Maruti has recently introduced the mid-life facelift of the Suzuki Celerio hatchback in India. The Celerio was Maruti’s first, as well as India’s first AMT-equipped (automated-manual transmission) vehicle which was launched back in 2014.
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Since there is a lot of buzz in our market regarding the overly expensive Pak Suzuki Cultus, which just became insanely expensive after the launch of AMT version, called as Auto Gear Shift, let us see what’s the difference between the PKR 15.2 lac Cultus versus the INR 5.4 lac Celerio across the border. Is it just the price, or the difference is about anything else? Go through the content below to decide for yourself.
In India, the Maruti Celerio is available in three variants, LXI, VXI and ZXI along with three optional ones, LXI (O), VXI (O) and ZXI (O). Furthermore, the Celerio’s top two variants, VXI and ZXI offer an AMT option as well, and including the factory-fitted CNG versions, the Celerio is available in a total of 12 options. A driver’s airbag is standard across all the variants, while the optional variants additionally pack a front passenger airbag, front seat belts with pre-tensioner & force limiter as well as ABS.
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The basic versions are the LXi and LXi (O), which are priced at INR 4.15 (PKR 6.7 lac) and INR 4.3 lac (PKR 6.9 lac) respectively. Being the very basic versions these are targeted towards first time car buyers with tight budget. Features include Air conditioning, Electronic power steering, Driver seat belt reminder and comes with 155/80 R13 tires. Although there are no power windows offered with these trims the Lxi (O) gets an additional co-passenger’s airbag along with ABS for a difference of just 15 thousand.
Then there comes the VXi and VXi (O) variants, which are available in AMT as well as CNG options. The VXi is priced at INR 4.49 lac (PKR 7.3 lac) for manual and INR 4.92 (PKR 8.0 lac) for AMT version. The VXi (O) is priced from INR 4.64 lac (PKR 7.55 lac) for manual and INR 5.07 lac (PKR 8.25 lac) for the AMT version. Features include Front and rear power windows with driver-side auto down, Internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors, Central locking, Rear seat with 60:40 split, Day and night inside rear view mirror, 165/70 R14 tires, Chrome grille, Body colored rear view mirrors and door handles etc. The VXi is considered as the most popular among all offered Celerio trims as it packs a good number of features in a much reasonable price tag.
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The premium Celerio trims are the ZXi and ZXi (O) which too, are available in AMT as well as CNG options. The ZXi is priced at INR 4.74 lac (PKR 7.7 lac) for manual and INR 5.17 (PKR 8.41 lac) for AMT version. The ZXi (O) is priced from INR 5.22 lac (PKR 8.49 lac) for manual and INR 5.34 lac (PKR 8.69 lac) for the AMT version. In addition to the features offered in VXi versions, the ZXi packs Double-DIN audio system with Bluetooth phone integration along with CD, USB and Aux-in, and is coupled to a four-speaker system, Electronically adjustable outside rearview mirrors, Central locking with keyless entry, Tilt-adjustable steering, Front fog lamps, alloy wheels, anti-theft security system and height-adjustable driver’s seat. The ZXi is the range topping trim and offers way more than what Pak Suzuki offers us with the VXL AGS version. Do note that the Celerio offered in India is the facelift version while the one available in Pakistan is still the pre-facelift model.
In addition, a crossover version of the Celerio called as CelerioX has been launched in India last week. The CelerioX is available in a total of four variants, each available in both manual and AMT transmission option. The CelerioX is priced from INR 4.57 (PKR 7.41 lac) lac to INR 5.42 lac (PKR 8.79 lac). Click here to read more about the CelerioX.
Comparing the top of the line Celerio ZXi with our Cultus VXL AGS, there is a day n night difference, both in terms of price as well as features offered. The Celerio ZXi in India boasts features such as Multi-function Steering Wheel, Rear Windshield Wipers, Side Mirrors with Integrated Indicators, Beige Interior, Rear Parking Sensors, Double-DIN audio system with Bluetooth, Height Adjustable Driver Seat etc, which are not found in PKR 15.28 lac Pak Suzuki Cultus VXL AGS.
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Not only that the Celerio ZXi wins big in terms of features not offered with Pak Suzuki Cultus, it is also nearly 700,000 cheaper than VXL AGS here. Furthermore the base versions of Celerio are better equipped with 2 Airbags & ABS, which the Pak Suzuki Cultus VXR version comes without. It’s a matter of concern for the auto consumers of Pakistan who pay a hefty amount of money only to get a feature-ripped vehicle in return.
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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
