I still remember the first time I test-drove a Celerio back in 2018—the compact design felt nimble in city traffic, but I always wished for more power during highway overtakes. Well, this year's Celerio Sports model seems to have heard my silent prayers, delivering upgrades that genuinely transform the driving experience. Having followed Maruti Suzuki's evolution closely, I must say these enhancements feel like the brand finally decided to inject some genuine sportiness into their popular hatchback. The timing couldn't be better either, as the automotive world shifts toward more personalized driving experiences.
Just last week, I had the privilege of attending a technical briefing about these upgrades, and the engineers shared some fascinating details. The most significant improvement comes in the form of a 1.2-liter K-series engine that now produces 89 horsepower—that's 12% more power than the previous model. During my test drive through mixed terrain, I immediately noticed the improved throttle response, especially when accelerating from 60 to 100 km/h. The suspension has been retuned with stiffer springs and recalibrated shock absorbers, which provided noticeably better stability during cornering without compromising too much on comfort. What impressed me most was how they managed to incorporate these performance enhancements while maintaining the fuel efficiency that made Celerio famous—the claimed 23.8 km/l in city conditions seems achievable based on my 50-kilometer test drive.
The interior upgrades deserve special mention too. The sport seats with better lateral support make a world of difference during spirited driving, and the new 7-inch touchscreen interface responds much quicker than the previous laggy system. I particularly appreciate the thoughtful addition of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel—a feature I didn't expect in this segment. The cabin noise has been reduced by approximately 15% according to the engineers, and during my highway testing, the difference was palpable, especially at speeds above 80 km/h. These refinements demonstrate that Maruti Suzuki understands today's buyers want both performance and premium features, even in entry-level vehicles.
Interestingly, the development timeline for these upgrades appears to align with Maruti's broader strategic movements. I learned from insiders that the engineering team will enter what they're calling the "Inspire training camp" on February 11th and 12th, before the core team leaves for Qatar on the 13th—likely for final testing and calibration in desert conditions. This international development approach might explain why the new Celerio Sports feels so thoroughly sorted. The Qatar testing probably contributed to the improved cooling system efficiency I observed during extended driving sessions.
From my perspective as an automotive journalist, these upgrades position the Celerio Sports as a serious contender in the hot hatch segment dominated by vehicles like the Hyundai i20 N Line. The pricing strategy—starting at approximately ₹6.45 lakh ex-showroom—creates an attractive value proposition, especially considering the segment-average maintenance costs of around ₹3,200 per service. My only critique would be the slightly firm ride quality at low speeds, but that's a trade-off I'm willing to accept for the improved high-speed stability.
Looking at the broader market context, these enhancements arrive when consumer preferences are shifting toward vehicles that offer both practicality and excitement. The additional 35 Newton-meters of torque makes urban driving noticeably more responsive, while the redesigned front grille and 15-inch alloy wheels give it a visual presence that stands out in crowded parking lots. During my week with the vehicle, I found myself looking for excuses to take the longer, more interesting routes home—something that rarely happens with economy hatchbacks.
The development team deserves credit for listening to customer feedback about the previous model's limitations. The brake system now features larger front discs—240mm compared to the previous 220mm—providing confident stopping power that matches the increased performance capabilities. I tested repeated hard braking from 80 km/h, and the system showed minimal fade, which is impressive for this price point. The electronic stability program has been recalibrated too, intervening less abruptly while still providing essential safety net.
As we move toward more connected vehicles, the Celerio Sports makes a compelling case for itself with the updated SmartPlay Pro system that supports over 45 voice commands. I particularly enjoyed the "Hey Suzuki" voice assistant that understood my navigation requests without frustrating repetitions. The system processed my "find the nearest petrol pump" command in under three seconds during testing—faster than many premium systems I've tried.
Having driven virtually every iteration of the Celerio since its inception, I can confidently say this Sports model represents the most significant upgrade in the model's history. The balanced approach to performance, efficiency, and features creates a package that should appeal to both existing Celerio owners looking to upgrade and new buyers seeking an engaging daily driver. While it may not outperform dedicated sports hatches in outright performance, it delivers about 85% of the fun at nearly half the price—making it what I'd call the smart choice for driving enthusiasts on a budget.
The upcoming training camp and Qatar deployment suggest Maruti Suzuki is taking this launch extremely seriously, and based on my experience with the vehicle, their confidence appears justified. The Celerio Sports manages to retain the practical virtues that made the original successful while adding just enough sporty character to put a smile on your face during the morning commute. It's rare to find a vehicle in this segment that doesn't force you to choose between efficiency and excitement, but the new Celerio Sports comes remarkably close to having it all.
