It's been five years since Suzuki launched the Ciaz in the Philippines. The Ciaz is Suzuki's contender against the Vios, City, and Accent, but has yet to receive a facelift or an update. It could certainly use one right about now because a lot of its competitors are new generation models already.
Well, it looks like we will be getting our wish soon as Suzuki Thailand recently revealed the 2021 Ciaz. First launched in India back in mid-2018, the B-segment sedan was originally scheduled to debut in The Land of Smiles sometime in 2020. But due to the pandemic, its ASEAN launch had to be rescheduled.
So what difference does it has over the Indian-spec Ciaz? Not much since it heavily resembles the one revealed in India nearly 3 years ago. It gets a bolder-looking front grille, restyled upswept headlights, larger foglight bezels, and sleek LED daytime running lights. The rear also gets a subtle update with its new LED taillight clusters and rear foglight bezels.
Other notable changes Suzuki made on the 2021 Ciaz include bigger 16-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, and additional chrome trim. For those that prefer a sportier-looking Ciaz, there's the RS model which comes with a bespoke body kit, along with a rear spoiler with integrated 3rd brake light.
If the exterior received noticeable changes, Suzuki kept the interior of the 2021 Ciaz pretty much the same. It still has a three-spoke steering wheel with media controls, a dark gray interior finish, automatic climate control (for high-grade variants), and optional leather upholstery. What's new, however, are the updated instrument panel and multi-info display, an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear A/C vents (plus 12V power socket) for the rear passengers.
Under the hood, gone is the 1.4-liter K14B engine. Replacing it is the slightly smaller 1.2-liter K12B. Despite being smaller than the previous engine, the new motor actually makes 91 PS, just 1 PS less than the old 1.4. Torque, on the other hand, is rated at 118 Nm which is 12 Nm less than the previous engine. Also gone is the four-speed automatic transmission as it now makes use of a CVT. A five-speed manual is also available on lesser variants.
In terms of safety features, the 2021 Ciaz has plenty available. It gets anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, dual airbags, reverse camera, parking sensors, and an immobilizer.
With Thailand now having the 2021 Suzuki Ciaz, it may be only a matter of time before it makes its way to the Philippines. After all, Suzuki Philippines does source the Ciaz from The Land of Smiles. But does it mean we will also be getting the sedan with a smaller 1.2-liter engine? In Thailand it makes sense because of their tax laws regarding eco cars with small engines.
We'll find out once we get more info regarding the sedan's eventual arrival in the Philippines.
