Maruti Celerio Diesel VDi

The Maruti Celerio Diesel VDi is a compact hatchback that marks a significant milestone for Maruti Suzuki as it features the companys first homegrown diesel engine. The 793cc twin-cylinder diesel engine, though small, provides decent driveability in city conditions and impressive fuel economy. The cars cabin is well-packaged with adequate legroom, excellent headroom, and a 235-liter boot space. The suspension offers a neutral ride quality and predictable handling, making it comfortable for daily driving. The VDi variant comes with additional features such as a user-friendly dashboard, integrated audio and phone controls, and safety features like ABS and dual front airbags. However, the engines poor refinement and lack of top-end performance are notable drawbacks. Despite this, the Celerio diesels practicality, fuel efficiency, and Marutis robust after-sales service make it a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient diesel car.

The Maruti Celerio Diesel VDi is a mixed bag, offering both compelling and disappointing aspects. On the positive side, it is the cheapest Maruti diesel in India, starting at around Rs. 4.65 lakhs, and it boasts terrific fuel economy with an ARAI rating of 27.62 kmpl. The car is peppy enough for city commutes, with decent driveability and enough torque to handle urban traffic. However, the refinement levels of the 793cc twin-cylinder diesel engine are poor, with a crude engine note that can be off-putting. The engine also feels underpowered on highways, lacking the top-end performance needed for long-distance driving. Additionally, the higher variants come with a significant premium, and the engines lack of refinement might be a deal breaker for some. Despite these drawbacks, the Celerio diesels fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and Marutis excellent after-sales service make it a viable option for those prioritizing city driving and fuel economy.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio diesel, which was launched in 2015, was discontinued due to low sales numbers. Despite its impressive fuel efficiency of 27.62 kmpl, the car failed to attract buyers, leading Maruti to clear the leftover inventory with significant discounts. I believe the lack of power and the need for constant gear shifts were major turn-offs for potential buyers.

Maruti Suzukis Celerio diesel was the first diesel engine developed in-house by Suzuki, a 793cc two-cylinder unit producing 47bhp and 125Nm of torque. This engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and was known for its fuel efficiency, but it lacked the power needed for smooth overtaking. I think the innovative engine was let down by its performance in real-world driving conditions.

Maruti Suzuki had plans to use the 793cc diesel engine in other models like the next-generation Wagon R and Alto, as well as in their commercial vehicle, the Carry. However, these plans were shelved after the Celerio diesels poor market performance. I believe this engine had potential but needed more refinement to appeal to a broader audience.

The Celerio diesel had the same features as its petrol and CNG siblings, including central locking, child safety locks, and a front passenger airbag in the ZDi variant. Despite these features, the cars exterior and interior remained unchanged from the other variants. I think the lack of distinct design changes might have contributed to its poor sales.

The Celerio diesel was spotted at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant in preparation for its launch, which was expected to happen in June. The car was to be available in LDi, VDi, and ZDi variants, with pricing between Rs. 4.6 lakhs to Rs. 5.6 lakhs. However, this launch never materialized. I believe the market was not ready for such a small diesel engine at that time.

The Maruti Celerio Diesel VDi is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price starts at around Rs. 4.65 lakhs for the base LDi variant, while the VDi variant, which is a step up, would be priced slightly higher, likely in the range of Rs. 5.20 to Rs. 5.40 lakhs. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, would add another Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000, bringing the total to around Rs. 5.70 to Rs. 6.10 lakhs for the VDi variant. This pricing makes the Celerio diesel an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a fuel-efficient diesel car. However, the premium over the petrol version, especially for the higher variants, might be a consideration for some potential buyers.

The Maruti Celerio Diesel VDi offers exceptional fuel economy, which is a significant selling point. With an ARAI rating of 27.62 kmpl, this car delivers impressive mileage, even in real-world conditions. In city driving, it has been reported to achieve around 17-20 kmpl, and on highways, the numbers can be even better. This makes the Celerio diesel an excellent choice for those concerned about mileage and running costs, especially for those who primarily drive in urban areas.