The Automotive industry has slowed down and especially the entry-level segment share has been down to 12% recorded at the end of 2018 as compared to 2010 where the market was as high as 30%. As reported earlier, Maruti Suzuki has been planning to launch a new car in the segment called the S-Presso. With the S-Presso, the brand expected to regain figures in the entry-level market. The brand is also expected to upgrade the Celerio which was launched in 2014 and is due for a new generation.
According to a media report, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is expected to get a generation upgrade by 2020 which is also when all the manufacturers in India need to update their existing model to new BSVI emission norms and crash worthiness. For 2020, the Celerio is expected to receive the new Heartect platform, which is Suzuki’s new global level platform. The Heartect platform is claimed to be safe and light, improving both crash worthiness and efficiency. The new entry-level, S-Presso is also likely to use the same Heartect platform.
In term of the powertrain, the next-generation Celerio is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre K12M engine that produces 83 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque which is currently employed by the WagonR. The current K10B, 1.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine is likely to be discontinued to differentiate between the Celerio and S-Presso.
The interior of the car is also expected to be completely revamped with a new dashboard, touchscreen infotainment system, and dual tone themes to go with the fresh new exterior styling, likely to be evolved with new features. In terms of safety, the new Celerio will get front airbags, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminder on both driver and co-driver, ABS with EBD and over speed warning among others to conform with the new safety regulations.
The brand is also likely to introduce an X variant of the next-generation car to rival competition like Tata Tiago and Tiago NRG, Hyundai Santro and Renault Kwid.