Maruti Suzuki has announced that it will discontinue the Ciaz sedan by April 2025. This decision comes amid declining sales and a significant shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs. The production of the Ciaz is expected to cease by March 2025, with sales concluding the following month.
The Ciaz, launched in 2014 as a replacement for the Maruti SX4, initially enjoyed success in the mid-size sedan segment. However, its popularity has waned over the years due to a lack of major updates and increasing competition from feature-packed rivals. The last significant facelift for the Ciaz came in 2018, and since then, competitors have introduced multiple upgrades, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), digital instrument clusters, and turbo-petrol engines.
The Indian car market has witnessed a seismic shift in recent years, with SUVs now dominating more than 50% of total passenger vehicle sales. In contrast, the share of sedans has dropped below 10%, down from 20% in 2015. This shift has significantly impacted the sales of the Ciaz, which has struggled to keep up with the changing market dynamics.
One of the major challenges for the Ciaz has been its lack of a diesel engine option since 2020. The discontinuation of the diesel-powered Ciaz was due to stricter BS6 emission norms. The 1.5-liter turbo diesel engine, which produced 94 BHP and 225 Nm of torque, was well-loved for its balance of power and fuel efficiency. Diesel variants accounted for almost 30% of total Ciaz sales, and their removal impacted overall demand.
Currently, the Ciaz is only available with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine, generating 104.6 PS and 138 Nm of torque, with transmission options including a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. However, competitors like the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus offer turbo-petrol variants with higher performance and better efficiency, making them more attractive options.
Also read: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz sales going down since 6 months