Maruti Suzuki launched the ZXi+ variant of the Ciaz with an automatic transmission starting at INR 10.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Earlier, only the VXi+ and the ZXi variants were equipped with an automatic transmission. The ZXi+ and the ZDi+ took over as the top end variants for the petrol and diesel engines respectively when they were introduced in January last year.
Features that differentiate the ZXi+ variant from the ZXi variant on the inside include the addition of a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that helps during navigation, acts as a screen for the reverse parking camera and supports voice commands. The seats and the steering wheel are now covered in leather. For the exteriors, the only change the Ciaz receives is the 16 inch alloy wheels that replace the 15 inch steel & alloy wheels on the lower variants apart from 195 section tyres instead of the conventional 185 section tyres.
Also read: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1.3 diesel / 1.4 petrol review : Supersized Sensibility
Powering the ZXi+ is the conventional 1.4-litre, K-Series, petrol engine, also seen on the Ertiga, which produces 95 PS of power and 130 Nm of torque. This engine was mated to a 5 speed manual transmission but is now reported to receive the automatic gearbox as well.
The Ciaz turned out to be a successful product for the company after it recorded 60,000 customers in 10 months after it was launched. The car is currently available with a petrol and diesel engine mated to a 5 speed manual transmission with the former also coming with a 4 speed AT option. The AT option though, only being available with the higher end but not on the top end variant.
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz ZXi+ AT is now available for a price tag of INR 10.19 lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi), which makes its more expensive than the Ciaz ZXi+ by INR 1.13 lakhs. Rivals to the Ciaz ZXi+ will include Volkswagen Vento, the Skoda Rapid Hyundai Verna and the Honda City.