Maruti Celerio VXI CNG

About Maruti Celerio VXI CNG

So you are in the market for a new car and have a lot on your mind. Budget-friendly price. Top-notch safety. Low monthly maintenance. All the latest features. And of course, reliable company service. These are big considerations for any Indian car buyer.

Well, what if there was a car that ticked most of these boxes, especially if running costs are a major concern? That is where the Maruti Celerio VXI CNG comes into the picture. Known for its incredible fuel efficiency and practicality, the Celerio CNG is a strong contender in the compact hatchback segment. Let us dive deep and see if it is the right car for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine: 1.0L K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT Petrol engine (works on CNG)
• Max Power (CNG): 56.69 bhp at 5300 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 82.1 Nm at 3400 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Mileage (ARAI): A remarkable 35.60 km/kg for the CNG variant, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in India.

Design Overview

The new Celerio sports a modern and appealing design that is a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

• Exterior: It features a dynamic stance with rounded contours, a new radiant front grille with chrome accents, and stylish droplet-style headlights. The overall look is fresh, youthful, and contemporary, ensuring it stands out in city traffic.
• Interior: Step inside and you will find a spacious and practical cabin. The dashboard has a neat and uncluttered layout. The seats are comfortable for city commutes, and the dual-tone interior theme adds a touch of sophistication. While not overtly luxurious, the focus is on ergonomics and usability, which Maruti does very well.

Key Features

The Celerio VXI CNG focuses on essential features for everyday convenience and comfort.

• Manual Air Conditioning
• Front Power Windows
• Central Locking
• Digital Speedometer and Multi-Information Display
• Gear Shift Indicator
• Power Steering
• Provision for Audio System

Please note: Advanced features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging are typically not available in the Celerio VXI CNG variant. These are often found in higher trims or more premium segments.

Ground Clearance

The Maruti Celerio offers a good ground clearance of 170 mm, which is adequate for tackling Indian road conditions and speed breakers without much fuss.

Boot Space

With the CNG tank occupying a significant portion, the boot space in the Celerio VXI CNG is limited. You get a small space of approximately 84 litres for a few small bags. If luggage is a primary concern, this is something to consider.

Dimensions

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

Powertrain Options

• Petrol: Available with both a 5-speed manual transmission and an AGS (Auto Gear Shift) automatic transmission.
• CNG: Exclusively offered with a 5-speed manual transmission in the VXI trim.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Celerio with essential safety features to ensure peace of mind.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Speed Alert System
• Seat Belt Reminders for Driver and Passenger
• Engine Immobiliser

NCAP Rating

The new generation Maruti Celerio is built on Maruti Suzuki's Heartect platform. While an independent NCAP crash test rating for this specific model is currently awaited, the platform is designed for improved structural rigidity. The previous generation Celerio received a 0-star rating from Global NCAP. For the latest model, we await official test results.

Rivals of Maruti Celerio VXI CNG

The Maruti Celerio VXI CNG competes with other popular CNG hatchbacks in the Indian market:

• Tata Tiago iCNG
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG
• Maruti Suzuki WagonR CNG

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros (Advantages)

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: With a mileage of 35.60 km/kg, it is incredibly economical to run, saving you a lot on fuel costs.
• Affordable to Buy & Maintain: The Celerio CNG has a competitive ex-showroom price and benefits from Maruti Suzuki's widespread and affordable service network.
• City Friendly: Its compact dimensions and light steering make it a breeze to navigate through crowded city streets and park in tight spots.
• Reliable Maruti Engineering: Powered by Maruti's tried and tested K10C engine, reliability is a given.
• Refined CNG System: Maruti's factory-fitted CNG kit is well-integrated, offering a smooth transition between petrol and CNG modes.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Limited Boot Space: The biggest drawback of the CNG variant is the minimal boot space due to the CNG tank.
• Basic Features in VXI: The VXI trim is quite basic, lacking modern comforts like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear power windows, or a reverse camera.
• Highway Performance: While adequate for the city, the 1.0L engine might feel a bit underpowered for spirited highway driving, especially with a full load.
• Perceived Build Quality: Compared to some rivals, some might find the interior materials and overall build quality to be on the lighter side.
• Safety Rating Awaited: An official independent crash test rating for the new generation is still pending, which might be a concern for safety-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The Maruti Celerio VXI CNG is undeniably a fantastic choice for anyone prioritising ultra-low running costs, easy city driving, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network. It is a no-nonsense, practical car that excels at its core purpose: affordable, reliable daily commuting.

If your primary needs revolve around a budget-friendly price, incredible mileage, and hassle-free ownership, and you can live with the basic feature set and limited boot space, then the Celerio VXI CNG could very well be your perfect match. It is a smart, economical choice for the discerning Indian car buyer focused on value and efficiency. Test drive it today to experience its city-friendly charm!