Maruti Ciaz Rumoured To Be Discontinued! No New Rival To VW Virtus, Honda City

In a not-so-shocking news, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is rumoured to face the axe soon. Industry insiders say that the Ciaz sedan is likely to be discontinued by April 2025 and there will be no replacement coming in over the next few years. Maruti Suzuki has rubbished the notion for now and hasn’t made any public statement regarding the car. 

The Ciaz has been around for over a decade as Maruti’s sole offering in the midsize sedan segment, competing with the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia. Sold via the Nexa dealerships, it is positioned as one of the more premium vehicles wearing the Suzuki badge, sitting between the Fronx and the Grand Vitara.

However, the Ciaz hasn’t seen as many midlife updates as other Maruti Suzuki models over the years and there have been rumours about its discontinuation for years. The Ciaz, however, continued to sell as Maruti’s most premium sedan offering in India. 

Ciaz to be discontinued: But why?

Based on a report from Autocar India, it is said that the Ciaz has been suffering from low sales lately in the wake of lower demand for sedans. The midsize sedan segment sales peaked in 2017-18 before settling for a steady decline over the years, with just a 10 per cent share in the Indian passenger vehicle market in 2024 compared to the 50 per cent share of SUVs.

Amidst the declining sedan sales, brands like Volkswagen, Skoda and Hyundai have put in more effort to introduce new models with cutting-edge features and more refined cabin experiences. The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia dominate the midsize sedan segment, with the Hyundai Verna and Honda City trailing. The Ciaz feels dated in comparison to its competition despite Maruti updating the carbon equipment list annually. The decade-old ergonomics and design tend to force buyers to gravitate towards newer models. 

Will there be a new-gen Ciaz?

That said, the dated equipment list and design allowed Maruti Suzuki to play the price card. The Ciaz Sigma variant (base trim) comes with a price tag of INR 9.4 lakh ex-showroom, significantly undercutting the entry-level models of the Verna, Virtus and Slavia. Maruti’s fuel-efficient petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system and a long wheelbase allowing for greater rear legroom and large boot space are other appealing factors. 

As a result, the Ciaz remains a favourite among buyers seeking a value-for-money sedan.

The Ciaz has also become a top choice for government employees seeking a reliable, spacious and comfortable backseat experience. 

However, if the rumours are to be believed, Maruti isn’t interested in replacing the Ciaz with a new model. Sedan sales are declining and with a rising interest in SUVs, Maruti is said to put all its focus on more premium offerings like the Grand Vitara, Fronx, Jimny and the upcoming e Vitara. If the Coupe SUV trend catches on, maybe Maruti could plan something in the future to take on the Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt.

For now though, the Ciaz isn’t getting a replacement.

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