Maruti Suzuki Celerio

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a compact city car aimed at buyers who want something easy to drive, easy to park and affordable to run while offering a little style to make it more appealing. Its claim to fame wasn’t the car itself but the fact that it introduced India to the automated manual transmission (AMT) when it was first launched. 

This hatchback is an alternative to Maruti’s own popular WagonR. You could also consider the Tata Tiago or Punch or lower variants of the Maruti Ignis for a similar budget. 

In this review, we take a look at what the Celerio offers and if it’s worth considering.

Basic. If the Celerio's design needs to be summarised in one word, that would be it. It is reminiscent of the Alto 800 but larger. Compared to the older model, the Celerio has grown in wheelbase and width, improving its proportions. However, the design details seem a bit too plain. While it won't tug at your heartstrings, thankfully, it isn't off-putting either -- or loud or quirky, for that matter. 

At the front, it gets halogen headlamps and fog lamps along with a subtle touch of chrome on the grille. LED DRLs could have added a bit of spark here, but they are not even available as accessories. Speaking of which, Maruti is offering two accessory packs that add exterior and interior highlights.

At the side, the black 15-inch alloy wheels grab the most attention for looking smart. Sadly, they're limited to the top-spec variant, with the others getting 14-inch steel wheels. The ORVMs are body-coloured and get turn indicators. However, the important part is that they are electrically adjustable and fold automatically when you lock the car. And then comes the passive keyless entry button, which could have definitely been better executed in design; right now, it looks aftermarket.

At the back, the width-to-height ratio feels balanced, and the clean design gives it a sober look. LED taillamps could have helped this profile look a bit more modern. However, you do get a rear wiper, washer, and defogger. The boot release handle is rather convenient, and the passive keyless entry button is here as well.

Overall, the Celerio is a simple-looking hatchback that will not garner any attention on the road. The design is a bit too safe and might irk young buyers who might want something with a bit more style. With options like the Tiago, Swift, Ignis and Punch available in a similar budget, there’s more that could’ve been done to make the Celerio more desirable.

That said, we’re glad to see some great colour options like Metallic Speedy Blue, Metallic Silky Silver, Solid Fire Red, Metallic Glistening Grey, Pearl Caffeine Brown, Pearl Arctic White and Pearl Bluish Black. Our favourite pick would be the Speedy Blue.

Design & Quality

The Celerio, does balance style and sense on the inside. The black dashboard design and the silver accents (on the AC vents and the centre console) look nice. Also impressive is the build quality here. 

The fit, finish and the plastic quality feel is solid, a pleasant surprise for a budget Maruti. The same is also communicated from the various touchpoints like all the buttons, steering wheel, and the gear shifter. 

Front Seats

The good news continues with the seating posture as well. The driver’s seat is well cushioned and wide enough to accommodate drivers of most sizes. A big range for the seat height adjustment means short and taller drivers will be comfortable and have good outward visibility. The tilt-adjustable steering further helps with the proper driving position. However, the seating is still low, like a conventional hatchback (and not tall, like an SUV, something you get in the S-Presso). Overall, from an ergonomic standpoint, the Celerio is spot on! 

Rear Seats

Since the Celerio is not as tall as the Wagon R, ingress and egress aren't as easy. You have to sit 'down' into the car versus the WagonR, where you simply 'walk' in. That said, getting in still isn’t cumbersome. The seat base is flat and the cushioning soft, which will keep you comfortable on city journeys. 

The space on offer is ample for users 5.7ft tall sitting one behind the other. Knee room, legroom, and headroom won't give you a reason to complain, and the cabin feels reasonably airy as well. The only thing you cannot do comfortably is seat three at the back as the cabin lacks width.

While the seats are comfortable, the experience remains basic. The headrests are not adjustable, and there are no cupholders, armrests, or a place to keep the phone and charge it. 

Storage Options

Cabin practicality is an area where this hatchback leaves us wanting for more. It gets two cup holders and a not-so-wide (but deep) storage tray right ahead, which can’t fit modern-day smartphones, leaving them dangling while charging. Other than this, you get a decent-sized glovebox and door pockets on all doors. The cabin could have had more storage spaces, particularly in front of and behind the handbrake. Open storage on the dashboard would have been nice too.

Rear seat occupants only get seat-back pockets. This space is best used for magazines or bottles, and it can’t fit much else. 

Charging Options

The Celerio gets a 12V charging socket in the front row. There are no charging ports for rear seat users nor do you get a wireless phone charger.

Boot space

The 313-litre boot space is ample. While it may not be as much as the Wagon R's 341 litres, the shape here is wide and deep, which will help you store even large suitcases with ease. You also get 60:40 split rear-folding seats if the luggage exceeds the boot space.

The feature list here is quite useful, if not extensive. On the top is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit (paired with four speakers) that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, sound quality is average at best. You also get a manual AC, push-button start, electrically adjustable ORVMs, steering-mounted controls, and Hill Hold Assist with the AMT transmission. 

The Celerio gets some key safety features as standard including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and ESP. Features like a rear camera and ISOFIX child seat mounts are missed.

Celerio has finally been crash tested by Global NCAP, and it scored only 3 stars in the crash test. The body shell has been rated as unstable. It scored 3 stars for adult occupant safety and 2 stars in child occupant safety.

Engine and Performance

The Celerio gets a new 1.0-litre petrol engine with the Dual Jet tech with VVT and auto-idle start/stop to save fuel.

City Performance

The first thing you notice as you set off is just how easy the Celerio is to drive. I mean a light clutch, gears slotting in easily, and compliant throttle response. All these combined makes getting off the line smooth and effortless. The engine has a good amount of usable power at the start, helping you accelerate at a brisk pace. It's not very quick but steadily builds speed. This nature of the engine also allows the Celerio to feel responsive within city limits. Going for overtakes is easy at city speeds and does not usually require a downshift. The engine refinement is good, especially for a three-cylinder mill. This remains true even when you push the engine to higher RPMs on the highways for overtakes. If you want a truly hassle-free experience, pick the AMT. The shifts are smooth and reasonably quick for an AMT. And because the engine offers good low-end torque, the transmission doesn't have to downshift often, allowing a relaxed drive experience.  Depending on the driving conditions, the Celerio should manage around 14-16kmpl in the city.

Highway Performance

I don’t think most would use the Celerio as a highway car but cruising at 100kmph is surprisingly easy. You are still left with power for overtaking. Sure, they need to be planned a bit but are manageable. In fact, its 1-litre engine feels peppier than the 1.2-litre engines cars like the Tata Tiago and Tata Punch employ. While this engine has its merits, the 1.2-litre engine (in the Wagon R and Ignis) is still a superior unit both in refinement and power delivery. Depending on the driving conditions, the Celerio should manage around 20-21kmpl on the highway.

Note: Celerio CNG Performance

On CNG mode, the Celerio does feel more dull to drive but thankfully, the petrol engine’s default setting is quite peppy so it’s still usable. Basic city commutes are no hassle and you can live with it quite easily as a city car.

If you intend on using the Celerio CNG on the highway very often, it’s best to stick to 70-90kmph. Any higher and the engine starts feeling underpowered. This feeling of a lack of power is amplified when the car is driven with a full passenger load or on hilly roads.

Ride Comfort

The Celerio manages to isolate you well from surface imperfections at slow speeds and keeps you comfortable. But as the speeds increase, the suspension starts to feel firm, and more of the road surface can be felt inside. Broken roads and potholes are felt properly, and there is some side-to-side cabin movement as well. While this is not uncomfortable, we reckon a small city car should have a more comfortable ride quality. 

Handling

Its handling feels neutral, and the steering at city speeds is light. This adds to the Celerio’s easy-to-drive nature, making it easier for new drivers. But what the experienced ones will notice is that after taking a turn, the steering doesn’t re-centre quickly enough, and that feels annoying. On the highways, the steering is certainly more confidence-inspiring.

• The Celerio is available in 4 variants: LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+.

• Save for the base LXi, every variant is available with the option of an automated manual transmission, while a manual transmission comes as standard.

Maruti Celerio LXi variant

• This variant is as basic as it gets and looks like it too.

• The door handles and mirrors are unpainted, there are no wheel covers and it gets air-conditioning. That’s it.

• Its standard safety package, however, does include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP and more.

Maruti Celerio VXi variant

• It looks less like a base variant with painted mirrors and door handles, along with wheel covers added.

• Basics like central locking, power windows and electric mirror adjustment get added here.

Maruti Celerio ZXi variant

• Mirrors with turn indicators, a rear washer/wiper and rear defogger get added in this variant.

• While it doesn’t get a touchscreen infotainment system, it does get a basic head unit with AUX, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and 4 speakers.

• This variant also adds the Smartplay Dock app which you can download on your phone and place the phone on a holder in the centre console.

• The app relays information like car alerts in real time but most media functions could be run from your phone via Bluetooth anyway.

Maruti Celerio ZXi+ variant

• This variant gets front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels.

• Driver’s seat-height adjustment, push-button start, a smart-key and electrically folding mirrors are added in this variant too.

• A key addition is the 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

CarDekho Recommends:

• The ZXi variant makes the most sense for its price even though its features-list is still quite basic.

• If your budget permits it, you can buy the fully-loaded variant especially if the difference in EMI is manageable.

The Celerio won't intimidate new drivers and is a more stylish option than the Wagon R. Also, it has more practical features, comfortable rear seats, and a peppy engine with impressive fuel efficiency. However, there could undoubtedly be improvements in the design, ride comfort, and cabin practicality -- things that hold back the Celerio from being the ideal (city) family hatchback. 

The reason to buy the Celerio is singular -- you need an easy-to-drive, fuel-efficient hatchback. If you need anything more (or less), there are the more already established Marutis in a similar price range.

Other Options To Consider

Maruti WagonR

Reasons To Consider

• Better cabin space

• More comfortable for taller users

• Peppier and more refined engine options available

Reason To Ignore

• You prefer the Celerio’s styling

Tata Tiago

Reasons To Consider

• Better styling

• Better infotainment package

Reason To Ignore

• Engine’s performance isn’t as peppy