Buying a new car for the family is a big decision. After months of research, test drives, and budgeting, I finally brought home the Maruti Suzuki Celerio — a hatchback that fits well within a low budget, yet offers comfort, features, and impressive mileage.
The idea was simple: I wanted a car that’s easy to drive in the city, has good fuel efficiency, and comes with modern-day features without burning a hole in my pocket. The Celerio turned out to be the perfect answer. It’s not a flashy vehicle, but it does everything a small family like mine needs — and it does it well.
Let me walk you through why the Celerio is a smart choice, especially if you’re thinking of buying your first car or upgrading from an older hatchback.
Design & Style
At first glance, the new Maruti Suzuki Celerio looks more stylish than the older generation. It’s curvy, modern, and well-proportioned. The front grille with chrome detailing and the redesigned headlights give it a refreshing and youthful appeal. The car may be small, but it doesn’t look cheap.
The design is neat and simple, with smooth body lines and a slightly raised stance. I got the Speedy Blue color, which really stands out on the road. Even the door handles and side mirrors come body-colored in higher variants.
Inside the cabin, Maruti has improved the look and feel. The dashboard is minimalistic yet practical, with black and silver accents. There’s enough legroom and headroom, and the quality of materials feels decent for the price.
Engine & Performance
The Celerio is powered by the new 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine. It produces around 66 bhp and 89 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for daily city drives and occasional highway trips.
I opted for the AMT (Auto Gear Shift) variant, and I must say it’s very convenient, especially in traffic. Gear shifts are smooth, and the car feels light to drive. There’s also a 5-speed manual option available for those who prefer full control.
Acceleration is decent, and the car doesn’t feel underpowered. For a small hatchback, it handles inclines and overtakes confidently when driven with the right timing.
Ride & Handling
One thing I appreciate about the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is how easy it is to drive. The steering is light, which makes parking and navigating through narrow lanes super simple.
The suspension setup is tuned more for comfort, so it absorbs small potholes and speed breakers without too much trouble. Even on slightly broken roads, the ride stays stable.
It’s a car meant for city commuting, and it does that job brilliantly. The compact size makes it stress-free to drive in urban areas, especially during peak hours.
Features & Tech
Despite being a budget-friendly hatchback, the Celerio offers a surprising number of modern features. Here’s what I got in the ZXi+ variant:
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7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
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Steering-mounted audio controls
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Push-button start/stop
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Remote keyless entry
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All four power windows
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Electric ORVMs with turn indicators
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Reverse parking sensors
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Digital instrument cluster
Everything works smoothly and adds to the convenience of daily driving. The infotainment system is responsive, and Bluetooth connectivity works without lag.
Overview Table
Here’s a quick overview of the key specifications and highlights of the Maruti Suzuki Celerio:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet Petrol |
| Power | 66 bhp |
| Torque | 89 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual / AMT |
| Mileage | 26.68 kmpl (AMT variant) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | 313 litres |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 litres |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch SmartPlay (Top variant) |
| Safety Features | Dual Airbags, ABS, Reverse Sensors |
| Price Range (Ex-showroom) | ₹5.37 lakh – ₹7.14 lakh |
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest reasons I chose the Celerio was its class-leading mileage. The AMT variant I purchased offers a claimed mileage of 26.68 kmpl, which is outstanding.
In real-world usage, I’m getting around 22–23 kmpl with a mix of city and highway driving — still very impressive. With rising fuel prices, this fuel efficiency makes a huge difference over time.
The engine uses Dual Jet, Dual VVT technology, which helps improve combustion efficiency, making the car lighter on fuel without compromising performance.
Price & Variants
Maruti offers the Celerio in four main variants: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. Prices start from around ₹5.37 lakh and go up to ₹7.14 lakh (ex-showroom).
I went with the ZXi+ AMT, which cost me around ₹7.5 lakh on-road, including insurance and accessories. It felt worth it for the added convenience and features.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the VXi or ZXi manual is also a great pick with good features at a lower price point.