2025 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Launched with a Stylish New Design for Professionals

2025 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz :In the bustling corridors of corporate India, where first impressions matter as much as quarterly results, Maruti Suzuki has unveiled a comprehensively refreshed Ciaz sedan that promises to redefine executive mobility. The 2025 Ciaz arrives with a sophisticated new design language, enhanced comfort features, and technological improvements that squarely target the discerning office executive. This transformation represents more than just a mid-cycle refresh—it signals Maruti Suzuki’s renewed commitment to the premium sedan segment in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers.

As someone who has followed the evolution of the Indian automotive landscape for over two decades, I find the timing of this launch particularly significant. The sedan market, though challenged by the SUV boom, remains a crucial battleground for manufacturers seeking to capture the professional demographic. The Ciaz has long represented Maruti’s most serious foray into this space, and this latest iteration appears poised to strengthen that position considerably.

The Executive Statement: Design Evolution of the New Ciaz

Exterior Refinement: Commanding Yet Sophisticated

The moment the covers came off the new Ciaz at the launch event in Mumbai, it became evident that Maruti’s design team had aimed for a delicate balance: creating a more imposing presence without sacrificing the elegant proportions that have defined the model since its inception. The front fascia now features a broader, more angular grille with intricate chrome detailing that extends into the redesigned LED headlamps. These headlamps, now slimmer and more aggressive, incorporate distinctive daytime running lights that create an unmistakable signature, especially during those early morning commutes to the office.

“We wanted the new Ciaz to make a statement when it pulls up to a corporate parking lot,” explained Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki India, during our conversation at the launch. “The executive sedan customer values subtlety but also requires a certain presence. Our design brief centered around creating a sophisticated car that commands respect without shouting for attention.”

This philosophy is evident in the redesigned bumper, which now incorporates larger air intakes flanked by vertically oriented fog lamp housings. The hood features more pronounced character lines that flow into the A-pillars, creating a sense of forward momentum even when the car is stationary. In profile, the Ciaz maintains its well-proportioned silhouette but now sits on newly designed 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (on higher variants) that fill the wheel arches more confidently.

Moving to the rear, the changes are equally meaningful but restrained. The LED taillights have been redesigned with a three-dimensional internal structure that creates a distinctive light signature at night. The trunk lid now features an integrated spoiler that enhances both aesthetics and aerodynamics, while the rear bumper has been resculpted to accommodate larger reflectors and a chrome accent strip that visually widens the car.

Perhaps most importantly for image-conscious executives, Maruti has introduced three new exterior color options: Dignity Bronze, Imperial Blue, and Opulent Silver. These join the existing palette of Pearl White, Metallic Magma Grey, Pearl Sangria Red, and Premium Black. The names themselves evoke the corporate world and reflect the target demographic with remarkable precision.

Interior Ambiance: The Mobile Office Reimagined

If the exterior changes aim to impress colleagues and clients, the interior revisions focus squarely on enhancing the daily experience of the executive behind the wheel. Stepping inside the new Ciaz reveals a cabin that has matured significantly, with improved materials, more thoughtful ergonomics, and technology integrations that acknowledge the modern professional’s needs.

The dashboard has been completely redesigned, now featuring a more horizontal orientation with a floating 9-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system as its centerpiece. The screen’s positioning has been carefully considered to minimize glare from the Indian sun while remaining easily visible to the driver. Below it, the climate control interface now utilizes capacitive touch panels rather than physical buttons, creating a cleaner, more premium appearance.

What impressed me most during my time with the car was the attention paid to tactile quality. The steering wheel is now wrapped in genuine leather with perforation on the grip areas, while the gear selector (in both manual and automatic variants) features a more substantial feel. The center console armrest has been lengthened and widened, offering better support during long highway journeys. Even the door panels have received attention, with softer materials where occupants’ elbows rest and more substantial grab handles.

“We benchmarked the touch points against vehicles one segment above,” noted Rajesh Uppal, Executive Director of Maruti Suzuki. “Our research showed that executives spend significant time in their vehicles—it’s essentially an extension of their office. The materials need to withstand daily use while maintaining an upscale feel throughout the ownership period.”

This philosophy extends to the seating surfaces, which now feature a new perforated leatherette upholstery in the top-spec Alpha+ variant. The front seats offer improved lateral support without sacrificing comfort, addressing a common criticism of the previous model. The driver’s seat now includes 8-way power adjustment, including lumbar support—a welcome addition for those stuck in traffic after a long day at the office.

Rear seat passengers haven’t been forgotten either. The bench now features a more optimized contour with additional thigh support, while legroom remains class-leading. Recognizing that many executives employ chauffeurs, Maruti has equipped the rear compartment with dedicated AC vents, two USB-C charging ports, a center armrest with cupholders, and adjustable headrests for all three positions.

Technology That Works For You: The Connected Executive Sedan

Infotainment and Connectivity: Seamless Digital Integration

In today’s corporate environment, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. The new Ciaz acknowledges this reality with a comprehensive suite of connectivity features built around that aforementioned 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The system now runs on Maruti’s latest Smartplay Pro+ interface, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—eliminating the need to fumble with cables before setting off for an important meeting. The interface itself has been redesigned with a more intuitive tile-based layout that reduces distraction. Voice recognition capabilities have been significantly enhanced, now supporting natural language processing that allows the driver to control various functions without taking their hands off the wheel.

“We conducted extensive user experience testing with actual executives,” explained Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director of Marketing and Sales. “We found that they valued systems that required minimal interaction to accomplish common tasks. Nobody wants to be scrolling through menus when they’re late for a board meeting.”

This user-centric approach is evident in the customizable home screen that can be configured to display the most frequently used functions. The navigation system now includes real-time traffic information and can sync with the user’s calendar to suggest optimal departure times based on appointment schedules—a feature that could prove invaluable for executives with packed itineraries.

Connectivity extends beyond the infotainment system through the enhanced Suzuki Connect telematics platform. The system now offers over 40 features accessible via smartphone app, including:

  • Remote engine start/stop (in automatic variants)
  • Cabin pre-cooling
  • Vehicle location tracking
  • Geofencing alerts
  • Drive analytics and scoring
  • Service reminders and booking
  • Emergency assistance

Of particular note is the new “Executive Schedule” feature, which allows users to set recurring heating or cooling schedules. For instance, if you leave for work at 8:30 AM each weekday, the system can automatically begin cooling the cabin at 8:20, ensuring a comfortable environment the moment you step inside.

For the security-conscious executive, the system also offers enhanced anti-theft features, including intrusion alerts sent directly to the owner’s smartphone and the ability to immobilize the vehicle remotely in case of theft.

Driver Assistance and Safety: Protection for Precious Cargo

Recognizing that an executive’s time and safety are paramount concerns, Maruti has significantly bolstered the Ciaz’s safety credentials and driver assistance features. The structural improvements begin with the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas, increasing torsional rigidity while maintaining an optimal weight for fuel efficiency.

Standard safety equipment across all variants now includes:

  • Six airbags (dual front, side, and curtain)
  • Electronic stability control
  • Hill hold assist (automatic variants)
  • ISOFIX child seat anchors
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Front and rear parking sensors

Higher trims add advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features, including:

  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Driver attention monitoring
  • Blind spot detection

During a closed-course demonstration, I had the opportunity to experience these systems firsthand. The autonomous emergency braking activated smoothly when approaching an obstacle, providing a reassuring layer of protection without jarring intervention. Similarly, the lane departure warning provided gentle steering feedback rather than the annoying beeps that characterize some competing systems.

“Safety features need to support the driver without becoming an annoyance,” noted C.V. Raman, Executive Director of Engineering at Maruti Suzuki. “Our systems are calibrated specifically for Indian driving conditions, recognizing that our traffic patterns differ significantly from those in Europe or North America.”

This India-specific calibration is particularly evident in the adaptive cruise control system, which has been designed to handle the frequent speed variations typical of Indian highways. The system maintains distance from the vehicle ahead more conservatively than European equivalents, acknowledging the reality of unexpected lane changes and varying vehicle speeds on our roadways.

Performance and Efficiency: Balancing Power with Practicality

Powertrain Options: Refined Performance for Every Executive

Under the hood, the new Ciaz offers a choice of powertrains that prioritize refinement and efficiency without sacrificing performance. The range begins with an enhanced version of Maruti’s familiar 1.5-liter K15B naturally aspirated petrol engine, now featuring dual variable valve timing and an integrated starter generator for mild-hybrid assistance.

This powertrain develops 104 bhp and 138 Nm of torque—figures that may seem modest on paper but prove entirely adequate in real-world driving. The mild-hybrid system contributes to seamless stop-start functionality and torque assistance during acceleration, creating a driving experience that feels more robust than the numbers suggest.

More significant than the power figures is the refinement level achieved. The engine now features additional sound insulation and revised mounting points, resulting in noticeably reduced vibration and noise intrusion into the cabin. At highway cruising speeds, the engine settles into a distant hum that allows for easy conversation or clear phone calls through the Bluetooth system.

Transmission options include a slick-shifting 5-speed manual and a thoroughly revised 6-speed torque converter automatic. The latter represents a significant upgrade over the previous 4-speed unit, offering more closely spaced ratios for better acceleration and a taller sixth gear for improved highway efficiency.

New to the lineup is a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that will particularly appeal to executives with long commutes or frequent highway travel. Developing 95 bhp and a substantial 225 Nm of torque, this powertrain delivers effortless overtaking ability and relaxed cruising characteristics. The diesel comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or the aforementioned 6-speed automatic transmission.

During my test drive on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, the diesel automatic proved particularly impressive, maintaining triple-digit speeds with minimal effort while returning fuel economy figures that would make accountants smile. Noise suppression has clearly been a development priority, as the characteristic diesel clatter is well-isolated from the cabin even under hard acceleration.

For those seeking a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing efficiency, Maruti has introduced a new “Alpha Sport” variant powered by a 1.4-liter BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine. This unit produces 138 bhp and 230 Nm of torque, enabling a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds—respectable performance for an executive sedan in this price bracket.

Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Control

The chassis and suspension of the new Ciaz have received comprehensive revisions aimed at enhancing both ride comfort and handling precision. The platform maintains the same 2,650mm wheelbase that has long been a Ciaz strength, providing generous interior space while remaining manageable in urban environments.

The suspension geometry has been recalibrated, with the front MacPherson struts featuring revised spring rates and the rear torsion beam setup benefiting from new bushings. The result is a more compliant primary ride over small imperfections without sacrificing body control during more dynamic driving.

Of particular note is the new speed-sensitive electric power steering system, which offers additional assistance at parking speeds while firming up progressively as velocity increases. The calibration strikes an excellent balance between ease of use in congested urban settings and the stability required for highway journeys.

Road and wind noise suppression has clearly been a development priority, with additional sound deadening material placed strategically throughout the structure. Even at highway speeds, the cabin remains remarkably hushed, allowing for clear hands-free phone conversations—an important consideration for busy professionals.

The braking system has been upgraded with larger front discs and a more responsive master cylinder calibration. Pedal feel is progressive and intuitive, inspiring confidence during emergency stops while remaining easy to modulate in stop-and-go traffic.

Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase

Service and Maintenance: Minimizing Downtime

For the target executive customer, vehicle downtime represents more than just inconvenience—it potentially means missed meetings and professional disruption. Maruti has addressed this concern through several initiatives aimed at streamlining the ownership experience.

The service interval for all Ciaz variants has been extended to 10,000 kilometers or one year, reducing the frequency of scheduled maintenance visits. When service is required, the company’s extensive network of over 3,500 service centers ensures that assistance is never far away, regardless of where business takes you.

Digital service booking through the Suzuki Connect app allows users to schedule maintenance at preferred times, with the option for vehicle pickup and drop-off—minimizing disruption to busy schedules. The app also provides transparent service tracking, allowing owners to approve additional work remotely if unexpected issues are discovered.

“Our service philosophy centers around respecting the executive’s time,” noted Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Service at Maruti Suzuki. “We’ve introduced dedicated ‘Express Service’ bays at major centers that can complete routine maintenance in under an hour, allowing customers to wait rather than arranging alternative transportation.”

For major services, the company now offers premium loaner vehicles, ensuring that executives maintain appropriate transportation even when their personal vehicle is unavailable. This program includes the option of having the loaner delivered to and collected from the customer’s location—a small touch that demonstrates understanding of the target demographic’s needs.

Warranty and Protection: Peace of Mind for the Long Term

Recognizing that executives approach vehicle purchases with a rational mindset, Maruti has enhanced the warranty package to provide greater peace of mind. The standard warranty now covers 3 years/100,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), with the option to extend coverage to 5 years/150,000 kilometers at the time of purchase.

More significantly, the company has introduced a new “Executive Care” package that bundles extended warranty with scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance, and appearance protection for a single upfront payment. This approach simplifies budgeting and eliminates unexpected expenses throughout the ownership period—an attribute that appeals to financially savvy professionals.

The appearance protection component includes periodic detailing services and a guarantee against minor cosmetic damage, ensuring that the vehicle continues to project the appropriate professional image throughout ownership. Additionally, the package includes guaranteed future value protection, providing a predetermined buyback amount at the end of the ownership period for those who finance through Maruti Suzuki Financial Services.

Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape

Price Segmentation: Value Without Compromise

Pricing for the new Ciaz demonstrates Maruti’s understanding of the competitive landscape while reflecting the significant enhancements made to the vehicle. The range begins at ₹9.30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Sigma petrol manual variant and extends to ₹13.80 lakh for the fully-loaded Alpha+ diesel automatic.

The pricing strategy positions the Ciaz advantageously against key competitors like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Virtus. While not the least expensive option in the segment, the Ciaz offers compelling value considering its enhanced feature set, premium interior appointments, and Maruti’s established reputation for reliability and low running costs.

Particularly noteworthy is the positioning of the mid-range Delta+ variant at ₹11.25 lakh, which includes most of the features that would appeal to executive users while maintaining a price point accessible to middle management professionals. This variant includes the leather-wrapped steering wheel, 7-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, and keyless entry/start—covering the essential features without unnecessary extravagances.

“Our product planning involved extensive research into the purchasing patterns of corporate employees at different organizational levels,” explained Shashank Srivastava. “We identified specific feature sets that appeal to different executive tiers and crafted variants accordingly, ensuring that professionals can select a Ciaz appropriate to their position without unnecessary compromise.”

This thoughtful segmentation extends to the leasing and corporate purchase programs that Maruti has developed alongside the vehicle launch. Companies can now include the Ciaz in employee benefit packages with maintenance and insurance bundled into a single monthly payment, simplifying administration while providing valuable perks to key personnel.

Target Demographics: Understanding the Executive Mindset

The comprehensive nature of the Ciaz refresh reflects Maruti’s deep understanding of the changing executive demographic in India. Today’s corporate professionals are younger, more technologically savvy, and more design-conscious than previous generations, yet they maintain traditional values around financial prudence and practical considerations.

“The modern Indian executive balances aspiration with pragmatism,” noted Srivastava. “They desire premium features and sophisticated design, but they’re unwilling to pay excessively for a badge. The Ciaz caters to this mindset by delivering substantive quality and features without the price premium commanded by European or Japanese luxury brands.”

This positioning appears particularly astute as India’s corporate sector continues to evolve. The rise of technology firms, startups, and new-economy companies has created a substantial demographic of young executives who prioritize intelligent consumption over conspicuous displays of wealth. For these professionals, the Ciaz represents rational luxury—offering the features and comfort they desire without projecting an image of extravagance to clients or colleagues.

The timing of the launch also coincides with a period of increasing traffic congestion in major business centers, making the automatic transmission variants particularly relevant. The availability of driver assistance features addresses safety concerns, while the enhanced rear seat comfort acknowledges the reality that many executives will utilize chauffeurs during peak traffic periods while taking the wheel themselves at other times.

The Driving Experience: First Impressions from Behind the Wheel

Urban Agility: Navigating the Concrete Jungle

My evaluation of the new Ciaz began in Mumbai’s notoriously congested western suburbs during morning rush hour—precisely the environment where many executive sedans spend much of their working lives. Piloting the mid-range Delta+ automatic variant, I immediately appreciated the improved visibility afforded by the slimmer A-pillars and better-positioned side mirrors.

The revised electric power steering proved its worth in these conditions, offering finger-light effort when maneuvering into tight parking spaces but firming up appropriately as speeds increased. The 360-degree camera system, with its split-screen display showing both overhead and front views simultaneously, made navigating tight spaces significantly less stressful than in the previous model.

Particularly impressive was the calibration of the automatic transmission in stop-and-go traffic. Unlike some competitors that hunt between gears or delay downshifts, the Ciaz’s 6-speed unit seemed to anticipate my needs, holding lower gears when appropriate and smoothly upshifting when traffic flow improved. The mild-hybrid system’s torque assistance was particularly noticeable from standstill, providing a welcome boost when merging into gaps in traffic.

Ride quality over Mumbai’s notoriously uneven road surfaces demonstrated the effectiveness of the suspension revisions. Where the previous model could occasionally crash over sharp-edged potholes, the new Ciaz maintained composure over all but the most severe imperfections. Equally important for executive users, interior noise levels remained well-controlled even when traversing rough concrete sections.

Highway Manners: Effortless Cruising

Escaping the city via the Eastern Express Highway allowed assessment of the Ciaz’s high-speed stability and refinement. At cruising speeds between 80-120 km/h, the cabin remained impressively hushed, with minimal wind noise despite the monsoon-season crosswinds. The stability at speed inspires confidence, with the car tracking straight and true even when passing larger vehicles created turbulence.

Switching to the diesel automatic variant for the return journey highlighted the advantages of its additional torque. Overtaking maneuvers required minimal planning, with the transmission willingly downshifting when the accelerator was pressed decisively. More impressive was the engine’s refinement—at steady cruising speeds, passengers would be hard-pressed to identify it as a diesel without prior knowledge.

The ADAS features proved their worth during highway driving, with the adaptive cruise control maintaining appropriate distances without the nervous interventions that characterize some systems. The lane departure warning, calibrated specifically for Indian roads with their often-faded markings, provided gentle steering feedback when drift was detected without inappropriate alerts.

The Executive’s Assessment: Does It Deliver?

After a full day with the various Ciaz variants, I’m convinced that Maruti Suzuki has created a product that genuinely understands its target audience. The enhancements address the key considerations of executive users—comfort, refinement, technology, and image—while maintaining the value proposition that has long been a Maruti strength.

The design strikes an appropriate balance between presence and restraint, allowing the car to make a positive impression without appearing ostentatious. The interior appointments have moved decisively upmarket while maintaining usability, and the technology integration acknowledges how contemporary professionals interact with their vehicles.

Most importantly, the driving experience delivers the refined competence that executives require. Whether navigating urban congestion, covering highway distances, or simply waiting in the office parking lot, the Ciaz performs its duties with minimal fuss while providing appropriate comfort and convenience.

The Executive Sedan Reimagined

The comprehensive refresh of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz represents more than just a model update—it signals the company’s commitment to understanding and serving the evolving needs of India’s professional class. By focusing on substantive improvements rather than marketing gimmicks, Maruti has created a vehicle that genuinely enhances the daily experience of its target users.

In a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, the Ciaz makes a compelling case for the continued relevance of the traditional sedan. Its combination of comfort, efficiency, technology, and value addresses the rational and emotional needs of executive users without unnecessary compromise.

For the office professional seeking appropriate transportation that balances image with intelligence, the new Ciaz deserves serious consideration. It may not carry the prestige of a European luxury badge, but it delivers the experiences and features that truly matter in daily executive use—often at half the price of ostensibly more prestigious alternatives.

In that sense, the new Ciaz isn’t just a refresh of a popular model—it’s a reflection of the changing values and priorities of India’s executive class. Like the professionals it targets, the car balances tradition with innovation, comfort with efficiency, and aspiration with pragmatism. In doing so, it creates a compelling proposition for those who judge substance over superficial statements.

Key Specifications:

Dimensions:

  • Length: 4,490 mm
  • Width: 1,730 mm
  • Height: 1,485 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
  • Ground clearance: 170 mm
  • Boot capacity: 510 liters

Powertrain Options:

  1. 1.5L K15B Petrol with SHVS (Smart Hybrid)
    • Power: 104 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
    • Torque: 138 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
    • Fuel efficiency: 20.65 km/l (manual) / 19.12 km/l (automatic)
  2. 1.5L DDiS Diesel
    • Power: 95 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
    • Torque: 225 Nm @ 1,500-2,500 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
    • Fuel efficiency: 26.82 km/l (manual) / 24.96 km/l (automatic)
  3. 1.4L BoosterJet Turbo Petrol (Alpha Sport variant)
    • Power: 138 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
    • Torque: 230 Nm @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
    • Fuel efficiency: 18.41 km/l (manual) / 17.70 km/l (automatic)

Variant-wise Price Structure (Ex-showroom, Delhi):

Petrol Variants:

  • Sigma MT: ₹9.30 lakh
  • Delta MT: ₹10.15 lakh
  • Delta+ MT: ₹11.25 lakh
  • Zeta MT: ₹12.05 lakh
  • Alpha MT: ₹12.85 lakh
  • Alpha+ MT: ₹13.25 lakh
  • Delta AT: ₹11.45 lakh
  • Delta+ AT: ₹12.45 lakh
  • Zeta AT: ₹13.20 lakh
  • Alpha AT: ₹13.95 lakh
  • Alpha+ AT: ₹14.35 lakh
  • Alpha Sport MT: ₹14.10 lakh
  • Alpha Sport AT: ₹15.20 lakh

Diesel Variants:

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