Maruti Suzuki Celerio : You know that feeling when you’re zipping through crowded city streets, fuel gauge barely budging, and your wallet stays happy?
That’s the Maruti Suzuki Celerio in a nutshell – a no-frills hatchback that’s been a lifeline for millions of Indian drivers since its debut.
Even as we hit 2026, whispers of updates and its stubborn popularity keep it in the spotlight, proving that sometimes, simple and efficient trumps flashy every time.
A Quick Refresh on Its Evolution
The Celerio first stole hearts back in 2014 as Maruti’s entry into the ultra-affordable auto-gearbox game, but the current second-gen model from around 2021 really stepped up with sleeker looks borrowed from the Baleno.
It’s wider and longer now, squeezing in more rear space and a boot that grew to 313 liters – perfect for those weekend grocery hauls or impromptu trips.
Fast forward to early 2025, and Maruti slapped on six airbags as standard across the board, plus electronic stability control, making it safer without jacking up the base price too wildly.
Prices crept up by up to Rs 32,500 that February, landing the LXi at Rs 5.64 lakh ex-showroom and the top ZXi+ AMT at Rs 7.37 lakh, but buyers still flocked for that legendary mileage.
Powertrain That Sips Fuel Like a Pro
Under the hood, the 1.0-liter DualJet three-cylinder petrol churns out a modest 67hp and 89Nm, paired with either a five-speed manual or AMT for lazy city crawls.
Claimed efficiency? A whopping 26.68 kmpl for petrol manuals – one of the best in the segment – while the CNG VXi variant hits 34.43 km/kg, ideal for those rising fuel costs pinching urban wallets.
It’s built on Maruti’s Heartect platform now, lighter and roomier, with idle start-stop tech keeping things frugal.
No turbo drama here, just reliable pep for daily commutes, though highway overtakes demand a bit of planning.
Inside Scoop: Comfy and Connected
Step inside, and the all-black cabin feels youthful with its sculpted dash and stereoscopic instrument cluster that keeps eyes on the road.
Higher trims like ZXi+ get a 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted controls, and push-button start – tech that punches above its price class.
Rear seats split 60:40 for versatility, and there’s decent legroom for four adults, though the boot shrinks a tad with CNG.
Electrically foldable ORVMs with indicators are a thoughtful touch for tight parking spots, and the air-con chills quick even in Indian summers.
Safety Gets a Reality Check
Maruti pushed safety forward in 2025 with six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold, and rear sensors as standard – a big leap from earlier models.
But December 2025’s Global NCAP crash test told a mixed story: three stars for adults (18.04/34 points) thanks to good head protection but weak chest impact for the driver and an unstable bodyshell. Child protection scored two stars, dinged by seat compatibility issues.
It’s better than before (two stars with dual airbags), but rivals are pulling ahead – still, for city use, it’s a step up from bare-bones basics.
Riding the Sales Rollercoaster
Sales tell their own tale. The Celerio moved steadily around 1,000-1,500 units monthly through late 2025 – November hit 1,392, up 5% from October – but March 2025 saw a brutal 46% drop to 2,268 units amid tougher competition.
Maruti’s Arena network keeps it accessible, with discounts often sweetening deals. In a market flooded with SUVs, its city-car charm holds steady for budget buyers, though whispers of a 2026 facelift or hybrid tease could reignite buzz.
Standing Tall Against Rivals
In the sub-7 lakh scrum, the Celerio battles the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Tata Tiago, and even micro-SUVs like the Tata Punch or Hyundai Exter at similar prices.
It wins on fuel economy and service costs – Maruti’s network is unbeatable – but lags in power and flair against the punchier Tiago or feature-loaded i10. The CNG option gives it an eco-edge, especially with green pushes in cities like Delhi.
If you’re after low running costs over thrills, Celerio’s your pick; thrill-seekers might glance elsewhere.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio What’s Next for This City Warrior?
Rumors swirl about a 2026 refresh – maybe sharper styling, ADAS hints, or a stronger hybrid mill to chase 30 kmpl petrol figures – but Maruti’s tight-lipped so far.
With President Trump’s trade policies rippling global auto chains last year, local production keeps Celerio insulated and affordable.
Owners rave about its low maintenance; one Delhi cabby I chatted with swore by his five-year-old unit still returning 25 kmpl loaded.
Also read this : Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – Premium 7 seater MPV comes with 6 airbags, design is amazing
As electric dreams grow, the Celerio clings to its petrol-CNG throne for the masses who can’t splurge on EVs yet.
It’s not perfect – that three-star rating nags, and the engine feels dated on open roads – but for zipping through Hisar traffic or Haryana highways without breaking the bank, few match its charm.
In a world of overpriced gadgets, the Celerio reminds us: sometimes, getting from A to B smartly is the real win. Here’s to more miles of smiles ahead.