Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has finally taken the SX4 off the production line in order to start the upcoming Ciaz's production. Considering the fact that the new sedan has often been spotted testing in the country and now that MSI has also commenced its production, there is little doubt that Ciaz is poised to be launched in India pretty soon. However, the company is yet to make any official announcements about the date. The Maruti SX4 was brought in as the Baleno's replacement in 2007, but its sales never really managed to impress anyone. With the car barely posting an average monthly sales of 250 units for the past few months, Maruti's decision to cease its production doesn't come as a surprise.
The Ciaz gets an entirely new design as compared to the exiting SX4; it features a trapezoidal grille with chrome accents, large bumper with wide air dams, fog-lamps and angular shaped projector head-lamps. Also, the flowing aerodynamic creases add sportiness to the sedan's side profile. The rear looks equally aggressive and sporty with the dual tailpipes, bumper integrated air scoops and tail-lights.
As far as its powertrain is concerned, the Ciaz will be offered with both, petrol and diesel engine options, i.e. it will get the 1.4-litre K-series petrol and the 1.3-litre multijet diesel unit. Though the 1.4-litre petrol motor is the same as the one found on the Ertiga, it will be in a better state-of-tune but in the Ciaz. It might also come mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT gearbox. On the other hand, the diesel model will house the same Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre multijet diesel unit that also powers the SX4. That said, if rumours are to be believed, the top-end diesel variant of the Ciaz might also get the 1.6-litre multijet diesel unit.