Maruti Celerio VXI AMT

About Maruti Celerio VXI AMT

Hello car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new car that perfectly balances your budget, ensures safety for your loved ones, promises low monthly maintenance, comes packed with the latest features, and offers reliable company service? If these points are at the top of your checklist, then you've landed on the right page. Today, we're taking a deep dive into a car that ticks many of these boxes for Indian families: the new Maruti Celerio VXI AMT.

Maruti Suzuki has long been a household name in India, known for its practical, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain vehicles. The Celerio, especially its VXI AMT variant, continues this legacy, offering a hassle-free automatic driving experience without breaking the bank. Let's explore what makes this compact hatchback a compelling choice for many first-time buyers and urban commuters.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Maruti Celerio VXI AMT houses a peppy yet frugal engine designed for city efficiency.

• Engine Type: K10C Petrol engine
• Displacement: 998cc
• Cylinders: 3
• Max Power: 67 PS at 5500 rpm
• Max Torque: 89 Nm at 3500 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency: Around 26 kmpl (ARAI certified, a major plus for Indian roads)

Design Overview

The new Celerio sports a fresh and modern look, departing from its earlier, more angular design.

• Exterior: It follows Maruti's "Dynamic Resolute" design philosophy, featuring smooth, curvy lines that give it a contemporary appeal. The front fascia gets a new grille with chrome accents (on higher variants), stylish swept-back headlamps, and well-integrated fog lamp housing. The overall silhouette is aerodynamic, making it look appealing and helping with fuel efficiency. The VXI variant comes with steel wheels and wheel covers.
• Interior: Step inside, and you're greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin for a car of its segment. The dashboard has a neat and modern layout, with controls placed ergonomically for easy access. The materials used feel decent for the price point, and the dual-tone theme (if applicable) adds to the airy feel.

Key Features

While the VXI variant focuses on essential features, it still offers convenience for daily commutes.

• Integrated audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• Manual air conditioning (AC)
• Front power windows
• Central door locking
• Rear parking sensors
• Digitised instrument cluster (displaying essential information)
• Steering mounted controls (available in higher variants)
• Note: Features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and automatic climate control are typically available in higher-end variants of the Celerio or other segments.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Celerio VXI AMT?

The Celerio offers a practical 170 mm of ground clearance, which is quite decent for handling typical Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and minor undulations, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Celerio VXI AMT?

One of the Celerio's standout features is its impressive boot space. It offers a generous 313 Litres, making it one of the most spacious in its segment. This is excellent for carrying luggage for weekend trips or your weekly grocery haul.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti Celerio VXI AMT?

• Length: 3695 mm
• Width: 1655 mm
• Height: 1555 mm
• Wheelbase: 2435 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Celerio is exclusively offered with the K10C Petrol engine. You have a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and the convenient 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), which is the focus of our review today — the Celerio VXI AMT.

Safety Features

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)
• Rear parking sensors
• Seatbelt reminders for front occupants
• High-speed alert system
• The car is built on Maruti's HEARTECT platform, which aims to enhance crash protection.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are an important consideration for modern car buyers. Here's how the current generation Maruti Celerio has fared in crash tests.

Testing Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (2022)	0 Stars	2 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Yet to be rated	Yet to be rated

Rivals of Maruti Celerio VXI AMT

The Maruti Celerio VXI AMT faces competition from several popular hatchbacks in the Indian market, especially those offering automatic options.

• Tata Tiago AMT
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios AMT
• Renault Kwid AMT
• Maruti WagonR AMT (an in-house alternative)
• Maruti Alto K10 AMT

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: Its biggest selling point, delivering segment-leading mileage figures.
• Affordable Price Point: Offers great value for money as an automatic hatchback.
• Smooth AMT Gearbox: The Automated Manual Transmission provides a convenient and stress-free driving experience in city traffic.
• Spacious Interior & Large Boot: Surprisingly roomy cabin for four adults and a very generous 313-litre boot.
• Maruti's Wide Service Network: Extensive service network across India ensures easy accessibility and low maintenance costs.
• Easy to Drive & Park: Compact dimensions and light controls make it perfect for urban commutes and tight parking spots.

Cons

• NCAP Safety Rating: The 0-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection is a significant concern for safety-conscious buyers.
• Basic Features in VXI Variant: Lacks some modern conveniences like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear power windows, or automatic climate control, which rivals might offer.
• Engine Performance: The 1.0L engine, while efficient, can feel a bit strained or underpowered on highways, especially with a full load of passengers and luggage.
• Cabin Insulation: Some engine noise and road noise can filter into the cabin, especially at higher speeds.
• Ride Quality: While generally comfortable, the ride can feel a bit firm over rough patches and larger potholes.

Conclusion

The Maruti Celerio VXI AMT is undeniably a very strong contender if you are looking for an automatic car that prioritises affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving in urban environments. Its spacious interior and best-in-class boot space add to its practicality, making it a great option for small families or individuals needing reliable daily transport.

While the safety rating is a point to consider, especially for those who travel frequently on highways, for pure city driving and a budget-friendly automatic experience backed by Maruti's renowned service, the Celerio VXI AMT offers compelling value. Do a test drive, compare it with its rivals, and see if this peppy, practical hatchback aligns perfectly with your driving needs and lifestyle. It could very well be your next perfect urban companion!