It’s 5 years since the Maruti Suzuki Celerio hatchback was launched in India, and the car is reaching the end of its life cycle. A replacement is already under development, and is said to be code-named YNC, says ETAuto. The 2nd generation Celerio will be launched in India next year, and is likely to get a full revamp, inside-out. The car is expected to sit on the light weight HEARTECT platform, which uses high tensile steel extensively in order to keep weight low and rigidity high. The all-new Maruti Celerio is expected to get larger than before, just like the latest WagonR, which grew in size after adopting the HEARTECT platform. As for styling, the car will get a total redesign both on the outside and inside.
The 2nd generation Celerio is likely to carry over the 1 liter-3 cylinder K-Series petrol engine with two gearbox options: a 5 speed manual and a 5 speed automated manual (AMT). The engine will be Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms compliant. In fact, the same engine is ready to meet BS6 emission norms even now, well ahead of the April 2020 deadline, and Maruti Suzuki is likely to offer the BS6 compliant current Celerio in a few weeks. Coming back to the new model, petrol mild hybrid, petrol hybrid and all-electric variants are likely to be planned for the future considering the fact that Maruti has announced a move away from diesel engines across its entire car line up.
In the past, Maruti Suzuki did offer a 2 cylinder 800cc turbo diesel engine on the Celerio but this option was withdrawn as the engine was too unrefined and noisy. Instead, Maruti now offer a CNG-Petrol option on the car. In the 2nd generation model, both CNG-petrol and LPG-petrol dual fuel models are likely to be offered. The 2nd generation Celerio will continue rival the likes of the Renault Kwid 1.0, Tata Tiago and Hyundai Santro. The Celerio has been a good seller for Maruti Suzuki right from launch, and the automaker will be keen to carry on this successful run with the new model. Expect a range of new features, much better interiors, improved performance and mileage, and also a fresh design in the 2nd generation model.
Maruti Suzuki will launch another car in the same segment later this year. Called the S-Presso, the new car will be Maruti’s butch styled challenger to the Renault Kwid. Tehe S-Presso is expected to use the HEARTECT platform and get the 1 liter K-Series petrol engine, 5 speed manual and AMT options, and safety features compliant with BNVSAP norms.
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