Maruti in India has teased the 2018 Ciaz facelift which is scheduled to launch in August 2018. The teaser video shows the Ciaz’s redesigned LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and a new grille with chrome elements, as opposed to the China-spec Alivio Pro facelift that features an Audi inspired grille.
Aside from these changes, the 2018 Ciaz will also feature new alloy wheel designs and redesigned front and rear bumpers. Inside, the Ciaz facelift will offer a more premium interior with soft-touch plastics and materials, a lighter shade of faux-wood and a slight tweak in the overall interior shade. An all-new instrument cluster with a new multi-info display is also expected.
Related: Ciaz Outsells City in India, Unable to Sell in Pakistan
The 2018 Suzuki Ciaz facelift will be powered by a new K15B VVT 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which will replace the existing 1.4-liter unit. Where the 1.4-liter engine delivers 90 PS and 130 Nm of torque, the new 1.5-liter unit is expected to output 104.7 PS and 138 Nm.
Reportedly, Maruti will also offer its smart-hybrid SHVS technology with this petrol engine, earlier the SHVS technology was reserved for its diesel models only. The 2018 Ciaz diesel in India, will continue with the 1.3-liter DDiS unit.
Related: Visual Comparison: Suzuki Alivio Pro (Ciaz) Pre-Facelift vs Facelift
Features present in the pre-facelift models (not offered with Ciaz in Pakistan) are: Multi-function steering wheel, dual tone beige & black interior, engine start/ stop function, automatic climate control, in-dash touch screen with multimedia & navigation, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, auto-retract side mirrors with integrated turn signals, auto day/ night rear view mirror, sunroof, rear AC vents and alloy wheels.
The Suzuki Ciaz was introduced in the Indian market back in 2014 and has been a highly successful model in Maruti’s lineup. It is considered as the market leader in its segment with sales well above 4,000 units a month. 4 years since it was first introduced, the Ciaz needed a mid-life refresh to keep it competitive against its rivals. It primarily competes against the likes of Honda City, Toyota Vios, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid and VW Vento in Indian market.
The China-spec Ciaz (Alivio) had already received a facelift in October last year, called as the Alivio Pro. However the Ciaz facelift will reportedly reach other markets towards the end of this year.
Related: Is this the Right Time to Buy Suzuki Ciaz?
On the other hand in Pakistan, the stripped down Ciaz which allegedly smashed its critics right after its launch in February 2017, has been struggling to leave the showroom floors since then. However since Pak Suzuki doesn’t assemble the Ciaz locally, rather it imports the sedan as CBU, it will be interesting to see if they are able to launch the facelift here, after it reaches other Asian markets by year end.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
