Maruti Suzuki is India’s largest carmaker and leader when it comes to hatchbacks and compact sedans, but it has not really had much luck with larger sedans such as the SX4, the Kizashi or even SUVs such as the Vitara. However, that could change with the new Maruti Ciaz, launched to compete with the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento.

The Ciaz, like most Maruti cars, is competitively priced at `6.99 lakh for the base petrol variant, going up to `9.80 lakh for the top-end diesel variant across six petrol, including two automatic, and four diesel variants. Variant for variant, it is much cheaper than the Honda City, which is currently the largestselling mid-size sedan.

Should you pick the Ciaz over Honda City or Hyundai Verna? In terms of pure value for money, it is a yes, although there is a lot more you need to look at when buying a car. Let’s start with answering some basic questions we are used to asking when buying a car.

Is it fuel-efficient?

The car I tested was the diesel variant and given the recent deregulation in diesel prices, it makes more sense for those who are really mileage conscious. The diesel Ciaz has a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.21 kmpl, which makes it the most fuel-efficient diesel car in India till date. The petrol Ciaz has a claimed mileage of 20.73 kmpl (again the most fuelefficient among petrol sedans in its segment). However, in real-world Delhi traffic conditions, the Ciaz managed a fairly respectable 15.3 kmpl overall, which is really not bad for a pretty large diesel sedan. The multi-information display in the Ciaz gives out fairly accurate read outs on fuel consumption.

Is it powerful?

Now if you are the kind of buyer who wants plenty of power in your car, the Ciaz is not really your favourite set of hot wheels. It’s built keeping fuel efficiency and long-distance cruising in mind. The diesel Ciaz uses a 1.3 litre fourcylinder diesel engine sourced from Fiat that puts out 90 PS of power at 4,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm.

On paper, these figures don’t seem like much, especially when you compare it with Honda City diesel that puts out 100 PS of power or the Hyundai Verna that puts out 128 PS. However, the Ciaz is nearly 60 kg-100 kg lighter than its rivals at just 1,105 kg, despite being one of the biggest cars in its segment in terms of length and wheelbase. So, despite the lower power figures on paper, you really don’t feel like it’s underpowered when you drive it.

That said, it’s not a car for enthusiasts either. Pick up is fairly linear and it prefers to be driven in a gentlemanly manner. The electric power steering offers a good feel of the road and the car manages quick turns quite well without too much body roll.

Is it comfortable?

The Ciaz has the longest wheelbase in its segment at 2,650 mm, which translates to much more space inside the cabin. If you are the kind who prefers the rear seat, this is the car for you. The front seats are quite comfortable and well bolstered.

The suspension is quite sturdy and absorbs bumps well. Ride quality is quite luxurious for a mid-size sedan and it will appeal to those looking for a nice chauffeur driven sedan.

What about features?

For the price, Maruti has really loaded the Ciaz with a considerable amount of features. To start with, it gets full keyless entry (you just have to keep the keys in your pocket or handbag) and push button ignition.

It has power-foldable and adjustable- outside mirrors, automatic climate control with rear AC vents and a roll-up sun curtain. The infotainment system is a touchscreen unit that can pair with your smartphone via bluetooth to make and receive calls as well as stream music. It also doubles up as a display for the reverse camera and has an inbuilt GPS navigation. It has the ability to take voice commands. The ZDI+ variant of Ciaz also comes with full leather upholstery. Safety features include two airbags and ABS.

What about looks?

One thing that sets the Ciaz apart from its rivals is its elegant stance. The front features twin-beam headlamps with projectors for the lowbeam flanking a trademark chrome Suzuki grille, with the styling taking inspiration from the Kizashi. In profile, the length of the car is quite evident, giving you your money’s worth in sheet metal, while the 16-spoke alloys look great. At the rear, the styling seems pretty similar to that of the new Honda City, the tail lamps looking fairly identical at first glance.

Is it value for money?There are three good reasons to pick a Ciaz over the competition. The first is simply the mileage for those of you who value fuel efficiency above everything else. The second is the space and ride quality it offers, which are superior to others in its segment. And the third, of course, is the service network that Maruti Suzuki has. Some of you may not be too impressed with the power specifications, while others may want a few additional features that competition offers such as a sunroof, automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control. On the whole, the car offers real good value for the price tag. Worth the drive.

The author is automotive journalist.

OLMdesk@outlookindia.com