IAB Exclusive - Maruti Celerio's AMT called 'EZ DRIVE'; First teaser inside

Maruti has started teasing their upcoming small car, the Celerio. Globally, the Celerio will replace the Suzuki Alto (and Suzuki Celerio), while in India, the model replaces the Maruti A-Star.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Celerio will get an automated manual transmission (AMT). Indian Autos Blog can now confirm this claim thanks to the first ever communication image you see here. The automated manual transmission in the Celerio will be called 'EZ DRIVE'.

As the image reads out, an AMT is unheard of in the Indian passenger car segment and the Celerio will be the first car in India to feature such a gearbox.

An AMT system provides for a clutchless (read hassle-free) experience, much like a conventional automatic transmission. However, the AMT is more fuel efficient than a manual gearbox (in the case of the Celerio, the AMT is reported to be 5 percent more efficient than a manual model) and its much cheaper than a traditional auto box as well.

The Celerio will be powered by the same 1.0-liter K-Series three-cylinder engine seen on the A-Star and Alto K10. This engine provides for 68 PS and 90 Nm of torque.

Maruti will stage the world debut of the Celerio at the Auto Expo next month. Design wise, the car will be inspired by the Concept A:Wind shown at the Thailand International Motor Expo in November last year which is 90 percent production-ready.