Tuesday, February 25, 2025
By Kamal Swami
Ciaz: Not To Be A Part Of Maruti Suzuki Family From March 2025
The Indo-Japanese carmaker Maruti Suzuki is all set to discontinue its midsize sedan, the Ciaz, by March 2025. This will mark the end of an era for the popular model which was sold through the Nexa premium retail network. It is reported that the company will clear the remaining stock by April this year with the automaker focussing on launching new models, including the upcoming Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara electric SUV.
The decision to phase out the Ciaz comes at a time when the sedan segment in India is witnessing a steep decline, due to the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Ciaz’s competitors such as the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus are also struggling to retain their position in a shrinking market.
Reasons for Phasing Out Ciaz
Declining Sedan Market Share: There was a time when the sedan segment India was a major player in India’s passenger vehicle market. In 2015, sedans accounted for 20% of the market share, but by 2024, this figure had dropped below 10%. In between the market of SUVs gained huge popularity, comprising over 50% of total passenger vehicle sales.
The sales figures for the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz reflect this trend. Between April and December 2024 (FY25), the company sold only 5,861 units of the sedan—a sharp 34% year-on-year decline compared to the same period in FY24. In the last three months alone, sales dwindled further, with only 659 units sold in October, 579 in November, and 464 in December.
Lack of Major Updates & Limited Features: India’s leading car manufacturing company MSIL launched the Ciaz in 2014 as a successor to the SX4, since then the Ciaz has seen minimal updates over the years. The last major facelift came in 2018, leaving the sedan lagging behind rivals in terms of features and technology. On the other side, competitors like the Honda City and Hyundai Verna now offer advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), digital instrument clusters, and electric sunroofs—features missing in the Ciaz.
Limited Engine Options: The Ciaz is currently powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Maruti Suzuki also launched its diesel variant in 2019, but as the model did not comply with BS6 emission norms, the company had to discontinue it. The absence of turbocharged engines or hybrid powertrains has further contributed to the sedan’s declining appeal.
What’s Next? Once Ciaz quits the MSIL family, the only sedan in Maruti Suzuki’s lineup will be the Dzire, a sub-compact model. The automaker is now focussing on strengthening its position in the SUV and electric vehicle segments. As consumer preferences continue to change, the move by Maruti Suzuki underscores the growing dominance of SUVs in India’s passenger vehicle market, leaving the once-thriving sedan segment struggling to stay relevant.
