Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 2014-2017 ZDi

Ciaz 2014-2017 ZDi Review

Maruti Ciaz is the latest sedan to enter into the Indian car market, which is being offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. Among the several trims available, this Maruti Ciaz ZDi is the top end variant. It is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. It can churn out 88.5bhp in combination with 200Nm of peak torque. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite efficient and keeps the vehicle well balanced at all times. This stylish sedan is fitted with a lot of striking features like a chrome plated radiator grille, a sleek bonnet, radiant headlight cluster and so on that gives it an appealing look. At the same time, Its internal section is quite sophisticated and incorporated with numerous aspects, which gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. Some of these aspects are comfortable seats, rear defogger, central locking system and an advanced music system thats supports a few input options. At present, this sedan is available in quite a few exterior paint options, which includes a Silky Silver, Glistening Grey, Arctic White with Pearl Metallic, Clear Beige, Chocolate Brown, Fire Brick Red and Midnight Black metallic finish. This newly launched vehicle will compete against the likes of Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Sunny Skoda Rapid and others in this segment. 

Exteriors:

Its frontage is designed with a bold radiator grille that has a lot of chrome treatment on it. This grille is embedded with a prominent company's emblem in the center. This grille is surrounded by a neatly carved headlight cluster, which is integrated with high intensity projector lamps and side turn indicators. The bumper is garnished in body color and it houses a wide air dam, which is flanked by a set of round shaped fog lamps. Its windscreen is made of green tinted glass and integrated with a couple of intermittent wipers. The elegantly designed side profile has body colored door handles and ORVMs, while window sill gets chrome treatment. The external rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable and fitted with a turn blinker . The pronounced wheel arches are equipped with a classy set of 15-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels, which are further covered with 185/65 R15 sized tubeless radials. Its rear end has an expressive boot lid that is embossed with variant badging and license plate. The body colored bumper has a pair of reflectors. The windshield is integrated with a defogger and a centrally located high mounted stop light. Apart from these, it is equipped with a radiant tail light cluster and a roof mounted antenna.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this Maruti Ciaz ZDi variant is designed in a dual tone color scheme. Its smooth dashboard is equipped with chrome finished AC vents, a large glove box, an illuminated instrument panel and a multi-functional steering wheel. The advanced instrument cluster houses a digital tachometer, an electronic tripmeter, a low fuel warning light, a digital clock along with other warning and notifications. The cabin is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are integrated with adjustable head restraints. These seats are covered with premium fabric upholstery, which has leather inserts. These seats provide ample leg space for all occupants. It has a number of utility based features like a large glove box, cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, ticket holders and a remote fuel lid opener. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging gadgets. It also has a spacious boot compartment of 510 litres, which can be further increased by folding its rear seat. 

Engine and Performance:

This trim is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc . It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using DOHC valve configuration. This power plant has the ability to produce 88.5bhp at 4000rpm in combination with 200Nm of peak torque output at just 1750rpm. Its cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It allows this sedan to attain a top speed in the range of 150 to 160 Kmph approximately. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 15 seconds. With the help of a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, it can produce 26.21 Kmpl of decent mileage.

Braking and Handling:

The front axle of this Maruti Ciaz ZDi variant is assembled with a McPherson strut, while the rear axle is equipped with a torsion beam type of mechanism. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes and the rear wheels get a set of conventional drum brakes . This variant has also anti lock braking system, which helps in enhancing its braking mechanism. The manufacturer has given it a rack and pinion based power steering system, which is tilt adjustable and makes handling quite convenient. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters. 

Comfort Features:

This variant is incorporated with an automatic air conditioning unit that has climate control and there is a rear AC vent as well. Its multi-functional steering wheel is integrated with audio and call control buttons. It has an integrated 2-DIN music system with six speakers. This audio unit is equipped with CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port and Bluetooth connectivity. Apart from these, it is incorporated with aspects like all four power windows with driver side auto down function, sun visors with vanity mirror, power steering, electrically adjustable ORVMs, map lights, height adjustable driver seat and headlamp leveling device.

Safety Features:

This variant has seat belts for all passengers along with driver seat belt reminder notification on its instrument panel. Its S-TECT body structure has side impact protection beams that further enhances the safety of its occupants in case of any collision. In addition to these, it also has speed sensing auto door locks, remote central locking system, reverse parking sensors along with rear view camera, a defogger, high mounted stop lamp, front fog lamps, ABS, airbags for driver and front co-passenger. It also has an advanced engine immobilizer with anti theft security system that prevents the sedan from any unauthorized entry. 

Pros:

1. Affordable cost of ownership.

2. Decent fuel economy is an advantage.

Cons:

1. Engine noise and harshness can be reduced.

2. Navigation system can be added.