Beijing International Motor Show 2014 : Suzuki Alivio Concept Aka Ciaz Unveiled

Beijing International Motor Show 2014 stood witness to the global launch of Suzuki’s Alivio concept aka Maruti Ciaz (Alivio concept was displayed at the 2014 Auto Expo by this name), a mid-size sedan from the Japanese auto major. The Ciaz would be launched in India later this year, replacing the somewhat failing SX4 which failed to interest the customer for long.

Suzuki Alivio concept has embraced the styling of Suzuki Authentics Concept, which was displayed last year at the Shanghai Motor Show. Alivio’s dimensions – at 4,545 mm long, 1,475 mm tall, 1,730 mm wide, plus its wheelbase of 2,650 mm – promises a roomier sedan offering supreme comfort. A freshly developed 6-speed manual gearbox shall be mated to a 1.6 liter DOHC four cylinder petrol engine.

The mid-size sedan segment has been a constant prick for Maruti in the past, what with the drooping sales count of Esteem and Baleno that failed to make an impact in the domestic auto-market. Still, Maruti did party on Esteem’s account for fourteen long years, but the party had to be discontinued come 2008. Baleno was taken off from production in 2007 itself, while the latest sedan member to be struck off the Maruti portfolio is the SX4. Ciaz – with its stylish looks, roomier features and better ride quality – garnered lots of attention at the Auto Expo 2014, and Maruti would be betting a lot on this baby to work out. The company has powered the new Ciaz on the same engine that finds itself in the present generation SX4, but there are rumors suggesting that the high-end versions could equip a 1.6 liter multi-jet diesel powertrain.

In India, the Ciaz shall find competition in the forthcoming Ford Fiesta facelift, Honda City sedan and Hyundai Verna.