Auto Expo 2014: Maruti Suzuki unveils Ciaz and SX4 S-Cross concepts

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India has taken the covers off two new global models – Concept Ciaz and SX4 S-CROSS – on the inaugural day of the Auto Expo 2014 today. With these two distinct offerings positioned for different segments, the carmaker has indicated its preparedness for the future.

The claret-coloured Ciaz (pronounced ‘chi-aaz’) and the SX4 S-Cross were jointly unveiled by Toshihiro Suzuki, EVP, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan and Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India. Toshihiro Suzuki said: “The two cars follow the footsteps of the iconic Swift and are designed to meet the varied requirements of discerning customers around the world. While the SX4 S-cross is a real crossover with authentic performance, the Concept Ciaz is designed to meet the growing demand in the C-segment market in India, China and elsewhere.” 

Kenichi Ayukawa added, “These are two premium segment global offerings. This rich line-up will strengthen our product portfolio and prepare us for the future.”

The Suzuki Ciaz previews a future mid-size saloon, likely the SX4 replacement (codename: YL1) which will be sold in countries like China and eventually India. The concept car wears a wide chrome grille and large multi-element wraparound headlamps that look in sync with Suzuki's modern design language, and the overall look is very sporty. The low roof, however, may not make it to production. 

When it is launched in production form, the Ciaz will be powered by the 1.4-litre K14 petrol engine and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine with a variable geometry turbo, both from the Ertiga. It will be offered in automatic form, with Maruti likely to offer the automated manual like the one on the Celerio hatchback.

The SX4 S-Cross, with its distinctive crossover styling, is targeted at families and as an upgrade for users of saloon and compact cars.

Built on a new platform, the SX4 S-Cross is roughly the size of a Renault Duster. Maruti has confirmed that it will go on sale in India at some stage, and it will be positioned above the Renault Duster, but below the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. What will differentiate this crossover from the rest, however, is that it will get four-wheel-drive with low range, and it has reasonably good ground clearance too.