Maruti Suzuki introduced a new midsize family hatchback, the Celerio at 2014 Auto Expo. The automaker has been averaging 1000 bookings of the vehicle everyday with 14,000 bookings received yet. Out of these 51% is for the newly launched AMT variant. The AMT version is available in two trims – VXi and LXi. Mr. R.C. Bhargava, Chairman at Maruti Suzuki India Limited said that unprecedented response with to the automatic version may lead to waiting period, as the automaker may have to face issues with importing large number of automatic versions. It might be noted that it will be only next year, when Maruti Suzuki India Limited will be commencing AMT’s local production.
The all-new Maruti Suzuki Celerio is propelled by a re-tuned version of K10 petrol 3-cylinder 1.0 liter powerplant, which is also found on A-Star, Alto K10, WagonR, Estilo and now Celerio. The engine has been redesigned in favor for higher fuel economy and superior performance. Besides automatic version, the automaker is also providing the vehicle with traditional 5-speed transmission. The Celerio has ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 23.1km/l for both automatic and manual versions. In addition to Maruti, other automakers such as Tata are also planning to launch this transmission in their vehicles. Tata recently announced that AMT (automated manual transmission) would be available in Nano, forthcoming Zest and future vehicles. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has now reportedly asked its dealers to push Celerio manual gearbox versions more than Celerio AMT versions.
