what city motorists want. The thing is, its light steering is easy to use for parking, yet weights up well when you build up speed.
Suspension tuning leans more towards comfort than sportiness, it soaks up potholes and speedbreakers without disturbing the passengers.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control is better than in previous generations but you’ll hear wind and road noise driving at highway speeds.
The engine is relatively smooth for a three-pot mill, and the vibes are well contained in regular operation.
Strengths and Limitations
Pros:
Outstanding Fuel Economy that actually saves you money!
Small footprint makes for ultimate maneuverability around city streets
Interior is roomier inside than compact exterior suggest
Inexpensive to maintain, with replacement parts that are easy to find
Easy-to-use for beginner with good clear instructions and not too low tech_pretty basic machine but not difficult to figure out.
AGS transmission option minimizes clutch wear in traffic
Cons:
Minimal soundsproofing, so road and engine noise enter readily
Highway composure at elevated speeds is lacking
Minimal power for passing or a full load of passengers
Budget-grade trim materials on all areas of the cabin
Infotainment system is modest in lower trims
Safety gear is in compliance but not topped out
Maruti Celerio: The Verdict
The Maruti Celerio flourishes by knowing its bread and butter – offering no-nonsense city transport, without the burden of unnecessary complexity.
It’s not trying to be something it’s not and offers skills that are relevant to everyday use.
For first-time buyers, small families on city streets or someone on the second rung of the automotive ladder looking for a cheaper second car, the Celerio offers sensibly priced, urban-friendly practical mobility in ever smarter-looking delivery.
The Celerio is not a car for the automotive aficionado… but for India’s pragmatic consumers, it’s a relevant offering –something to address their need, not their want of a car.