Maruti Celerio Diesel ZDi

The Maruti Celerio Diesel ZDi features a 793 cc DDiS 125 engine, which is the smallest diesel engine powering a passenger car worldwide. This two-cylinder engine provides decent driveability in city conditions, with enough torque to handle urban traffic. The car has a well-packaged cabin with adequate legroom, excellent headroom, and a 235-liter boot. The suspension offers a neutral ride quality and predictable handling, making it comfortable on city roads. However, the engines poor refinement and lack of power on highways are notable downsides. The ZDi variant comes with integrated audio and phone controls, a user-friendly dashboard, and Marutis reliable after-sales service, which are significant positives. Overall, the Celerio Diesel ZDi is a good option for those looking for a fuel-efficient, city-friendly car with a robust service network.

The Maruti Celerio Diesel ZDi is a significant milestone for Maruti Suzuki, being their first homegrown diesel engine. While it excels in fuel efficiency and city driveability, it has its drawbacks. The 793 cc DDiS 125 engine, although peppy enough for urban commutes, lacks refinement and can be quite loud, especially at idle and low speeds. The engines crude note and vibrations can be off-putting, but its ability to handle city traffic with ease and its excellent fuel economy make it a viable option. The cars well-packaged cabin, adequate legroom, and excellent headroom are positives, but the higher variants come with a premium price tag that might be a deterrent for some buyers. Overall, its a good choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and city driving, but not ideal for highway cruising.

The Celerio diesel was available in LDi, VDi, and ZDi variants, with the ZDi offering additional features like a front passenger airbag and ABS. This made it one of the safest diesel cars in its segment at the time. I think the emphasis on safety features was a positive aspect, even if the cars overall performance was lacking.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio diesel, launched in 2015, was notable for being the first diesel engine developed in-house by Suzuki. This 793cc two-cylinder engine produced 47bhp and 125 Nm of torque, and it was praised for its exceptional fuel efficiency of 27.62 km/l. However, it struggled with power delivery and overtaking. I believe the focus on fuel efficiency was a smart move, but the lack of power might have deterred some buyers.

Maruti Suzuki had planned to use the same 793cc diesel engine in other models like the next-generation Wagon R and Alto, as well as in their commercial vehicles. However, the poor reception of the Celerio diesel might have altered these plans. I believe this engine had potential but needed further refinement to appeal to a broader market.

Despite its impressive fuel efficiency, the Celerio diesel did not fare well in the market and was eventually discontinued due to low sales. Maruti Suzuki had to clear the leftover inventory with significant discounts. I think the cars performance issues and the lack of a diesel automatic variant might have contributed to its poor sales.

The Celerio diesel shared the same features as its petrol and CNG counterparts, including a 7-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, and central locking. The design remained identical to the other variants, with only the DDiS badge distinguishing it. I believe the consistent design approach helped maintain the cars appeal, even if the diesel engine didnt quite match expectations.

The Maruti Celerio Diesel ZDi was launched in India with a price range of between Rs. 4.65 lakhs to Rs. 5.71 lakhs (ex-Delhi). On-road prices vary by city but generally add around Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000 to the ex-showroom price, including taxes, registration, and insurance. For the ZDi variant specifically, you can expect to pay around Rs. 5.5 lakhs to Rs. 6.2 lakhs on-road, depending on your location. The premium over the petrol version, particularly for the higher variants, is notable, but Marutis excellent after-sales service and wide dealer network can justify the extra cost for many buyers.

The Maruti Celerio Diesel ZDi boasts an impressive ARAI-rated fuel economy of 27.62 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in India. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 20-25 kmpl, which is still very commendable. This excellent mileage, combined with the lower running costs of diesel fuel, makes the Celerio Diesel an attractive option for those concerned about fuel expenses.