Maruti Suzuki Celerio: Old vs New Compared

After a gap of around seven years, Maruti Suzuki has given the Celerio a generational update. So since this major overhaul is happening after a while, it’s quite natural that Maruti made loads of changes to keep the Celerio tagline relevant in today’s world. In this report, we’ll explain the top five changes that have been made. 

The Main One -- Chassis And Engine 

The new Celerio is based on the new Heartect platform (that underpins the Wagon R) in comparison to its predecessor’s platform. As a result, the hatchback is lighter by around 25 kilos when compared to its predecessor, which tipped the scales at 850kgs.  

Then there’s the 1-litre petrol engine, which has been reworked with new dual VVT and injectors, idle start-stop, and a cooled EGR. While it develops slightly lesser power at 67PS and 89Nm, the engine is claimed to be the most fuel efficient in India at 26.88kmpl (ARAI-claimed). That’s a stark improvement of its predecessor’s 21.63kmpl figure. 

Exterior Styling

Maruti took a safer approach with the first-gen Celerio by giving the hatchback some no-nonsense styling elements. Further down the line, mild cosmetic updates kept things fresh and even a rugged Celerio X variant was later introduced.  

In the second-gen model, Maruti has taken a curvier approach to make its design more chic and appealing. Even the blacked-out alloys gel along with the available six colours. Sadly though, when viewed head-on at the rear, the hatch might be a bit reminiscent of the Alto. 

Interior Styling 

On the inside, the first-gen Celerio opted for a dual-tone dashboard. There was nothing to write home about its design and all the controls were laid logically and straight forward.  

The same continues with the second-gen model, which is now finished in an all-black theme with silver highlights. There are some quirks, though, and they are the placement of the power windows switches on the dashboard for the front, and on the lower part of the centre console for the rear, to extract a bit more cabin width. 

Features On Board 

Compared to its predecessor, the hatchback now gets keyless entry with push-button start and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other creature comforts that have been carried forward include manual air-con, power windows and steering-mounted audio controls. 

Passenger safety features consist of dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. 

Price Talk  

The previous-gen Celerio was priced from Rs 4.65 lakh to Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). In comparison, the new model is slightly more expensive at Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 6.94 lakh. And with all these latest updates and its fuel-efficient nature, the new Celerio does make for a compelling case if you want a frugal city run about.