Rumour: Maruti ends SX4 production; Ciaz launch soon

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSIL), India's largest automaker in terms of sales, is rumoured to have ended production of the SX4 sedan. This move has been taken since the company wants to make way for the production of its replacement, the upcoming Ciaz sedan.

According to a report by Financial Express, the Ciaz has completed its trial production at the Manesar plant. Larger and wider than the SX4, it offers a lot more in terms of comfort and premium feel than the outgoing car. The Ciaz is likely to be available with a choice of two engines - 1.4-litre, K-Series petrol and 1.3-litre, DDiS diesel, both taken from the Ertiga MUV.

The report also says that Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch the Ciaz in the July-September quarter of 2014.

Launched in 2007, the SX4 was initially available with only a 1.6-litre, 105 PS  petrol engine. Over the years, a CNG version and a 1.3-litre, 90 PS diesel powered variant were added. It was the most expensive car manufactured by Maruti in India. Over the past few years, the car has seen a steady decline in sales. Competitors like the Hyundai Verna and Honda City have consistently outsold the Maruti by massive margins.