Maruti to launch new clutch-less car at Delhi Auto Expo 2014

Maruti Suzuki is set to launch the Celerio at the 2014 Auto Expo in Greater Noida. The car is reportedly coming in with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The AMT system that allows gears in manual transmission to be changed without having to contend with clutch. Maruti will be the first in India to debut AMT, a technology derived from the famed F1 motorsports arena that is expected to be a turning point in the small-car segment, thereby improving the overall driving experience.

The Celerio will replace both A Star and Estilio, which are being discontinued. The Celerio will sport a 1.0 liter K10 petrol engine mated to a 5 speed transmission while a 2 cylinder 800 cc diesel motor developed in-house is also expected to be seen on board the upcoming Celerio.

The new car is expected to be a slightly more expensive than the regular manually-operated gear cars, but much cheaper than the automatic cars that are priced almost 25 per cent higher. Automatic gears have failed to make an impact in compact cars and hatchbacks due to the price factor.

This segment first Automated Manual Transmission system does away with the cumbersome clutch pedal and thus ensures that driving is less of a hassle, specially in Indian stop/go driving conditions. AMT is also cheaper than conventional automatic gearboxes which will allow the company to price the upcoming Celerio efficiently, while higher fuel efficiency is also one of the added advantages of this system.
The upcoming hatchback was spotted for first time during a photo shoot and while no prices have yet been made known, it will not be long before further details of Celerio or YL7 hatchback, as it is known as on date, will be revealed.