Maruti Celerio 2014-201 7 LXI AT

Celerio 2014-2017 LXI AT ವಿಮರ್ಶೆ

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the leader of the Indian automobile market has rolled out another low cost hatchback in the market. It is none other than the most anticipated small hatchback, Maruti Celerio, which is being offered with a 1.0-litre petrol engine. This new hatch comes in many trim levels among which, Maruti Celerio LXi AT is one of the entry level trims. Whats new about this latest hatch is its automated manual transmission gearbox, which is a new transmission system from the company, which thereby makes it easy to drive the vehicle in heavy traffic conditions. This auto gear shift system is nothing but a manual transmission system, which doesn't require a clutch for shifting of gears. At the same time, it will not effect the fuel efficiency or performance of the engine. The manufacturer claims that this small car powered by the K-Series engine can deliver a peak mileage of 23.1 Kmpl, which is rather impressive. This base variant is being offered with pretty basic features such as AC unit, power steering system, outside mirrors and so on. However, this trim comes with some of the important safety features such as immobilizer system, high mount stop lamps and so on.

Exteriors:

The newly introduced Celerio hatch is good looking with a well engineered body structure equipped with trendy cosmetics. The front profile of this hatchback is the most attractive aspect that will simply steal your attention. Its frontage comes with a large wraparound headlight cluster that houses a powerful halogen lamp and indicator. The front radiator grille is wide and comes fitted with black colored slats along with a chrome plated company logo in the center. The ORVM caps and the door handles along with the B-pillar sill are also in black color, which gives it a decent look. The car maker has rolled out this hatch model in a total of seven attractive exterior paint options for the buyers to choose from. The options include a Blazing Red, a Sunshine Ray, a Cerulean Blue, a subtle looking Glistening Grey, a Cave Black, a Pearl Arctic White as well. On the other hand, this small hatch comes with decent set of dimensions with 3600mm of total length, 1600mm of overall width and 1540mm of impressive height. Also, it comes with a pretty decent wheelbase of 2425mm, which creates a lot of leg space inside the cabin.

Interiors:

The company has blessed this base variant with an attractive cabin design, which has a dual tone beige and black color scheme. The insides are further highlighted by the neatly crafted dashboard with its lower area getting the beige and the upper part getting black color garnish. Its central console has an eye-catching design and is equipped with AC unit and several other control switches. It also has an advanced instrument cluster with integrated information display that features a tachometer, speedometer, low fuel warning lamp, outside temperature display, key-off reminder, door ajar warning, gear position indicator, fuel consumption indicator, distance to empty and a digital clock. With this, the new Maruti Celerio LXi trim becomes one of the most featured entry level variant in its segment. The company is also offering a number of other useful features inside the cabin such as three assist grips, ticket holder, 5 drink holders, floor carpets , integrated front and rear headrest and many other features.

Engine and Performance:

The car maker has equipped this latest hatch with a well engineered, K-Series, 1.0-litre petrol power plant with MPFI supply system. This motor comprises of 3-cylinders and 12-valves that produces a total displacement capacity of 998cc . It has the ability to produce a maximum power output of about 67bhp at 6000rpm, while producing a peak torque output of about 90Nm at 3500rpm. The company has coupled this petrol mill with a first of its kind 5-speed auto gear shift box that sends the power to the front wheels. At the same time, this latest hatch comes with an ability to generate about 23.1 Kmpl, which is remarkable.

Braking and Handling:

This entry level trim comes equipped with a highly responsive electric power assisted steering system that eases the efforts of driving the hatch, especially on congested roads. This steering system gets the assistance from a robust suspension mechanism accompanied with coil springs on its front and rear axles. The front axle of this hatch is blessed with a McPherson Strut system, while its rear axle is accompanied with coupled torsion beam type of mechanism, which can take all the jerks caused on roads. On the other hand, it comes with a highly proficient braking system with front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes that functions exceptionally in all weather conditions. 

Comfort Features:

The Maruti Celerio LXi AT is the entry level variant in the series and it comes with very basic and limited set of features. This particular trim comes with a manually operated air conditioning system along with a heater that helps in regulating the air temperature inside the cabin. Also, it comes with a power steering function, driver sun visor, 3-position cabin light, drink holders, integrated front and rear headrest, fuel lid opener , pivot type outside mirrors and so on. Apart from these, the company is also offering an information display incorporated to the instrument panel that assist the driver by offering accurate information.

Safety Features:

This is the base variant in the model series but still comes with some of the most important safety aspects. Inside the hatch, the company is offering 2-point rear center seat belts along with child proof rear door locks that adds to the interior safety. Outside, the company has equipped the rear with a high mounted stop lamp and the headlamps come with leveling function that provides better visibility and adds to the safety. Apart from these, the company is also offering this trim with front washer and wiper with intermittent function along with an engine immobilizer system that restricts unauthorized access into the vehicle. 

Pros: Advanced auto gear shift mechanism, reasonable price tag. 

Cons: Cabin space can be better, very poor comfort features.