Maruti phases out SX4, Ciaz to roll out next month

India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India has officially pulled the plug on its mid-size sedan SX4 to make way for its new car, Ciaz, due next month.

The SX4 was launched in 2007 and was the company's first attempt at breaking away from the image of a small car maker. According to data furnished by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, production of the car was stopped in June. Despite an attractive price tag, host of features and the availability of petrol, diesel and CNG variants, the car could not compete well with existing segment leaders Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

When contacted, the company spokesperson said the car continues to be available for sale at its dealerships but refused to answer queries on the production schedule. 'All we can say is the car continues to be available in the showrooms,' the spokesperson said without elaborating further.

However, at least a third of the company's dealerships in Delhi however told HT that they have run out of stock for the car and are not accepting any bookings.

The Ciaz was showcased at the Indian Auto Expo in February and is built on a larger platform and will be more spacious than the SX4.