Maruti Celerio 2014-2017 VXI AT

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has officially introduced a new member in its portfolio christened as Celerio. This latest model is available in various trim levels among which Maruti Celerio VXi AT comes as the mid level variant. This trim is assembled with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, K10B engine that is coupled with a 5-speed auto gear shift box. This is just another type of manual gearbox that doesn't require the use of a clutch, thereby makes it easy for the driver, while maneuvering in heavy traffic conditions with zero possibility of car stopping. According to the company, this latest hatch can produce an attractive mileage figure of about 23.1 Kmpl, which is an added advantage of this vehicle. On the other hand, this particular variant comes with rather basic features such as a manual AC unit with heater, a responsive power steering, fabric upholstered seats, a large glove box unit along with other storage spaces and so on. However, the company blessed this trim with some significant safety features including an engine immobilizer unit, a central locking system, high mount stop lamp and quite a few others.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced hatchback is one of the much talked about vehicle in the hatchback segment. This new hatch comes with an eye-catching body design unlike any of the entry level hatchback. It comes with a pretty rear profile and a smooth side profile, while the front facade gets a bolder look thanks to the distinctly designed radiator grille. This grille comes fitted with two expressively designed chrome plated strips that are fitted with the company logo in the center. It is surrounded by a neatly designed headlight cluster that is powered by halogen lamp and turn indicator. Its front bumper comes with a conventional design fitted with an air dam, which has been painted in body color. The side profile of this hatch is blessed with black color door handles and ORVM caps. Here the wheel arches have been assembled with a set of traditional 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers that gives a full fledged look to the side. These rims are covered with a robust set of tubeless radial tyres. The company has also equipped all the variants of this hatchback with a full size spare wheel, which is fitted in the boot compartment along with the tools needed to change a tyre. At present, the car maker is offering this entry level hatch with an option to choose from seven exciting body paint options, which are Cerulean Blue, Silky Silver, Glistening Grey, Cave Black, Blazing Red, Sunshine Ray and Pearl Arctic White.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Maruti Celerio VXi AT mid level variant have been done up pretty well with beige and black color scheme. One of the main attractions of the interiors is the trendy design double layered dashboard with elegantly designed central console. The company has equipped this central console with features like an AC unit and other control switches. Another most important aspect about the interiors is the advanced instrument cluster with a multi-information display. This instrument panel features fuel consumption indicator, distance to empty, gear position indicator, low fuel warning lamp, door ajar warning, key-off reminder and a digital clock as well. It also comes with some other noticeable functions such as drink holders, rear luggage shelf, driver and front passenger sun visor, interior rear view mirror and number of other utility features, which will add to the comfort quotient.

Engine and Performance:

This hatchback is equipped with a three cylinder based 1.0-litre, aluminum, K10B type petrol motor with a multi point fuel injection system. This engine comes with a total 998cc displacement capacity that enables it to churn out a maximum 67Bhp of power at 6000rpm while generating a maximum 90Nm of torque at 3500rpm. The manufacturer has assembled this reliable engine with a 5-speed auto gear shift box that delivers the torque output to the front wheels. This automated manual transmission allows the motor to produce a maximum mileage of about 23.1 Kmpl, which is quite good.

Braking and Handling:

This newly introduced Maruti Celerio VXi AT hatchback comes with a highly robust suspension mechanism. MSIL has assembled the front axle with a McPherson Strut type of suspension , while equipping the rear axle with a coupled torsion beam type of system. In a bid to improve the mechanism, the company added coil spring on the front and rear axles, which will enable it to take all the jerks caused on uneven and bumpy roads. As far as its braking mechanism is concerned, it comes with a pair of ventilated disc brakes fitted to the front wheels and drum brakes fitted to the rear wheels. On the other hand, the company has equipped this hatch with a very responsive electric power assisted steering system that gives a precise steering feel and excellent assistance while maneuvering.

Comfort Features:

The Maruti Celerio VXi AT is the mid level variant in its series and it is being offered with standard set of features. One of the most important feature is its manual AC unit with heating system, which will adjust the cabin temperature and provides a pleasant ambiance. This mid level trim also comes with a central locking system (5 doors) along with fuel lid opener, front and rear power windows with driver side auto down function and power steering system . Apart from these the company also installed some of the useful features such as front passenger vanity mirror in sun visor, driver side sun visor with ticket holder, drink holders, 3-position cabin light, front and rear integrated headrest, 60:40 rear split seats, rear luggage shelf and other important features.

Safety Features:

The company is offering this particular trim with quite a few standard yet very important safety features. The company is offering this mid level variant with an advanced engine immobilizer system that safeguards the vehicle from thieves and unauthorized persons. It also features a front washer along with a pair of wipers with intermittent function for the front windscreen. Its wraparound headlight cluster with headlamp leveling function and the high mount stop lamp with improve the road safety. On the other hand, the 2-point rear center seat belts along with the child proof rear door lock will add to the interior safety.

Pros:

1. Affordable price tag is its advantage.

2. Auto gear shift makes it simpler to drive.

Cons:

1. Less cabin space is a big minus

2. Many more comfort features can be added.