About Maruti Celerio VXI

Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car in India is always a big decision. We all look for that perfect blend of affordability, safety for our loved ones, low monthly running costs, modern features, and of course, reliable after-sales service. It is a quest to find a vehicle that fits our lifestyle and our wallet. Today, we are diving deep into a popular contender in the budget hatchback segment, one that many Indian families consider a worthy option: the new Maruti Celerio VXI. Let us explore what makes this car tick and if it is the right fit for your garage.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the new Maruti Celerio VXI lies a peppy and efficient engine, designed for both city commutes and occasional highway runs.

• Engine Type: 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine.
• Cylinders: 3-cylinder, known for its refinement and fuel efficiency.
• Power Output: Around 66 bhp (brake horsepower) at 5500 rpm.
• Torque Output: Approximately 89 Nm (Newton metres) at 3500 rpm.
• Fuel Efficiency: The Celerio is renowned for its excellent mileage, often among the best in its class, helping you save significantly on fuel costs.

Design and Style

Exterior Design

The Celerio sports a modern and appealing design that looks fresh on Indian roads. It features a rounder, more organic shape compared to its predecessor, giving it a contemporary appeal.

• Front: A sleek, smiling grille with chrome accents (depending on the variant) and well-integrated headlamps give it a friendly yet confident face.
• Side Profile: Smooth lines and a tall boy-like stance ensure good headroom inside. The VXI variant typically comes with stylish full wheel covers on steel wheels.
• Rear: Compact and well-proportioned taillamps complement the clean tailgate design, completing its modern look.

Interior Design

Step inside, and the Celerio VXI offers a practical and comfortable cabin, focusing on user-friendliness and space optimization.

• Dashboard: A dual-tone dashboard theme creates an airy and spacious feel, enhancing the perception of roominess.
• Seating: Comfortable fabric upholstery and decent legroom for four adults make city commutes and short trips enjoyable.
• Storage: Thoughtful storage spaces like front door pockets, bottle holders, and a centre console cubby are included for convenience.

Key Features of Celerio VXI

The VXI variant of the Celerio focuses on essential comfort and convenience features, making it a well-equipped budget hatchback for daily use.

• Infotainment: It usually comes with a 2-DIN audio system that includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your phone for hands-free calls and streaming music.
• Connectivity: USB and AUX ports are standard for additional device connectivity and charging.
• Air Conditioning: Manual air conditioning ensures a comfortable cabin climate in various weather conditions.
• Power Windows: Both front and rear power windows add to the convenience for all occupants.
• Central Locking: An essential security feature for peace of mind.
• No Sunroof: This premium feature is generally not offered in cars of this segment.
• No 360-degree camera: Rear parking sensors are usually available for easier parking.
• No Wireless Charging: USB charging ports are provided for your devices.

Dimensions and Practicality

• Ground Clearance: Approximately 170 mm, which is quite good for handling Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and minor bumps, with ease.
• Boot Space: Around 313 litres, offering a decent amount of space for your luggage, groceries, or weekend bags, making it practical for small families.
• Dimensions (Approximate):
  • Length: 3695 mm
  • Width: 1655 mm
  • Height: 1555 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2435 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Celerio VXI offers flexibility in transmission options to suit different driving preferences.

• 5-speed Manual Transmission: For those who prefer direct control over gear shifts and a more engaging driving experience.
• 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) or AMT: Maruti's popular automatic manual transmission offers the convenience of an automatic without a significant impact on fuel efficiency, making it perfect for stress-free city driving.

Safety First

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Celerio with essential safety features as standard.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) for better braking control
• Rear Parking Sensors for easier and safer parking
• Speed Alert System
• Seat Belt Reminders for driver and co-driver

NCAP Rating

Safety ratings help us understand a car's crashworthiness in controlled tests.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupancy Rating	Child Occupancy Rating
Global NCAP (2022)	0 Stars	2 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	Not Yet Rated

Note: The Global NCAP rating refers to the latest generation India-spec Celerio tested in 2022. It received 0 stars for adult occupant protection, highlighting areas for improvement in structural integrity.

Rivals of Maruti Celerio VXI

The Celerio VXI faces stiff competition in the compact hatchback segment, where buyers have several good options.

• Tata Tiago
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (especially lower and mid variants)
• Maruti Suzuki WagonR (an internal rival)
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso (another internal alternative)

How is the Car? (Pros and Cons)

Advantages

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: A major draw for Indian buyers, offering class-leading mileage and low running costs.
• Refined K10C Engine: Smooth, quiet, and peppy enough for city driving and occasional highway trips.
• Compact Dimensions: Extremely easy to manoeuvre and park in crowded urban environments.
• Reliable Maruti Suzuki Service: Benefits from Maruti's extensive service network and affordable, readily available parts.
• AMT Option: Offers convenient automatic driving for traffic-heavy conditions at a budget-friendly price.
• Decent Cabin Space: Surprisingly amount of room for its compact exterior size, especially headroom.

Disadvantages

• Safety Rating: The Global NCAP rating of 0 stars for adult occupant protection could be a serious concern for buyers prioritizing safety.
• Basic Feature List: Lacks some modern convenience features like a touchscreen infotainment system (in VXI), projector headlamps, or alloy wheels that some rivals might offer in similar price points.
• Highway Performance: While adequate, highway performance might feel strained during quick overtakes or at very high speeds.
• Interior Quality: While practical, the interior plastics are mostly hard and functional, reflecting its budget positioning rather than premium feel.

Our Verdict

The Maruti Celerio VXI continues to be a strong contender for anyone looking for an efficient, easy-to-drive, and affordable compact hatchback. It excels in delivering fantastic mileage, peace of mind with Maruti's extensive service network, and hassle-free city commuting. While it might not boast the longest list of features or the highest safety rating in its segment, its core strengths lie in its practicality, reliability, and sheer value for money. If your priority is a budget-friendly car for daily commutes, with excellent fuel economy and low maintenance, the Celerio VXI deserves a serious look. It is a no-nonsense car that gets the job done efficiently, making it a trusted choice for countless Indian families.