India’s leading car manufacture Maruti Suzuki has launched the diesel avatar of its popular Celerio hatchback at an initial price of Rs. 4.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The car is using Maruti’s first ever self developed diesel motor and it is now country’s most affordable and smallest diesel car till date. Until now, Maruti is using fiat sourced diesel engines but now has decided to develop its own engine. With the 27.62 KMPL of ARAI certified mileage, Celerio DDiS125 is most fuel efficient car in the country beating its own sibling Swift Dzire. The Celerio DDis 125 will take on Hyundai Grand i10 and Chevrolet beat diesel in Indian market.
Price:
Maruti Suzuki diesel is available in four trims– LDi, VDi, Zdi and Zdi (O), the base variant of Celerio diesel is priced at Rs. 4.65 lakh while the ZDI (O) top variant comes at Rs. 5.71 lakhs. The Celerio diesel is competitively priced with aim to break the competition and rule the entry level hatchback segment.
Engine details:
The Celerio diesel is probably the biggest launch for Maruti till date as it uses the in house 2-cylinder, 793cc motor which produces 47.6bhp power@3500rpm and peak torque of 125Nm@2000rpm coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox, no AMT on offer. Maruti also claims that it is the lightest engine in India right now weighs only 89 kgs and delivers 27.62 KMPL of fuel efficiency, most by any car till date.
Instead of a common rail diesel injection, the new 0.8 engine uses an engine management system by Bosch that consists of a fuel injection block, fuel control unit and a high pressure fuel pump. The new diesel has 97% of localization level and has been developed with the cost of Rs. 900 crores and according to the company it has the lowest running cost of Rs. 1.90/kilometer.
Space and Dimensions:
Dimensionally, Celerio DDis 125 diesel remains same with 3600mm in length, 1600 of width and 1560mm of height along with the same wheelbase of 2425mm. The Diesel variant carries the same ground clearance and boot space of 165mm and 235 liters respectively. However, the diesel Celerio is 70 kg heavier than the petrol model.
Exterior and Interior:
Cosmetically Celerio diesel remains exactly same as petrol model except for the DDis 125 badge at rear. The front fascia continues to feature two slate chrome grille housing company’s logo, body colored bumpers with circular fog lamps. Moving to the side it has body painted ORVMs with turn indicators, alloy wheels while rear side have same combo tail lamps.
Feature wise, Celerio diesel boasts most features of petrol sibling like steering wheel with audio controls and tilt function, MID display with distance to empty and fuel consumption indicators, integrated 2DIN audio system with bluetooth connectivity, USB, CD, 4 speakers, beige interiors, power windows, height adjustable driver’s seat, trip calculator, power outlet and 60:40 seat spilt.
Colors:
Maruti Suzuki Celerio DDis 125 is available in six colors– Blazing Red, Sunshine Ray, Cerulean Blue, Silky Silver, Glistering Grey and Pearl Arctic White.
Safety:
Celerio Diesel is an entry level hatchback but it is not deprived of safety features, it is packed features like dual front airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake distribution), two pointer rear seat belt, engine immobilizer, child proof rear door locks, front fog lamps, security system etc.
The petrol Celerio was launched in February 2014 and since then Maruti has sold over 95,000 units which strengthened its position in entry level hatchback segment in India. The Diesel Celerio is cheaper by Rs. 40,000 to closest rival Chevrolet beat and nearly 90,000 dearer than Grand i10 but the diesel variant is priced around 75,000 more than the petrol trim. Maruti might introduce its AMT at a later stage which might prove to be a game changer and will make Celerio diesel most affordable diesel car in the country.
