Just like it did with the Ignis and the Eeco earlier this year, Maruti Suzuki has made the Celerio and the Celerio X safer and costlier. Both now feature an enhanced list of safety gizmos as standard. They have gained ABS, rear parking sensors, speed alert system and front passenger-side seatbelt reminder. Prior to this update, which makes them compliant with the newly enforced car safety norms, they had an airbag and seatbelt reminder for the driver’s side.

How has the addition of more safety features impacted the price? Depending on the variant chosen, it will cost between Rs 6,000 and Rs 15,000 more than before. The revised price list for the Celerio and the CelerioX ranges from Rs 4.31-5.48 lakh and Rs 4.80-5.57 lakh, respectively. (All prices are ex-showroom Delhi).

It is worth noting that safety features like front seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiter and a front passenger-side airbag are reserved for the optional trims of the Celerio and the CelerioX. Features like front fog lamps, height-adjustable driver’s seat and anti-theft system are available with only the range-topping Zxi (O) trim.

Mechanically, both Celerio derivatives remain unchanged. They house a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine which produces 68PS/90Nm and comes mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or an AMT (automated manual transmission). The Celerio, however, is also available with a factory-fitted CNG kit. When in use, the engine produces 59PS/78Nm. The CNG variant comes is available with the aforementioned manual transmission only. Mileage figures: 23.1kmpl (petrol) and 31.76km/kg (CNG).

As far as competition is concerned, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio locks horns with the likes of the Tata Tiago, Datsun Go and the Renault Kwid. Out of the lot, which one would you purchase? Let us know in the comments below.