In the bustling Indian automotive market, where value for money often trumps luxury and high performance, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio has carved a niche for itself as a practical, fuel-efficient compact hatchback that caters perfectly to urban commuters.
Now in its second generation, the 2025 Celerio continues to build on Maruti’s reputation for creating affordable, reliable vehicles while incorporating modern features that today’s consumers expect.
The Evolution of Celerio
When Maruti Suzuki first introduced the Celerio in 2014, it made waves by being one of the first cars in its segment to offer an automated manual transmission (AMT), which the company marketed as “Auto Gear Shift” technology.
This innovation made automatic driving accessible to budget-conscious buyers who previously found traditional automatics too expensive to purchase and maintain.
Fast forward to 2025, and the current generation Celerio has matured into a more rounded product. The evolution isn’t just cosmetic—it represents Maruti’s understanding of changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements in the Indian market.
The latest model now rides on the company’s Heartect platform, which has improved the car’s structural integrity while keeping it lightweight for better fuel efficiency.
Design and Exterior
The Celerio’s exterior design has come a long way from its utilitarian beginnings. The current model sports what Maruti calls a “3D Organic Sculpted Design,” with a more contemporary aesthetic that’s aimed at appealing to younger buyers without alienating its core audience.
At the front, a radiant grille with sharp chrome accents catches the eye, flanked by halogen headlamps that provide decent illumination despite lacking the projector units found in some competitors.
The side profile reveals a clean, uncluttered design with subtle character lines that add visual interest without being overly flashy.
The rear features droplet-styled taillamps that complement the overall design language, while higher variants get 15-inch black alloy wheels that add a touch of sportiness to the otherwise straightforward appearance.
Available in six vibrant colors including Pearl Bluish Black and Glistening Grey, the Celerio allows some degree of personalization to suit different tastes.
With dimensions of 3695mm in length, 1655mm in width, and 1555mm in height, the Celerio strikes a balance between compact exterior dimensions for easy city maneuvering and interior space that accommodates five passengers.
The 2435mm wheelbase is respectable for its class, contributing to decent interior room, especially for front passengers.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Celerio comes equipped with Maruti’s next-generation K10C petrol engine.
This 1.0-liter, three-cylinder unit produces around 67 bhp of power at 5600 rpm and 91 Nm of torque at 3400 rpm—modest figures on paper, but well-suited to the car’s lightweight construction and urban-focused mission.
The engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT (Auto Gear Shift), giving buyers flexibility based on their driving preferences.
The manual offers more control and marginally better fuel efficiency, while the AMT provides convenience in stop-and-go traffic without the premium that comes with a conventional automatic transmission.
For those looking to reduce their fuel bills further, Maruti also offers a factory-fitted CNG option, which has become increasingly popular as fuel prices continue to rise.
The CNG variant delivers slightly reduced power output but compensates with significantly improved running costs.
The Celerio’s performance is best described as adequate rather than exciting. The low-end torque is sufficient for city driving, allowing for confident merges and reasonable acceleration from standstill.
Highway overtaking requires some planning and downshifting, but the car can maintain cruising speeds of around 100 km/h without feeling strained.
Where the Celerio truly shines is in its fuel efficiency. The petrol variants boast an ARAI-certified mileage of up to 26.68 kmpl for the AMT version and 25.24 kmpl for the manual—figures that make it one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in the Indian market.
The CNG variant pushes the efficiency frontier even further, with a claimed mileage of 35.60 km/kg, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers with access to CNG infrastructure.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Celerio, and you’re greeted by a cabin that prioritizes functionality over flair. The dashboard layout is straightforward, with controls placed logically within the driver’s reach.
Higher variants feature a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless smartphone integration.
The interior color scheme is predominantly black with silver accents, lending a modern yet practical ambiance. Fabric seat upholstery is standard across the range, with different patterns and quality depending on the variant.
The front seats offer reasonable comfort with adequate support for average-sized adults, while the rear bench can accommodate three passengers at a pinch, though two would be more comfortable for longer journeys.
Storage spaces are thoughtfully distributed throughout the cabin, with door pockets that can hold 1-liter bottles, a glove compartment of usable size, and cup holders in the center console.
A 12V charging socket and USB port cater to basic charging needs, though rear passengers might miss dedicated charging options.
One of the Celerio’s standout features is its boot capacity. At 313 liters, it’s surprisingly generous for a car of this size, providing enough space for weekend getaways or grocery runs. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split in higher variants, adding versatility when carrying larger items.
The features list varies across variants, with the base LXI offering bare essentials, while the top-end ZXI+ pampers buyers with keyless entry, push-button start, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Climate control is handled by a manual air conditioning system that’s effective enough for Indian weather conditions.
Safety Features
Safety has become an increasingly important consideration for Indian car buyers, and the 2025 Celerio has evolved to meet these changing expectations.
Recent updates have made six airbags standard across all variants—a significant improvement over the dual front airbags of earlier models, bringing the car in line with newer safety regulations.
Other standard safety features include ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a high-speed alert system. The car is built on Maruti’s Heartect platform, which is designed to better absorb and disperse crash energy, though the Celerio has not undergone NCAP crash testing to independently verify its safety credentials.
Higher variants add a reverse parking camera and hill hold assist (for AMT versions), the latter being particularly useful when starting on inclines.
The electronic stability program (ESP) is also available in top variants, adding an extra layer of active safety in slippery conditions.
While these safety enhancements are welcome, some competitors in the segment offer more comprehensive safety packages, which remains an area where the Celerio could potentially improve in future iterations.
Ride and Handling
The Celerio’s suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear—a standard configuration for cars in this segment.
The tuning strikes a reasonable compromise between comfort and stability, though it leans more toward the former.
Urban road imperfections are absorbed reasonably well, with only sharper bumps making their presence felt in the cabin. Highway stability is acceptable for a car of this size, with crosswinds and truck drafts causing some buffeting at higher speeds due to the car’s lightweight construction.
The electric power steering is light at parking speeds, making city maneuverability a breeze, while weighing up slightly at higher speeds. With a turning radius of just 4.7 meters, the Celerio excels in tight parking spots and narrow city streets—environments where larger vehicles would struggle.
Handling can be described as predictable rather than engaging. There’s noticeable body roll when cornering enthusiastically, reminding drivers that this is a practical city car rather than a hot hatch.
The 165/70 R14 tires on lower variants provide adequate grip for normal driving, while the 175/60 R15 rubber on higher variants offers marginally better cornering abilities but might result in a slightly firmer ride.
Technology and Connectivity
For a budget-friendly hatchback, the Celerio offers a reasonable suite of technology features.
The centerpiece in higher variants is the 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, which features a touchscreen interface with smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system also supports Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
The instrument cluster combines analog and digital elements, with a multi-information display providing essential information like fuel economy, distance to empty, and gear position indicator (for AMT variants).
While not as sophisticated as the fully digital clusters found in more expensive cars, it provides all the information most drivers would need.
Other tech features include steering-mounted audio and phone controls, automatic climate control in top variants, and electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs.
The keyless entry and push-button start in higher variants add a touch of convenience that’s increasingly expected even in entry-level cars.
What’s missing are features like wireless charging, connected car technology, and multiple USB ports—amenities that are becoming common in the segment. However, these omissions help keep costs down and align with the Celerio’s positioning as a value-focused offering.
Ownership Experience
One of the biggest selling points of any Maruti Suzuki vehicle is the peace of mind that comes with ownership, and the Celerio is no exception.
The car comes with a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, which can be extended at additional cost for those seeking longer coverage.
Maruti’s extensive service network—the largest in India—means that maintenance and repairs are never far away, particularly important for buyers in smaller towns and cities.
Spare parts availability is excellent, and maintenance costs are among the lowest in the segment, with service intervals typically at 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Resale value is another Maruti strong point, with their vehicles traditionally holding their value better than most competitors due to their reliability record and the brand’s strong market presence.
This aspect often gets overlooked in the initial purchase decision but can significantly impact the total cost of ownership.
Pricing and Variants
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Celerio is available in multiple variants to cater to different budget ranges and feature preferences. The lineup starts with the base LXI variant, priced at approximately ₹5.64 lakh (ex-showroom), offering basic features like power steering, manual air conditioning, and standard safety equipment.
Moving up the range, the VXI adds power windows, central locking, audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and wheel covers, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balance between affordability and convenience features.
The ZXI builds on this with the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, alloy wheels, and additional comfort features, while the top-spec ZXI+ (priced around ₹7.37 lakh ex-showroom) includes all the bells and whistles the Celerio has to offer, from push-button start to LED daytime running lights.
The AMT option typically adds around ₹50,000 to the corresponding manual variant, while the CNG option is available exclusively with the VXI trim, positioned as a practical choice for high-mileage users looking to minimize running costs.
Recent updates have seen the addition of six airbags across all variants, resulting in a price increase, but enhancing the safety quotient significantly.
Occasional discount campaigns, particularly during festive seasons, can make the Celerio even more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Competition and Market Positioning
The compact hatchback segment in India is fiercely competitive, with several established players vying for attention.
The Celerio’s main rivals include its stablemate, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, which offers more interior space with a similar mechanical package, and the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, which brings more premium features at a higher price point.
Other competitors include the Tata Tiago, which emphasizes safety and design, and the Renault Kwid, which offers SUV-inspired styling in a compact package.
Each has its strengths, but the Celerio carves its niche through a combination of Maruti’s reliability reputation, exceptional fuel efficiency, and the convenience of AMT at an accessible price point.
The positioning of the Celerio in Maruti’s lineup is equally interesting. It sits above the Alto and S-Presso but below the Swift in terms of price and features, offering an intermediate step for buyers looking to upgrade from entry-level models without stretching to the premium hatchback segment.
Living with the Celerio: Practical Considerations
For potential buyers considering the Celerio for daily use, several practical aspects stand out. The elevated seating position provides good visibility, making it easy to navigate crowded city streets, while the light controls reduce fatigue during extended urban driving.
Parking is rarely a challenge thanks to the compact dimensions and tight turning radius, though higher variants with the reverse camera make the process even more straightforward.
The boot space is genuinely useful for a car of this size, accommodating weekly grocery shopping or airport luggage with relative ease.
Fuel efficiency remains a significant selling point, with real-world figures of 20-22 km/l in city driving for petrol variants being entirely achievable with measured driving—an important consideration as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.
The CNG option pushes the economy even further, though at the cost of some boot space due to the tank installation.
Maintenance schedules are straightforward, with service costs typically ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for regular services, depending on the age and condition of the vehicle. Parts that commonly need replacement, such as brake pads and air filters, are reasonably priced and readily available.
Future Outlook and Upcoming Changes
As the automotive industry transitions toward electrification, the future of models like the Celerio remains an interesting question. Maruti Suzuki has been cautious in its approach to EVs in the Indian market, prioritizing hybrid technology and CNG as intermediate steps.
There are no confirmed plans for an electric Celerio at the time of writing, though Maruti is developing a lineup of electric vehicles that could eventually include a compact hatchback in this price range.
For the immediate future, expect the Celerio to continue with incremental updates to meet evolving regulations and consumer expectations.
Potential updates in upcoming model years might include more sophisticated driver assistance features, improved connectivity options, and possibly mild-hybrid technology to further enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
However, any significant redesign is likely several years away, given the relatively recent introduction of the current generation.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio come in 4 lakh
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Celerio exemplifies the pragmatic approach that has made Maruti the dominant player in the Indian automotive market.
It doesn’t attempt to dazzle with cutting-edge technology or segment-first features but instead focuses on delivering reliability, efficiency, and value—qualities that resonate strongly with its target audience.
For urban commuters seeking an affordable, no-nonsense vehicle with low running costs and the backing of India’s largest service network, the Celerio makes a compelling case.
The addition of standard six airbags addresses one of the previous criticisms regarding safety, while the AMT option continues to offer the convenience of two-pedal driving without the premium associated with conventional automatics.
That said, the Celerio isn’t without limitations. Those seeking engaging driving dynamics, premium interior materials, or the latest tech features might find some competitors more appealing, albeit typically at a higher price point.
Ultimately, the Celerio’s enduring appeal lies in its honesty—it promises practical, efficient transportation with minimal fuss and delivers precisely that.
In a market increasingly dominated by feature lists and marketing buzzwords, there’s something refreshingly straightforward about a car that knows exactly what it is and excels within its defined parameters.
For the right buyer—one who values practicality over prestige and efficiency over excitement—the Maruti Suzuki Celerio remains one of the most sensible choices in the Indian automotive landscape, embodying the principle that sometimes, less really is more.