Bookings for 2018 Maruti Ciaz (facelift) open

Maruti Suzuki has announced that bookings for the 2018 Maruti Ciaz (facelift) officially commence today. The launch is reported to take place on August 20, and customers are given the option to book the updated sedan for a deposit of INR 11,000. Bookings will be open at all 319 NEXA outlets, and online booking can also be availed.

In its press release, Maruti confirms features like LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights and new machined alloy wheels. Inside, Maruti confirms the 2018 Ciaz will receive an "upgrade" with focus on "convenience and luxury" by way of a 'new premium dashboard and host of convenience features'.

The company has manufactured over 7,000 units of the 2018 Ciaz at its Manesar facility as it expects initial demand to be strong, especially for the petrol variants which are reported to have improved fuel efficiency. The 1.4-liter petrol engine will make way for an all-new 1.5-liter K15B VVT with reported outputs of 103 bhp and 138 Nm of torque. With a 5-speed manual gearbox, this engine is reported to deliver a mileage of 21.56 km/l and 20.28 km/l for the manual and automatic variants respectively. There are no reported changes to the 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine.

Also read: 2020 Maruti Vitara Brezza (facelift) - IAB Rendering

According to reports, the 2018 Ciaz will be offered in Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha variants, and all getting ABS and dual front airbags as standard. The top-end Alpha will get the full LED treatment, 16-inch alloy wheels, a touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system with reverse camera and GPS navigation, automatic climate control, leather seats and cruise control. When launched, the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Toyota Yaris will be the main rivals.