When you talk about small cars in India, one name that comes up again and again is the 2026 Maruti Celerio. The new version of this hatchback has finally hit the Indian market, and it’s making a lot of noise for all the right reasons. The headlining figure here is a superb 35km/kg CNG mileage, something that makes this car a serious choice for daily commuters, small families and budget buyers. But there is more to this car than just numbers on paper. The 2026 Maruti Celerio combines practicality with a refreshed design, smart features that you actually use every day, and price points that make sense in a world where fuel costs are always on the rise.
| Model | 2026 Maruti Celerio |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0L Petrol / CNG |
| Mileage (CNG) | Up to 35 km/kg |
| Transmission | Manual & AMT |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol & CNG |
| Expected Price | ₹5.5 Lakh – ₹7.5 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
A Closer Look at the 2026 Maruti Celerio Exterior
At first glance, the 2026 Maruti Celerio looks like a car that knows exactly what it is. The front end has been sculpted with a slightly more refined grille and fresh headlamp design, giving it a look that balances simplicity with modern style. You won’t mistake this for a high-end luxury vehicle, but that’s not the point here. The design is purposeful, practical and ideally suited for the Indian road. It understands that Indian buyers want neat looks without unnecessary frills.
The profile of the 2026 Maruti Celerio is compact and urban-ready. There’s a smooth line that runs from the front to the rear, and the doors open wide enough for easy access. The windows are large, giving you good visibility in traffic. This is a car that feels comfortable in tight spaces, whether you are squeezing into a busy parking lot or navigating narrow lanes.
Out back, the tail lamps have a new shape that feels modern and cohesive with the rest of the car’s design. The rear bumper is strong and simple. It looks like it was made to take everyday knocks and scrapes without drama. What stands out most is not any single detail, but rather how the overall look of the 2026 Maruti Celerio is quietly confident and ready for real life.
Step Inside: Interior Comfort and Everyday Practicality
Sit inside the 2026 Maruti Celerio, and the first thing you notice is that everything feels sensible and easy to reach. This is not a cabin filled with complicated buttons or overwhelming gadgets. Instead, Maruti has gone for a clean layout that welcomes you. The dashboard is smartly laid out, and there’s a dual-tone color theme that makes the interior feel lighter and more spacious than it actually is.
The seats are well cushioned and comfortable for city drives as well as longer journeys. Indian families who have spent years squeezing into tight cars will appreciate the fact that even tall passengers can sit comfortably in the front and rear. There’s enough legroom and headroom to prevent that cramped feeling that some hatchbacks are known for.
One of the nicest parts about the interior of the 2026 Maruti Celerio is that the cabin feels airy. The windows are big and let in plenty of light, and this contributes to a feeling of space that makes drives feel less claustrophobic. Storage spaces are cleverly placed, with door pockets, a decent glove box, and cup holders that feel like they were put where you actually need them.
Smart Features That Matter
The 2026 Maruti Celerio doesn’t try to overwhelm you with tech that looks impressive only on paper. Instead, it gives you features that you actually use every day. The touchscreen infotainment system supports smartphone connectivity, and pairing your device is simple and quick. Navigation, music and calls are all handled through a screen that responds well to touch and gives clear visuals.
What sets this interior apart from many others in the same price range is that the 2026 Maruti Celerio doesn’t feel like it’s missing out. Steering-mounted controls help you manage audio and phone functions without taking your eyes off the road. The automatic climate control keeps cabin temperatures pleasant even in hot weather. Features like keyless entry and push-button start, once reserved for pricier cars, now feel right at home here.
The 2026 Maruti Celerio also comes with power windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, and rear parking sensors. These may sound basic, but when you use them every day, you realise how good they are to have.
Engine Performance: Balanced and Reliable
Under the hood, the 2026 Maruti Celerio sticks with a tried-and-tested 1.0-litre engine that delivers a smooth and dependable performance. In petrol mode, it offers enough power for city traffic and steady cruising on highways. What really steals the show, though, is the CNG-equipped version, which returns up to 35km/kg CNG mileage. That number isn’t just good on paper— it translates to real savings when you’re driving this car every day.
The engine is smooth and refined, and even in heavy traffic the 2026 Maruti Celerio feels calm and composed. There’s no sense of strain when you step on the gas, and gear changes are light and intuitive. For city drivers who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, this calmness is a huge plus.
Transmission Choices: Manual and AMT
One of the best things about the 2026 Maruti Celerio is that it caters to different kinds of drivers. Manual transmission is smooth and precise, ideal for those who enjoy being in control. The gear lever moves with ease, and shifts are light even in slow traffic.
If you prefer something easier, the automatic AMT version is a solid choice. It takes the stress out of busy roads where you are constantly stopping and starting. The AMT system in the 2026 Maruti Celerio may not be a dual-clutch setup, but it gets the job done with smooth transitions and decent responsiveness. For many city-dwellers, this is the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency.
Mileage That Changes Ownership Economics
The best talking point for the 2026 Maruti Celerio is, without doubt, its 35km/kg CNG mileage. In a country where fuel costs often make up a large part of your monthly budget, this level of efficiency can feel almost revolutionary. Think about it: when your car can return 35km per kg of CNG, your running costs go down dramatically. For families, this means more money stays in the bank. For cab drivers and delivery partners, this means a clear advantage over other vehicles.
Even in petrol mode, the 2026 Maruti Celerio offers mileage figures that are hard to beat. But when you switch to CNG and hit that 35km/kg mark, it feels like you are driving one of the most economical cars in India today.
Ride and Handling: Built for Indian Roads
The moment you take the 2026 Maruti Celerio out on the road, you realize it understands the Indian driving environment. The suspension is tuned to absorb everyday bumps and potholes without jarring the occupants. You glide over rough patches and speed breakers without feeling every bump.
Steering is light and responsive, making tight U-turns and parking in congested areas surprisingly easy. Indian city roads can be unpredictable, but the 2026 Maruti Celerio remains composed and predictable. On highways, the car feels stable at moderate speeds. It’s not built for racing, but if you want a reliable companion for weekend getaways and highway cruising, it holds its own.
Safety Features: Confidence on the Road
While the 2026 Maruti Celerio is primarily a budget hatchback, it doesn’t ignore safety. Dual front airbags come as standard, giving you peace of mind whether you’re driving in peak traffic or cruising on an open road. ABS with EBD ensures that your braking remains stable and controlled during sudden stops. Seatbelt reminders help ensure that you and your passengers buckle up every time.
Rear parking sensors make life easier in tight spots. The build quality of the car feels robust, which adds to the confidence while driving.
Pricing and Variants: Making Sense for Every Buyer
One of the most attractive aspects of the 2026 Maruti Celerio is its pricing. Expected to be in the range of ₹5.5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the car comes across as a value-packed offering in its segment. This price bracket makes it accessible to first-time car buyers, young professionals, and families alike.
Maruti Suzuki has offered multiple variants, ensuring that buyers can select what fits their budget and needs. The base petrol manual variant is the most affordable, ideal for those who want a reliable car without too many frills. The CNG variants are perfect for people who focus on long-term savings and low running costs. The AMT variants appeal to those who prefer convenience and ease of driving in urban traffic.
Ownership Experience and Maintenance
Owning a 2026 Maruti Celerio is likely to be a low-stress experience. Maruti Suzuki has one of the largest service networks in India, meaning servicing and spare parts are available even in smaller towns. The cost of regular maintenance is reasonable, and service intervals are spaced such that you don’t find yourself in the workshop often.
Insurance costs for a car like the 2026 Maruti Celerio are also competitive. Resale value tends to stay strong because Maruti cars are always in demand in the used car market.
Competition in the Segment
The small car segment in India is crowded, with competitors from Tata, Hyundai, Renault and more. Yet the 2026 Maruti Celerio holds its own because it ticks the boxes that matter most to Indian buyers: affordability, efficient performance, low maintenance, and a trusted brand name. While rivals may offer certain features that look good on spec sheets, the overall ownership experience and fuel efficiency of the 2026 Maruti Celerio give it a clear edge.
Why the 2026 Maruti Celerio Is a Smart Buy
If you are looking for a car that makes sense for everyday life, the 2026 Maruti Celerio deserves serious consideration. It’s not about flashy gimmicks or flashy looks. It’s about giving you something that makes daily travel easier and cheaper. It’s about reliability and ease of use. And most importantly, it’s about giving buyers a sense of confidence that they made a smart purchase.
Owning a car should make your life less stressful, not more complicated. The 2026 Maruti Celerio does exactly that. It brings the kind of efficiency and practicality that resonates with millions of Indians.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Maruti Celerio
What is the expected mileage of the 2026 Maruti Celerio?
The 2026 Maruti Celerio is expected to deliver up to 35km/kg CNG mileage, which is among the best in its class and a major factor for budget-minded buyers.
What are the key features of the 2026 Maruti Celerio?
The 2026 Maruti Celerio offers a practical interior, smart features such as touchscreen infotainment, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and safety systems like dual airbags and ABS, all while delivering excellent fuel efficiency.