Maruti Celerio 2014-2017 ZXI AT

India's largest automobile company, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has added one more trim in its Celerio model lineup, which is christened as Maruti Celerio ZXI AT. Apart from the additional feature, it comes in the market with auto gear shift transmission only. This variant is designed with the same exterior as well as interior features, which are available in top end variant. In terms of technicalities, it is fitted with a 1.0-litre petrol engine under the bonnet, which comes with a displacement capacity of 998cc. It is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which allows the vehicle to deliver a decent fuel economy. With the help of an auto gear shift, this engine has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 67bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 90Nm of maximum torque output. The braking and suspension mechanism is quite proficient and keeps it well balanced at all times. On the other hand, the company has given this particular trim a lot of comfort features for giving the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. The list includes an audio system with CD/MP3 player, radio and USB along with Aux-In ports. It also has Bluetooth connectivity as well. Apart from these, the company has given it a lot of safety features, which includes an advanced engine immobilizer, dual airbags, seat belts for all occupants, a high mounted stop lamp and many other such aspects. This is an ideal hatch for all individuals, who look to own a budget friendly car that comes equipped with lots of comfort features. This trim is being sold in quiet a few sparkling exterior paint options, which are Glistening Grey, Cave Black, Sunshine Ray, Blazing Red, Cerulean Blue, Pearl Arctic White and a Silky Silver metallic finish to select from. On the other hand, this vehicle is selling with a standard warranty of two years or 40000 Kilometers, whichever comes first. At the same time, the buyers the can also extend this period by one or two years at a nominal cost paid to authorized dealer.

Exteriors:

The designers of the company have done a fabulous job for giving this compact hatchback an alluring look with a lot of styling aspects. To begin with the front facet, it has been designed with a bold radiator grille that has a couple of chrome plated slats. It is embedded with a prominent company insignia in the center. This grille is surrounded by a well crafted headlight cluster, which is powered by bright halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper has a wide air intake section and it is flanked by a pair of bright fog lamps that adds to the visibility of the driver. There is couple of visible character lines on the bonnet, which gives a distinct look to the frontage. The company has given it a pretty wide windscreen, which is made of green tinted glass and is accompanied by a set of wipers with intermittent setting. The side profile is nicely designed with body colored door handles and a few visible character lines. The external rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable for added comfort. It's flared up wheel arches are fitted with a modish set of 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, which gives the side profile a sporty look. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 165/70 R14 that offers s superior grip on any road conditions. Its rear end is designed with body colored bumper and a radiant tail light cluster, which is powered by halogen based reverse light and turn indicators. It has a large windscreen, which is integrated with a defogger and wiper. It is accompanied by a sporty rear spoiler, which is integrated with a centrally located high mounted stop lamp that adds to the safety quotient. The company has designed this vehicle with a large wheelbase of 2425mm along with a decent ground clearance of 165mm. Its overall length, width and height are 3600mm, 1600mm and 1560mm. At the same time, for planning a longer drive, the company has given it a reasonably good fuel tank, which can hold up to 35 litres of petrol in it.

Interiors:

The internal section of this top end variant is quite spacious and it is designed in a dual tone (beige and black) color scheme. It comes fitted with a modern design dashboard with a two layer design that brings a futuristic look to the insides. It is fitted with a few aspects like AC vents, a large glove box for keeping a few things at hand, an advanced instrument panel with several functions and a three spoke steering wheel, which is mounted with a lot of control buttons. The cabin is incorporated with ergonomically designed seats, which are covered with premium upholstery. These seats provide ample leg space and head room for all occupants and are integrated with adjustable head restraints that adds to the comfort level. It has a 235 litre boot compartment, which can be increased by folding its rear seat. The instrument panel is equipped with several functions like a low fuel warning light, digital clock, driver seat belt reminder notification, key in reminder with buzzer, individual door open display and many other warning and notifications for keeping the driver updated. Some other useful features includes a glove box unit, drink holders, driver and front passenger sun visor, day and night inside rear view mirror, 60:40 split foldable rear seat, and many other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this trim is fitted with a 1.0-litre K10B petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 998cc. It comprises three cylinders and twelve valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This petrol power plant has the ability of churning out a maximum power output of 67bhp at 6000rpm that results in generating a peak torque of 90Nm at just 3500rpm. It is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which enables the vehicle to produce a peak mileage of about 23.1 Kmpl on the highways, which is quite impressive for this segment. While within the city limits it gives out 18.5 Kmpl approximately. With the help of an automated transmission gearbox, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 15-16 seconds from a standstill. At the same time, it has the ability of attaining a top speed of about 145 Kmph, which is quite decent for this class.

Braking and Handling:

The company has given this variant an efficient braking mechanism with vacuum assisted independent hydraulic brakes, which helps in keeping the vehicle balanced in every conditions. The front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes with twin pot caliper, while rear wheels have been fixed with drum brakes, which are auto adjusting type. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with an independent double wishbone, whereas, the rear axle is accompanied by parabolic leaf springs. The cabin is incorporated with a power assisted steering wheel, which is quite responsive. It comes with tilt adjustable function, which makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.7 meters, which is quite good for this class.

Comfort Features:

This newly launched variant is offered with a number of sophisticated features, which gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. It is incorporated with an air conditioning unit that has a heater and pollen filter for purifying the cabin air. For in car entertainment, the company has given it an advanced music system, which supports Bluetooth connectivity for pairing the mobile phones. This music system features USB port, Aux-in interface, AM/FM radio tuner, CD/MP3 player along with four speakers that enhances the ambiance of its cabin. Then it also has a multifunctional steering wheel, which is mounted with phone as well as audio control buttons. The car maker has given this vehicle a number of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, map pockets in all doors, day and night internal rear view mirror, reverse parking sensors, glove box with pen and card holder, interior lamps with theater dimming effect, rear luggage cover and so on.

Safety Features:

Being the top end variant, it is equipped with almost all crucial features, which are necessary for safe driving. It has a rigid body structure with impact beams that reduces the impact of collision in case any accidents. It also has an advanced engine immobilizer with security alarm system that prevents the vehicle from theft or any unauthorized entry. Apart from these, it has driver and passenger air bags, front ventilated disc brakes, rear window demister, a high mounted stop lamp, headlight leveling device, front wiper and washer with intermittent function, child proof rear door locks and many other features.

Pros:

1. Spacious internal cabin with decent comfort features.

2. Fuel efficiency is up to the mark.

Cons:

1. Lack of anti lock braking system is a big minus point.

2. There is still scope of improving its internal cabin.