The Maruti Ciaz facelift test
unit was spotted in New Delhi, around 50 km from MSIL manufacturing facility in
Manesar, Haryana. Visible through the camouflage are its headlights, tail
lights, and alloy wheels. The headlights are same as the current model,
although spy media shared before have shown new ones. The alloy wheels are the
same 15-inch units the Delta grade (formerly ZXi/ZDi) comes shod with. All this
could indicate that the example seen here is the second from top Delta grade.
Changes to the exterior of the Ciaz include a
narrower and wider grille, new bumper with C-shape chrome embellishments, a new
set of headlamps and tail lamps and two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the
Ciaz will get a lighter shade of faux wood inserts, a revised instrument
console, and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.
A new 1.5 L K15B petrol engine will replace the
existing 1.4 L unit. Also, it will benefit from mild-hybrid technology as well.
This engine powers the 2018 Suzuki Ertiga (Maruti Ertiga) launched in Indonesia
and the new Suzuki Jimny as well. While the 1.3 L DDiS 200 diesel is in line to
get swapped out in favour of a new 1.5 L mill developed by Suzuki, the Maruti
Ciaz diesel will have to wait until next year for that.
The launch of the 2018 Maruti Ciaz is expected this
month. Currently, the Ciaz range starts from INR 7.83 lakhs (ex-showroom
Delhi). The introduction of the new petrol engine may lead to an increment in
the prices of the sedan. The 2018 Maruti Ciaz is likely to be priced INR 8
lakhs (ex-showroom) onwards stretching all the way to around INR 11.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).
