With the discontinuation of the Yaris, Toyota Kirloskar Motors has announced that it will continue to provide aftersales support to the owners of the sedan. The company will also provide spares at least for the next 10 years. The brand will also introduce new models in 2022 under its new product strategy.

Here’s the official statement.

"This move is a part of Toyota's product strategy to continue to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the customer through enhanced technologies and product offerings. In every sense, the Yaris is truly a top-class, versatile sedan. Ever since its India debut, the Yaris built on Toyota's QDR philosophy, won the hearts of the customers with its stunning style & design, leading features, low maintenance cost and unmatchable drivability, thus creating a unique ownership experience. We thank all our customers for their support and flacing their trust in the brand. We would like to continue to serve such customers with other current offerings and preparations are underway to launch new Toyota models in the coming new year 2022."

It is being said that the rebadged Maruti Ciaz is likely to come as the Toyota Yaris replacement. This wouldn’t be a surprise because we already have the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Toyota Glanza that are rebadged versions of the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Maruti Baleno respectively. Also, earlier this year, Toyota had trademarked the moniker “Toyota Belta” in India which is expected to be the name of the rebadged Ciaz. While anything official regarding this is yet to be announced, we are expecting this sedan to launch in 2022.

In the interest of customers, Maruti Suzuki has decided to voluntarily recall the affected vehicles for inspection/replacement of the Motor Generator Unit, free of cost. Affected vehicle owners would be contacted by the Maruti Suzuki authorised workshops.

Also Read: New Maruti Baleno Rear & Side Profile Shown in Fresh Spy Shots

The replacement of the affected part shall start from the first week of November 2021. Till then, customers are requested to avoid driving in waterlogged areas and direct water spray on electrical/electronic parts in the vehicle.

Customers of suspected vehicles can also visit the ‘Imp Customer Info’ section on the company’s websites www.marutisuzuki.com (for Ertiga and Vitara Brezza) or www.nexaexperience.com (for Ciaz, XL6, and S-Cross) and fill-in their vehicle’s chassis number (MA3, followed by a 14-digit alpha-numeric number) to check if their car needs any attention. The chassis number is embossed on the vehicle ID plate and is also mentioned in the vehicle invoice/registration documents.

Also Read: India-Made Suzuki Swift Latin NCAP Crash Test Result is a Zero-Star Rating

In other news, Maruti Suzuki’s Chairman RC Bhargava has recently expressed scepticism over switching to electric vehicles. Speaking at the 61st annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), he said that the country’s largest carmaker will not be entering the EV space in the short term. Bhargava’s concern is that entry-level car buyers don’t have the financial heft required to purchase cars that comply with European standards. Also, electric vehicles are not targeted at people who fall in the low-income brackets and, thus, should not be the first in line to be incentivised.

The video has been uploaded by Arun Panwar on YouTube. The Maruti Ciaz and Kia Seltos will be competing against each other in a drag race. The Ciaz in the video is powered by a 1.5-litre N/A petrol engine that makes 105 PS/138 Nm of peak figures while the Seltos is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel churning out 115 PS/250 Nm of peak figures.  In the first run, the Ciaz runs out of fuel during the middle of the race. After the Maruti is refuelled, the second run starts. In this round, the Seltos wins as the driver of the Ciaz missed a gear.

The Maruti Ciaz comes back to win the third round in a close heat. For the final and last run, the drivers are switched.  The Ciaz wins this round more comprehensively, pulling away from the start and not looking back. The Seltos is around 200 kgs heavier than the Ciaz, and while the former is slightly more powerful, the lower weight gives the Maruti a better power-to-weight ratio. This is why the Ciaz won all the rounds where it did not miss a gear or run out of fuel. Speaking of the vehicles, the Maruti Ciaz is priced between Rs 8.52 lakh – Rs 11.50 lakh. The sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which churns out 105 PS and 138 Nm of peak power and torque figures, respectively. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque-convertor automatic.

Prices for the Kia Seltos range from Rs 9.95 lakh -Rs 17.65 lakh. It is available with 3 engine choices, 2 petrol and 1 diesel. The petrol 1.5-litre 4 cylinder produces 115 PS and 144 Nm of peak power and torque figures and can be paired with a manual or IVT transmission. The 1.4-litre turbo-petrol makes 140 PS and 242 Nm max power and torque which comes mated with a manual or a 7-speed DCT. The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel churns out power and torque figures 115 PS and 250 Nm respectively and you have the option of either a manual or an auto transmission.

Do note that all prices are ex-showroom.

The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe was already available in major cities like Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. The company says it has received a positive response from the customers and hence extended its car subscription service to new cities for a wide reach. Maruti Suzuki has partnered with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services India, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, Japan, to introduce the Subscribe program for individual customers in the newly added cities.

Also Read: Maruti Ertiga, India’s best-selling MPV, achieves 5.5 lakh sales milestone

Announcing the company’s customer-centric approach, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said:

The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe program has received encouraging response from the customers. We have received over 6,600 enquiries in the first few months of pilot launch. We are delighted to introduce the program in Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe program comes with a bouquet of benefits like flexible tenure, zero down payment, insurance and complete maintenance. The program also provides the customers with peace of mind with 24x7 roadside assistance and customer support. We are aiming to introduce the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe program in 40-60 cities over a period of 2 to 3 years.

The unique initiative - Maruti Suzuki Subscribe - allows a customer to use a brand-new Maruti Suzuki car without actually owning it. The customer needs to pay an all-inclusive monthly fee that comprehensively covers maintenance and insurance for the complete tenure.

Users can opt from a wide range of new Maruti Suzuki cars offered under the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe namely - Swift, Dzire, Vitara Brezza, and Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki ARENA and Baleno, Ciaz, and XL6 from NEXA. Maruti Suzuki Subscribe offers the car in white number plate (registered in the name of customer) in these cities.

Maruti Suzuki Arena

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is currently available with a cash discount of INR 25,000 along with an exchange bonus of INR 20,000 and a corporate discount of INR 6,000. The company’s popular compact SUV, Maruti Vitara Brezza is currently available with a cash discount of INR 10,000, an exchange bonus of INR 25,000 and a corporate discount of INR 6,000. Similarly, the Maruti S-Presso can be bought with a cash discount of INR 20,000, an exchange bonus of INR 20,000 and a corporate discount of INR 6,000.

Buyers choosing the Maruti Suzuki Dzire can avail a cash discount of INR 10,000, an exchange bonus of INR 20,000, and a corporate discount of INR 6,000. The Maruti Alto 800 can be availed with a cash discount of INR 18,000, an exchange bonus of INR 15,000, and a corporate discount of INR 6,000.

Offers on the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Eeco include a cash discount of INR 10,000, an exchange bonus of INR 20,000, and a corporate discount of INR 6,000 each. The Swift, similarly, is available with a cash discount of INR 10,000, an exchange bonus of INR 20,000 and a corporate discount of INR 6,000.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno surpasses 8 lakh sales milestone in 5 years

Maruti Suzuki Nexa

The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is being offered with an exchange bonus of INR 20,000, a corporate discount of INR 20,000 and an accessories pack worth INR 37,000. The Ciaz is being offered with a cash discount of INR 20,000, an exchange bonus of INR 20,000 and a corporate discount of INR 11,000.

All variants of the Ignis is now available with an exchange bonus of INR 15,000, a corporate discount of INR 6,000. Apart from this, the Sigma and Alpha variants are being offered with a cash discount of INR 25,000 and INR 10,000 respectively. Meanwhile, the Delta and Zeta variants get a cash discount of INR 20,000 each.

A few dealerships are offering the XL6 with an exchange bonus of INR 20,000 and a corporate discount of up to INR 7,000. All variants of the Baleno can now be bought with a cash discount of up to INR 10,000, an exchange bonus of INR 10,000 and a corporate discount of INR 6,000. The Sigma variant, on the other hand, comes with an additional cash discount of INR 5,000.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Maruti Suzuki updates and other four-wheeler news.

Maruti Suzuki has teamed up with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services India, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, Japan, to launch the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe in Delhi-NCR (including Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram) and Bengaluru. This car subscription program allows customers to use a new Maruti Suzuki car without actually owning it and by paying an all-inclusive monthly fee that comprehensively covers complete maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance.

Announcing the customer-centric programme, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said:

The vehicle subscription market is new to India and as such offers huge untapped potential. Globally, the penetration of such leasing programme varies between 5% and 30%. The comprehensive Maruti Suzuki Subscribe initiative offers customers the multiple advantages and peace of mind from botheration of maintenance costs and insurance renewal. The programme is especially focussed to bring convenience to the individual customers. Besides the flexibility of tenure, it also offers nil down payment and includes registration costs, insurance and its renewal as well as routine maintenance, Additionally, the roadside assistance service brings total peace of mind to the customers. Progressively we aim to offer Maruti Suzuki Subscribe in 40-60 cities in the next 2-3 years.

Depending on their needs, customers can select a duration ranging from 12 to 48 months. To give you an idea about the monthly fee, you can get a Swift LXI in Delhi for a monthly subscription fee of just INR 14,463 (including taxes) for a tenure of 48 months. After the completion of the subscription tenure, customers can also opt to upgrade the vehicle, extend, or even buy the car at market price.

Also Read: Maruti Eeco turns 10-year-old, 7 lakh units sold in a decade

Customers can subscribe to several cars including the Swift, Dzire, Vitara Brezza, and Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki ARENA and Baleno, Ciaz, and XL6 from NEXA. Based on the customers’ requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe also offers cars with white number plate (registered in the name of the customer) or black number plate (registered in the name of Orix).

To create the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe service, the automobile manufacturer has joined with Myles Automotive Technologies. The new car subscription program is only for individuals. People who are looking for experiencing the benefits of owning a Maruti Suzuki car without purchasing it will benefit from this plan.

The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe covers the Swift, Dzire, Vitara Brezza, and Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki ARENA, as well as the Baleno, Ciaz, and XL6 from NEXA. Customers can choose to subscribe to any one of these cars for a period of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 months as per their requirements.

Speaking at the launch of the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki India, said:

In the changing business dynamics, many customers want to shift from public transport and shared mobility solutions to personal cars. They want mobility solutions that are easy on the pocket and do not involve long-term financial commitments. Maruti Suzuki Subscribe addresses these changing needs of customers. We are confident that our new offering will introduce many new customers to the brand. It will also be embraced by the millennial, who frequently look at upgrading to latest cars with flexible tenure options as low as 12 months.

Customers will pay an all-inclusive monthly subscription charge starting at INR 17,600 for the Swift LXI in Pune and INR 18,350 in Hyderabad (including taxes) with no down payment. Once the subscription tenure is over, the customer can also avail the buyback option.

Also Read: 2020 Maruti-Suzuki S-Cross Petrol - First Drive Review

The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe will offer vehicle maintenance, insurance coverage, and roadside assistance; all of which will be handled by Myles Automotive Technologies. Also, features such as zero-down payment and no resale risk should make this car subscription program a delight to the customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said:

NEXA marks the first initiative by an automobile company in India to go beyond selling cars and create a new format of retail experience for its customers. In these 5 years, NEXA, with its diverse range of products, intelligent brand associations, and unique customer experiences has delighted over 1.1 million customers. With NEXA, we are able to attract modern urban Indian consumer to Maruti Suzuki portfolio. We are extremely grateful for the enormous trust placed in us by our customers. As we move forward, it will be our constant endeavour to continue to reinvent and deliver the unique NEXA experience to our ever-evolving customers.

Five premium Maruti Suzuki cars are sold under the NEXA brand. These include the Ignis, Baleno, Ciaz, S-Cross, and XL6. Nearly half of NEXA customers are under 35 years of age and well-travelled and technologically savvy. NEXA introduced three pillars (NEXA Music, NEXA Lifestyle, and NEXA Journeys) which are catered to expectations of the discerning customers.

Also Read: Maruti-Suzuki S-Cross Petrol Launch To Be Held On July 28

Staying true to its values of innovating through technology and sticking to its brand philosophy, NEXA also launched Augmented Reality (AR). This platform allows customers to effectively and efficiently explore products in a digitalised format. Additionally, NEXA range offers best-in-class technologies such as Smart Hybrid, Suzuki Connect, Smartplay Infotainment System, NEXA Safety Shield to its customers.

In other news, 718 units of new Maruti Gypsy models have been delivered to the Indian Army in June this year.

Here are all the Maruti Suzuki's BS6 compliant petrol engines which are used for its passenger vehicles.

F8D Engine

Currently the smallest engine in the entire lineup of Maruti Suzuki, the F8D engine is a 0.8-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder unit. It is one of the company's oldest engines. This particular engine powers only one car in the lineup, the Alto (INR 2.95 lakh* onwards). The Maruti Alto was upgraded to BS6 in 2019.

This three-cylinder gasoline engine in the Maruti Alto is capable of producing a maximum power output of 48 PS @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 69 Nm @ 3,500 rpm. It is coupled to a 5-speed gearbox as standard and returns a fuel economy of 22.05 km/l.

K10B Engine

The K10B 1.0-litre engine also needs no introduction, having existed for over a decade now and employed in some of the country's highest-selling cars. Currently, it powers the WagonR (INR 4.45 lakh* onwards), Celerio (INR 4.41 lakh* onwards) and S Presso (INR 3.70 lakh* onwards). In its original form, it debuted in the Maruti Alto K10 and has now been tuned to comply with the BS6 norms. It's still a naturally aspirated three-cylinder mill.

The K10B engine is able to deliver a maximum power output of 68 PS @ 5,500 rpm and 90 Nm of peak torque @ 3,500 rpm. In all the three products mentioned above, this engine is offered with 5-speed MT and 5-speed AMT options. Check out the fuel economy ratings in the table below:

G12B

G12B is the least talked about gasoline engine from Maruti Suzuki, and like the F8D engine, it is restricted to only one vehicle, which is the Eeco (INR 3.81 lakh* onwards).

G12B is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It is offered with a 5-speed gearbox as standard. It makes a maximum power of 73.4 PS @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 98 Nm @ 3,000 rpm, which makes it the least powerful four-cylinder engine in the company's lineup. This engine returns a fuel efficiency of 16.11 km/l.

K12M Engine

K12M has been one of the most commonly applied petrol engines in bigger Maruti Suzukis for well over a decade now. It wouldn't be wrong to say that like the now-discontinued D13A 1.3-litre diesel engine, the K12M engine has been vital to Maruti Suzuki's success over the past decade. Currently, this 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder mill is used in the WagonR, Ignis, Swift and Baleno, which are priced from INR 5.13 lakh*, INR 4.89 lakh*, INR 5.19 lakh* and INR 5.64 lakh* respectively.

Known for its peppy power delivery and excellent refinement, the 1.2-litre K12M engine belts out a maximum power of 83 PS @ 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm @ 4,200 rpm in all the four cars. A 5-speed manual transmission is the standard fitment with this engine. As an option, customers can go for a 5-speed automated manual transmission in the WagonR, Ignis and Swift or a CVT in the Baleno.

K12N Engine

The K12N engine is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It is a more advanced version of the K12M engine. Higher compression ratio, dual Variable Valve Timing system, cooled EGR system, redesigned cooling channels with piston cooling jets and use of advanced low friction engine oil improved efficiency and reduced friction.

This engine is offered as a more premium alternative to the K12M engine in the Maruti Baleno (INR 7.33 lakh* onwards) and as standard in the Maruti DZire (INR 5.89 lakh* onwards). In the hatchback, it is equipped with the company's Progressive Smart Hybrid dual-battery mild-hybrid system that offers brake energy regeneration, torque assist functions and idle start-stop functions. Even though it doesn't come equipped with a mild-hybrid sedan, it does offer the idle start-stop function.

In both Baleno and DZire, the K12N engine churns out a maximum power of 90 PS @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 113 Nm @ 4,200 rpm. With this engine, the new Maruti DZire has become the most fuel-efficient petrol car in the country today. This engine is available with only a 5-speed manual transmission in the Baleno, but in the DZire, it can be had with a 5-speed automated manual transmission optionally.

K15B Engine

K15B is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It is the largest petrol engine offered by Maruti Suzuki and powers the more premium models like the Ciaz, Ertiga, XL6 and Vitara Brezza, which are priced from INR 8.32 lakh*, INR 7.59 lakh*, INR 9.85 lakh* and INR 7.34 lakh* respectively. The S-Cross will soon get this engine.

The K15B 1.5-litre engine, in all these cars, is being offered with the choices of a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed torque converter. In all the four aforementioned offerings, the K15B engine has been blessed with the Smart Hybrid technology (save for the manual variants of Vitara Brezza). It produces a maximum power of 105 PS @ 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 138 Nm @ 4,400 rpm.

Also read: 5 best sedan cars in India under INR 10 lakh - IAB picks

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog for more featured stories and the latest four-wheeler news.

Space and comfort – Maruti Ciaz

If there is one sedan which has redefined the term ‘value for money’ among sedans in India, it has to be the Maruti Ciaz. The Maruti Ciaz is undoubtedly the longest car under the INR 10 lakh mark. It not only gives the feeling of owning a much bigger, upper-class sedan, but also a long wheelbase that translates to a much more spacious cabin compared to what rivals offer.

With the segment-best legroom and knee room, and with an adequate amount of shoulder room and headroom on offer, the Maruti Ciaz is clearly the most spacious car in its category. So, if you have a tight budget, and are mostly being chauffeured, the Maruti Ciaz is the best sedan under 10 lakhs which you can opt for.

Maruti Suzuki has recently updated the Ciaz with a BS-VI compliant 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is available with a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearboxes, and delivers a maximum power output of 105 PS and a peak torque output of 138 Nm. The automatic configurations cost over INR 10 lakh*.

Maruti Ciaz manual prices*

• Sigma - INR 8,31,974
• Delta - INR 8,93,974
• Zeta - INR 9,70,974
• Alpha - INR 9,97,689

Fuel efficiency and reliability – Maruti Dzire

Maruti Suzuki definitely knows how to make cars which don't burn a hole in the pocket, and what better example can be there than the Maruti Dzire, India's best-selling sedan. Since its inception almost 13 years ago, the Maruti Dzire has been the topmost preferred choice regarding the best sedan under 10 lakhs for those who prioritize money-saving methods like maximum fuel efficiency and least maintenance costs.

The Maruti Dzire was recently given a makeover, which apart from receiving a fresh new face, also got a new heart in the form of a new 1.2-litre four cylinder petrol engine. The new engine has made the Maruti DZire the most efficient petrol sedan in the country. It has a fuel economy rating of 23.26 km/l with the 5-speed manual transmission and 24.12 km/l with the 5-speed automated manual transmission. The new engine produces 90 PS of maximum power and 113 Nm of peak torque output.

Maruti Dzire manual prices*

• LXI - INR 5,89,000
• VXI - INR 6,79,000
• ZXI - INR 7,48,000
• ZXI+ - INR 8,28,000

Maruti Dzire automatic prices*

• VXI AMT- INR 7,31,500
• ZXI AMT- INR 8,00,500
• ZXI+ AMT - INR 8,80,500

Technology and features – Hyundai Aura 1.0 Turbo GDI petrol

Turbocharging is the call of the hour, and while all the manufacturers are gradually coming up with one or two new products with turbocharged petrol engines, Hyundai has set up the pace by introducing a range of cars with a turbocharged petrol engine like the Venue, Creta, Grand i10 Nios, Aura, and Verna.

The Hyundai Aura is the only sedan under the INR 10 lakh mark to be available with a turbocharged petrol engine. Priced at INR 8.55 lakh*, the sub-4 metre sedan has a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 100 PS of maximum power and 172 Nm of peak torque output. The engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Moreover, it’s not only the turbocharged petrol engine which gives the Hyundai Aura the title of the best sedan under 10 lakhs but also the longest list of comfort and convenience features on offer, which make it the most feature-rich sedan in its category. In the sole SX+ trim in which it is available, the Hyundai Aura 1.0 Turbo GDI is equipped with the largest-in-segment 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iBlue audio remote application, reverse camera, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charger, cooled glove box, push-button start with keyless entry, projector headlamps and daytime running LEDs and machined alloy wheels.

Performance  and driving dynamics – Ford Aspire 1.5 TDCI diesel

The Ford Aspire does not get standout sporty design elements like the Hyundai Aura turbo-petrol, but it surely manages to shoot down the latter as well as all the other sedans in its space when it comes to outright performance and driving manners. The Ford Aspire is available with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. It is the latter which can bring a big smile to your face if you are behind the steering wheel of the Aspire.

Coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine makes 100 PS of maximum power and 215 Nm of peak torque. It is the torquiest engine in the segment. Also, the traditional virtues of all the Ford products of having nicely weighted steering and finely tuned suspension have been bestowed on the Ford Aspire diesel as well, making it the most fun-to-drive sedan in its category.

Ford Aspire diesel prices*

• Trend - INR 7,49,000
• Titanium - INR 7,99,00
• Titanium+ - INR 8,34,000

Safety – Toyota Yaris

The next best sedan under 10 lakhs is the Toyota Yaris, one of the most underrated cars in the Indian automobile market. The vehicle hasn’t clicked much with the Indian audience, and that might be due to steep pricing by Toyota at the time of its launch. However, the high price was justified by the fact that it was equipped with a total of seven airbags as standard. Now, cheaper configurations with three airbags are available. Just to give you a testimony of the Toyota Yaris' prowess in safety, it has secured a 4-star rating at Latin NCAP and a 5-star rating at ASEAN NCAP.

The Toyota Yaris packs a number of attractive features right from the base grade, like three airbags (front, side, curtain and knee airbags), rear parking sensors, projector headlamps, Bluetooth enabled 2-DIN music system with four speakers, cooled glove box, electrically adjustable outside rear windows and height adjustment for driver’s seat. LED DRLs, alloy wheels, LED rear combination lamps, 7-inch LED touchscreen infotainment system, six speakers, 4.2-inch colour TFT MID, cruise control, paddle shifters, seven airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), front parking sensors and many more/better features. are available in higher grades.

The Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which churns out 107 PS of maximum power and 140 Nm of peak torque output. All the variants of the Toyota Yaris, including the base J variant, are offered with both 5-speed manual and CVT gearboxes.

Toyota Yaris - Prices*

• Yaris J-Optional manual - INR 8,76,000
• Yaris J-Optional CVT - INR 9,46,000
• Yaris J manual - INR 9,40,000
• Yaris G-Optional - INR 9,74,000

Also read: Best automatic cars in India under 10 lakh 2020 - IAB picks

That concludes our picks on the best sedan under 10 lakhs in India based on different aspects. Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog for more featured stories and the latest four-wheeler news.

*Ex-showroom Delhi

India is the closest source to import the Ciaz for Pakistan. However, the Ciaz goes to our neighbouring country (as a CBU) from Thailand, where the manufacturing takes place at Suzuki’s Rayong plant. Thailand switched from the old Ciaz to the new Ciaz in March this year. Pakistan, however, will discontinue the old model without a replacement, as there’s not enough demand there.

The source report says that Pak Suzuki, Suzuki’s Pakistani subsidiary, never seriously marketed the Ciaz. Another claimed reason behind the failure is the lack of features. The Ciaz sold in Pakistan lacks features like alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, reverse camera, steering-mounted audio controls and almost every other main feature that is available in the Ciaz sold in other markets including India.

The Suzuki Ciaz sold in Pakistan employs the K14B 1.4-litre VVT naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 68 kW (92.45 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine can be specified with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Also Read: Suzuki WagonR Smile with a cutesy face in the pipeline

The Suzuki Ciaz costs PKR 23.00 lakh or INR 10.88 lakh (with manual transmission)/PKR 25.00 lakh or INR 11.83 lakh (with automatic transmission) in Pakistan.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest auto news and interesting featured articles.

[Source: carspiritpk.com]

While the AMT gearbox offered affordable and economic automatic driving experience on the table, it still falls short of driving pleasure, with shift shocks being the most noteworthy let-down. There are some budget cars which continue to rely on CVTs and torque converters, for a smoother and more relaxed drive.

Following is a list of the five best automatic cars under 10 lakh in India, which feel much more refined to drive than the AMT-equipped cars out there:

1. Honda Amaze CVT

The Mk2 Honda Amaze has garnered tremendous response as compared to the model it replaced for a number of reasons, one of which is the availability of a CVT option in even the diesel engine variant. Currently, it is the most affordable sedan in the country to be available with a CVT. It is also among the best automatic cars under 10 lakh in India.

The 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol motor of the Honda Amaze CVT makes 90 PS of maximum power output and 110 Nm of peak torque output. The fuel efficiency of the Honda Amaze CVT with the petrol engine is rated at 18.3 km/l. The 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine of the automatic sedan produces 80 PS and 160 Nm of torque. The fuel economy rating of the diesel engine variant is 21.0 km/l.

Read more: Honda Amaze Review

Honda Amaze automatic prices*

• S petrol - INR 7.99 lakh
• V petrol - INR 8.59 lakh
• VX petrol - INR 9.00 lakh
• S diesel - INR 9.24 lakh
• Special Edition - INR 9.36 lakh
• V diesel - INR 9.84 lakh
• VX diesel/Exclusive Edition Diesel - INR 9.99 lakh

2. Maruti Baleno CVT

While every other hatchback from Maruti Suzuki except for the Alto 800 offers the convenience of a 5-speed AMT optionally, the Maruti Baleno is available with a CVT option. That's understandable, given the fact that the Baleno caters to a more premium section of buyers.

The Maruti Baleno is currently available with two 1.2-litre petrol engines, one with mild hybrid technology and the other without it. The CVT gearbox is mated to the 1.2-litre petrol engine sans the mild-hybrid technology, which produces 83 PS of maximum power and 113 Nm of peak torque output. With Maruti Baleno CVT returns a fuel economy of 19.56 km/l.

Maruti Baleno automatic prices*

• Delta - INR 7,76,612
• Zeta - INR 8,33,112
• Alpha - INR 8,96,112

3. Toyota Glanza CVT

The exact replica of Maruti Baleno from Toyota’s stable, the Glanza, now replaces the Etios Liva as the company's most affordable car. It is the only hatchback from Toyota in India. Like the original model, the rebadged model is available with a CVT option.

The Toyota Glanza CVT has the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the Maruti Baleno CVT, the one with 83 PS of maximum power and 113 Nm of maximum torque. So, the fuel efficiency is also the same - 19.56 km/l.

Toyota Glanza automatic prices*

• G - INR 8.54 lakh
• V - INR 9.30 lakh

4. Toyota Yaris CVT

The Toyota Yaris might not have struck the chord of Indians on a large scale as Toyota India expected at the time of its launch. However, what actually commanded a lot of respect for Toyota India is the fact that the Yaris was offered with seven airbags and optional CVT gearbox right from the most basic variant.

The Toyota Yaris is equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which can be had with a CVT across the range. The petrol engine makes 107 PS of peak power and 140 Nm of peak torque. Toyota promises a fuel economy of 17.8 km/l in the Yaris automatic.

Toyota Yaris automatic prices*

• J-Optional - INR 9.86 lakh
• J - INR 11.98 lakh
• G-Optional - INR 11.26 lakh
• G - INR 13.15 lakh
• V-Optional - INR 13.59 lakh
• VX - INR 14.60 lakh

5. Maruti Ciaz AT

The only BS6 sedan within the INR 10 lakh mark which is available with a conventional automatic gearbox (torque converter) is the Maruti Ciaz. It is also one of the highest-selling automatic sedans in the country today.

The Maruti Ciaz, apart from a standard 5-speed manual transmission, is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The premium B-segment sedan employs a 1.5-litre petrol engine that features mild-hybrid technology and pumps out a maximum power output of 105 PS and a peak torque output of 138 Nm. With the 4-speed automatic gearbox, the fuel economy of Maruti Ciaz is claimed to be 20.04 km/l. Maruti Ciaz is one of the best automatic cars under 10 lakh in India.

Maruti Ciaz automatic prices*

• Delta - INR 10.36 lakh
• Zeta - INR 11.05 lakh
• Alpha - INR 11.50 lakh

Also read: Top 5 most fuel efficient petrol cars between INR 5-10 lakh

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog for more featured stories and the latest four-wheeler news.

*Ex-showroom Delhi

In 2018, Ayukawa had confirmed that a full-hybrid electric vehicle/strong hybrid electric vehicle is planned for India. Now, a new report from The Economic Times reveals more about this plan. Speaking to the business publication some time ago, Ayukawa said: “We are planning to bring in parallel hybrids (to India), we have the hybrid system, point is localisation.”

Being the market leader, Maruti Suzuki has the responsibility of popularising electrification in India. So far, it has done that with its mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). In the next phase, it intends to push electrification more aggressively with strong hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and pure electric vehicles (EVs). This will be in line with its new plan 'Mission Green Million’ of selling one million green cars over the next few years.

An undisclosed senior industry executive aware of the Maruti Suzuki’s plans has said that “what took a decade for the company to deliver, it wants to now do it in three years, sell one million cleaner vehicles and ‘affordability’ is at the core of it.” Expect the premium, 4 metre+ models to be offered with its strong hybrid powertrain.

The first-gen Ciaz was Maruti Suzuki’s first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV). It won’t surprise us if the next-gen Ciaz turns out to be the company’s first parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The company may offer its first parallel hybrid powertrain in its next-gen XUV500 rivaling three-row SUV as well.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki to launch Mk4 Jimny/next-gen Gypsy in November this year

TDSG, India's first Lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant that is being set up jointly by Suzuki, Toshiba and Denso in Gujarat, will be ready this year. Lithium-ion batteries manufactured here will allow Maruti Suzuki to price its HEVs and EVs economically. This plant will be operated by a joint venture company called Automotive Electronics Power, with the equity stake split between Suzuki, Toshiba and Denso in a ratio of 50:40:10 respectively.

[Source: auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com]

25 January 2020 -

Maruti Suzuki has upgraded the Ciaz to BS-VI and introduced a sporty S variant of the same. The BS-VI Ciaz is priced from INR 8.31 lakh*, while the BS-VI Ciaz S costs INR 10.08 lakh*. The Ciaz diesel won't be upgraded to BS-VI.

BS-VI Maruti Ciaz

The BS-VI Maruti Ciaz petrol employs an upgraded the dual-battery SHVS-equipped K15B petrol engine that, just like the BS-IV version, produces 77 kW (104.69 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. It can be had with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The BS-IV dual-battery SHVS-equipped K15B petrol engine delivered a fuel economy of 21.56 km/l (with 5-speed MT)/20.28 km/l (with 4-speed AT). The BS-VI version returns a fuel economy of 20.65 km/l (with 5-speed MT)/20.04 km/l (with 4-speed AT).

Another update worth noting is that the BS-VI Maruti Ciaz comes with a new Smartplay Studio touchscreen infotainment system.

BS-VI Maruti Ciaz S

The BS-VI Maruti Ciaz S is mechanically the same as the BS-VI Maruti Ciaz, and it can be had with only the 5-speed manual transmission. It has a sportier styling with black accentuations and various darkened elements. Differences from the standard variant include blacked-out fog lamp garnish, darkened headlamps, 16-inch black alloy wheels, black side skirts, dual-tone (black and body-colour) rear under spoiler, black rear upper spoiler and black ORVM caps.

The exterior colour choices for the BS-VI Maruti Ciaz S are Premium Silver, Sangria Red and Pearl Snow White. The interior carries an all-black theme and silver accents on the door trim and instrument panel. The new Smartplay Studio touchscreen infotainment system is included in the S variant.

Maruti Ciaz diesel

The Maruti Ciaz diesel is available with the BS-IV D13A 1.3L diesel engine producing 66 kW (89.74 PS) and 200 Nm of torque as well as the new BS-IV E15A 1.5L engine developing 70 kW (95.17 PS) and 225 Nm of torque. The smaller engine is equipped with the single-battery SHVS mild-hybrid system. The 1.3L engine is linked to a 5-speed MT and delivers a fuel economy of 28.09 km/l. The 1.5L engine is paired with a 6-speed MT and returns a fuel economy of 26.82 km/l.

BS-VI Maruti Ciaz - Prices*

• Sigma 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 8.31 lakh
• Delta 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 8.93 lakh
• Delta 1.5L petrol-AT - INR 9.97 lakh
• Zeta 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 9.70 lakh
• Zeta 1.5L petrol-AT - INR 10.80 lakh
  
• Alpha 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 9.97 lakh
• Alpha 1.5L petrol-AT - INR 11.09 lakh

BS-VI Maruti Ciaz S - Price*

• Standard 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 10.08 lakh

BS-IV Maruti Ciaz - Prices*

• Sigma 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 8.20 lakh
• Sigma 1.3L diesel-MT - INR 9.20 lakh
• Delta 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 8.82 lakh
• Delta 1.5L petrol-AT - INR 9.81 lakh
• Delta 1.3L diesel-MT - INR 9.81 lakh
• Delta 1.5L diesel-MT - INR 9.98 lakh
• Zeta 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 9.59 lakh
• Zeta 1.5L petrol-AT - INR 10.59 lakh
• Zeta 1.3L diesel-MT - INR 10.63 lakh
• Zeta 1.5L diesel-MT - INR 11.09 lakh
• Alpha 1.5L petrol-MT - INR 9.98 lakh
• Alpha 1.5L petrol-AT - INR 10.99 lakh
• Alpha 1.3L diesel-MT - INR 11.03 lakh
• Alpha 1.5L diesel-MT - INR 11.38 lakh

*Ex-showroom Delhi

Now, Maruti Suzuki has announced that the Ciaz maintained its position as the bestselling mid-size sedan of India in 2019. The company has sold more than 29,000 units of the same, which translates to over 28% market share in its segment. Maruti has also revealed that the top-end variant of the Ciaz is the choice of every second Ciaz customer. The automatic variant accounts for 17% of the overall sales.

Apart from its charming exteriors, the Maruti Ciaz is also widely famous for its long list of features which include LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs, LED rear combination lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seat upholstery, automatic AC, 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system and cruise control. Its safety kit comprises standard features such as dual front airbags, Isofix, high-speed warning alert and ABS with EBD.

In terms of mechanicals, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz if offered with three engine options including a 104.7 PS/138 Nm 1.5-litre K15 Smart Hybrid petrol, a 95.17 PS/225 NM 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel and a 90 PS/200 Nm 1.3-litre DDiS 200 Smart Hybrid diesel powertrain. The transmission option include a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki to launch BS-VI 1.5L diesel models in 2021

The Mauti Suzuki Ciaz is available in a slew of colour options including Nexa Blue, Metallic Magma Grey, Pearl Midnight Black, Pearl Sangria Red, Pearl Metallic Dignity Brown, Metallic Premium Silver and Pearl Snow White.

Maruti Suzuki currently has three diesel engines. The first is the Suzuki-developed E08A 0.8L two-cylinder unit, which was introduced in 2015. Above it is the D13A 1.3L four-cylinder unit, which was co-developed by Fiat-GM and introduced (internationally) by Fiat back in 2003 and is originally called SDE (Small Diesel Engine) internally. The biggest diesel engine at the Indian automaker is the Suzuki-developed E15A 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit that was introduced earlier this year.

Of the three diesel engines, only the E15A 1.5L diesel engine will be upgraded to BS-VI. So, most of the sub-4 metre models launched in the future will be sold with only petrol engines and/or petrol-CNG engines. Maruti Suzuki will increase its reliance on petrol-CNG engines for its sub-4 metre models to compensate the offset the drop in sales caused by discontinuation of the smaller diesel engines. The company may offer 12V mild-hybrid technology also on more sub-4 metre models (in addition to the Maruti Baleno).

The Maruti Ertiga could be the first model to get the BS-VI E15A 1.5L diesel engine in 2021. It was recently spied being tested with this engine. Maruti Suzuki is developing a full-hybrid powertrain as well. But that, too, will be reserved for its expensive models like the Maruti Ciaz, Maruti Ertiga and Maruti S-Cross.

For the record, most of Maruti Suzuki rivals, including Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata Motors and Honda are upgrading their diesel portfolio to BS-VI standards. Volkswagen and Skoda have decided to offer a BS-VI diesel engine in only imports, while Renault and Nissan are yet to reach a decision.

Also Read: Maruti Futuro-E to be a concept previewing Maruti Wagon R-based EV

As per an estimation, Maruti Suzuki has sold around 500,000 diesel vehicles last fiscal. An internal estimation has suggested that these numbers will fall close to half this fiscal. With the re-introduction of the 1.5L diesel engine early next decade, the company is expecting the sales to reach that level again.

[Source: ETAuto]

The source report says the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) which is the main culprit in this case. Around 60,000 vehicles have been affected from this recall. Maruti Suzuki dealers have been asked to pause the sales of these units until further notice. Also, factory dispatches have been halted until the issue is resolved.

The company's SHVS mild-hybrid technology was originally offered with the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine, but since the facelifted Maruti Ciaz's launch, it has been offered with the K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine as well. This naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine produces a maximum power of 104.69 PS and a peak torque of 138 Nm. Earlier this year, SHVS was introduced in the Maruti Baleno petrol as well.

Also Read: Toyota Raize's DNGA platform to spawn Kia Seltos rivaling Maruti Suzuki & Toyota SUVs

The Maruti Ertiga and the recently launched Maruti XL6 have been gathering decent sales figures of around 4,200 units and 7,000 units, respectively. The sales of the Maruti Ciaz, on the other hand, have been showing reverse growth. 1,148 units of the sedan were sold in October 2019 as against 2,371 units in October 2018, marking a steep 62% year-on-year fall.

[Source: Team-BHP]

The arrival of newer rivals means that the game has just become fiercer, with most new cars promising best in class fuel efficiency figure in their respective segment. And with the rise of petrol cars back in the market, the competition has only become more intense.

Following is the list of the top five most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India priced between INR 5-10 lakh (ex-showroom), all of which surprisingly belong are Maruti Suzuki-made:-

Maruti Baleno/Toyota Glanza – 23.87 km/l

The Baleno has been a runaway success for Maruti Suzuki from day one, as it has got all the parameters sorted, be its smooth and aerodynamic design, spacious interiors and a sufficiently long list of features. Meanwhile, the Toyota Glanza, which is nothing but a rebadged version of the Baleno was launched as the first product from the joint venture between Suzuki and Toyota this year. It has been a decent performer for Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

Both the cars can be had with the new K12N 1.2-litre DualJet, Dual VVT petrol engine that produces 66 kW (90 PS) and 113 Nm of torque. With this engine, which comes linked to a 5-speed manual transmission and is blessed with Smart Hybrid technology, these hatchbacks can achieve a fuel economy of 23.87 km/l - the best rating for a petrol car priced between INR 5-10 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country. Prices for Baleno Smart Hybrid start at INR 7.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Toyota Glanza is priced from INR 7.22 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Maruti Swift – 22 km/l

The hatchback which transformed the perception of people towards small cars almost thirteen years ago, the Maruti Suzuki Swift, is nothing short of a revolution in India. The Swift did redefine the hatchback segment with jts taut proportions, sporty styling and good performance. And now, the Swift, which is currently in its third generation version, has upped the ante with enhanced styling and more premium features, while retaining the original silhouette of the previous two avatars of it.

What the latest Maruti Swift also has retained is the tried and tested 1.2-litre K12M engine from its first and second generation versions. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine develops 83 PS of maximum power and 113 Nm of maximum torque. It returns 22 km/l, irrespective of the transmission selected: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual. With a starting price of INR 5.14 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Swift is very much on the affordable side as well.

Maruti Ciaz – 21.56 km/l

With the Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki has achieved great the premium sub-compact sedan segment, which was dominated by Honda City for a very long time. With the segment-best wheelbase which translates into an incredibly spacious cabin, the Maruti Ciaz offers a great value for money package, considering the fact that it undercuts all of its rivals when it comes to pricing.

However, the real forte of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is the fuel efficiency it delivers. The facelifted model, which was launched in 2018, saw the introduction of an all new 1.5-litre petrol engine, which also got the same Smart Hybrid technology as its diesel counterpart. The car, in its manual avatar, delivers a fuel efficiency of 21.56 km/l. Prices for the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz commence at INR 8.20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Maruti Dzire – 21.2 km/l

The Swift's sedan counterpart, the Dzire, is a very popular sub-4 metre sedan, as it's affordable and easy to maintain and run. Maruti Suzuki had launched it in May 2017.

It is the practicality of the Dzire which has consistently kept it one of India's best-selling cars for a long time. It may have seen a complete overhaul in mid-2017, but what it still continues to soldier on is the same 1.2-litre K12M petrol engine from the previous generation models.

The naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces a maximum power output of 83 PS and a maximum torque output of 114 Nm. It can be had with a 5-speed MT or a 5-speed AMT. It returns a fuel economy of 21.2 km/l. The prices of the Maruti Dzire, in its petrol avatar, start at INR 5.83 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Maruti Baleno RS – 21.1 km/l

For those who love to be behind the steering wheel most of the times, Maruti Suzuki offers the Baleno RS – a hotter looking and sportier avatar of the standard Baleno. The RS variant comes with a few cosmetic add ons like revised front and rear bumpers, rear disc brake, more sportier suspension setup and a distinctive front grille.

However, the biggest change which differentiates it from the standard Baleno is the K10C 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. With a maximum power output of 101 PS and peak torque output of 150 Nm, the Baleno RS is the most powerful hatchback from Maruti Suzuki till date. For it's a Maruti Suzuki, the fuel economy rating is good too - 21.1 km/l.  This hatchback's price was recently slashed by INR 1 lakh to INR 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom India).