Pak Suzuki Ciaz vs Maruti Ciaz

Pak Suzuki launched the Ciaz sedan in Pakistan as a CBU import back in February 2017 marking their comeback in the sedan segment after the miserable demise of Liana. Although it was claimed that the Ciaz had smashed its critics straight after its launch, but even after more than a year the Ciaz struggles to leave the showroom floors.

Related: Is this the Right Time to Buy Suzuki Ciaz?

There are a couple of reasons attributed towards the Ciaz being unable to attract the buyers in our market, despite being a Suzuki badged product. First is the fact that Ciaz missed out more than a dozen features found in international versions, it looked as if it was a bare version specifically made to be sold in Pakistan.

Second was the price factor. While the introductory price of Suzuki Ciaz was set at PKR 16.99 lac for the manual and PKR 18.39 lac for the automatic version, which was considered higher even at the time of its launch, courtesy the missing features. However just after a month the prices were increased, with the manual being PKR 18.59 and automatic available for PKR 19.99 lac. And with a price tag this high, people never considered it as a viable option.

Related:  2018 Suzuki Ciaz Facelift Launched in India at INR 8.19 lac

Interestingly, the Ciaz is an amazingly successful product on the other side of the border. It has created continuous troubles for its rivals, particularly the Honda City. Just recently the Ciaz has received a mid-life facelift as the car now comes with loads of improvements over its predecessor and expected to maintain the dominance of Suzuki (Maruti) in the segment.

There is literally no comparison between the Ciaz sold in Pakistan versus the one sold in India. However just to highlight, why a car that’s so much popular across the border isn’t doing well here in Pakistan.

Here are a few things to know:

The 2018 Maruti Ciaz facelift boasts a number of improvements over the pre-facelift model, however the Pak Suzuki Ciaz doesn’t even match up to the specs of the pre-facelift models sold internationally. Highlights of the missing features in Pak Suzuki Ciaz are:

• No multi-function steering wheel
• No engine start/ stop feature
• No automatic climate control
• No in-dash multimedia system
• No GPS navigation
• No dual tone interior
• No reversing camera
• No rear parking sensors
• No auto-fold side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• No auto day/night rear view mirror
• No sunroof
• No rear AC vents
• No alloy wheels
• No fog lamps

All the above listed equipment is available with Suzuki Ciaz sold in international markets including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, ASEAN, South Africa and even the Jamaica.

Compared to this, let’s see how the 2018 Ciaz facelift has to offer in terms of features & equipment. These include:

• New & more powerful K15 engine
• Mild hybrid SHVS system
• Auto idle
• Regenerative braking
• Electronic torque assist
• Revised exterior with LED DRLs
• Improved multi-tone interior
• Multi-information TFT display
• Cruise control
• Voice command recognition
• ESP (electronic stability program)
• Hill-hold function
• 16″ alloy wheels

Related: Why 2018 Suzuki Ciaz Facelift is Better than Before

These features come in addition to the ones already available in the pre facelift models including airbags, ABS & EBD, multi-function steering wheel, climate control, rear AC vents, sunroof, multimedia system with GPS navigation, engine start/ stop function, keyless entry, reversing camera with parking sensors, seatbelt reminders, tilt adjustable steering, auto-fold mirrors with integrated turn signals, and auto day/night rear view mirrors etc.

Now comes the most important aspect, the price. The under-spec Pak Suzuki Ciaz is available for PKR 18.59 for manual and PKR 19.99 for automatic variant, bear in mind specs & equipment offered with both the variants remain same. On the other hand Maruti Ciaz which is available in both petrol & diesel engines, is priced between INR 8.19 lac and INR 10.57 lac for petrol variants & INR 9.19 lac and INR 10.97 lac for diesel variants.

It is imperative to mention that even the base model Ciaz facelift across the border offers much more than what Pak Suzuki packs with the Ciaz sold in Pakistan. In order to make it a success, Pak Suzuki should bring the price down and must consider launching the Ciaz that’s available elsewhere rather than offering a stripped version specifically made to be slapped on Pakistani consumers.

What is your take on the Ciaz sold by Pak Suzuki? Let us know with your comments.

UsmanAnsari

A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com