End of an era: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz production stops
Maruti Suzuki India has confirmed that it has stopped production of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki India, confirmed this. The Ciaz was launched back in 2014, to compete with the Honda City and other mid-size sedans in India, including the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid, and Nissan Sunny. While the Ciaz is now being phased out, the nameplate might return in the future but there is no official confirmation yet.
Launched in 2014, the Ciaz quickly gained popularity for its roomy interiors, impressive fuel efficiency, and affordability. One of its biggest strengths was the comfort it offered, along with best-in-class cabin space, making it a preferred option for families and those who relied on chauffeurs. At its peak, the Ciaz was a strong contender in the mid-size sedan segment, playing a crucial role in Maruti Suzuki’s sales performance between 2017 and 2018. However, even after receiving a facelift in 2018, the model struggled to maintain its early momentum, with sales steadily declining over time.
Now that production of the Ciaz has ended, Maruti Suzuki is unlikely to revisit this segment in the near future. Instead, the company is shifting its focus toward expanding its SUV lineup and investing in hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
Reasons for Discontinuation
Over the years, Ciaz sales witnessed a sharp drop. By the fiscal year 2024-25, sales had plummeted by 34% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the Indian car market saw a major shift, with SUVs dominating consumer preferences due to their superior road presence, higher ground clearance, and rugged appeal.
Another challenge for the Ciaz was its inability to keep up with evolving design trends and modern technology. Rivals such as the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia offered more advanced features, making it harder for the Ciaz to compete effectively. Ultimately, these factors contributed to Maruti Suzuki’s decision to retire the model.
