In the current economic environment, inflation has caused an overall price increase for many products in our lives. Combined with factors like global semiconductor shortage, stringent regulatory norms, fluctuating exchange rates, and rising commodity prices, the situation has become rather challenging for carmakers. While there is always a strong effort by carmakers to offset the increasing costs and reduce prices, after a point, it becomes imperative for them to pass on a portion of the impact through a price hike. With India’s largest carmaker, officially announcing a price hike from January 2023, an industry-wide Maruti Suzuki price hike in the upcoming year seems imminent. If you are planning to bring home a new Maruti car in 2023, we have curated a list of top alternatives to consider in place of best-selling Maruti Cars that are likely to get expensive.
Expected Price Hike For Maruti Suzuki
While there has been no official announcement by Maruti Suzuki India Limited regarding the quantum of price-hike in January 2023, an analysis of the past price-hike trends can give a fair idea of what’s coming.
Owing to an unprecedented rise in input costs, the last price hike undertaken by Maruti Suzuki was in April 2022. The hike saw a weighted average price increase of about 1.3 per cent across the Arena and Nexa portfolios. From the Arena portfolio, the Alto saw a hike of Rs. 5304, while the jump was as high as Rs. 10,192 for the Vitara Brezza. From the Nexa portfolio, Ciaz saw the biggest jump of Rs. 11,693. It is also important to note that quoting a rise in input costs, Maruti had already hiked the price of its cars by about 8.8 per cent from January 2021 to March 2022. The April hike was the last noted hike from the carmaker.
However, this time around, in addition to overall inflation, the carmaker has also cited upcoming regulatory requirements as the reason behind the hike. It is crucial to note that Phase II BS6 norms that call for implementing Real Driving Emission (RDE) norms and even the revised safety standards are set to come into force from April and October 2023, respectively. These changes entail installing additional components that directly translate to a higher production cost, a part of which will be passed on to the consumers in the form of the upcoming hike. Overall, considering upcoming regulatory norms and other inflationary trends, it is likely that Maruti’s overall price hike for January 2023 will be at least around 1.5%, with the actual price difference depending upon each variant.
Car Model | Current Ex-Showroom | Expected Ex-Showroom Price After Hike (1.5%) | Difference in Price |
WagonR | 5,47,500 | 5,55,712 | 8212 |
Baleno | 6,49,000 | 6,58,753 | 9735 |
Dzire | 6,24,000 | 6,33,360 | 9360 |
Brezza | 7,99,000 | 8,10,985 | 11,985 |
Ciaz | 8,99,500 | 9,12,992 | 13,492 |
Alternatives To Popular Maruti Cars
Despite an average hike of 1.3% in April 2022, Maruti Suzuki India Limited emerged as the top carmaker in India, with several models like WagonR, Baleno, Swift, Brezza and Ciaz all emerging as best-sellers. However, with another price hike scheduled for January 2023, these models are about to get even more expensive. So here are worthy alternatives to popular Maruti cars that can help you get a lot more for a lot less.
Pre-Owned Tata Tiago (Alternative to the WagonR)
One of India’s best-selling hatchbacks, the Tata Tiago offers a great package that tastefully blends in good looks, premium features, a peppy engine, and even CNG trim options. Powered by a 1.2-litre engine, the Tiago offers both manual and AMT options. Even in terms of safety, the Tiago offers nothing but the best.
Why you should consider the Pre-Owned Tata Tiago
If you are eying to bring home the WagonR in 2023, then considering a pre-owned Tata Tiago can be a smart move. The Tiago brings in modern looks, projector headlamps, LED DRLs, and premium features such as a cooled glove box, auto AC, digital instrument cluster and much more, all of which the WagonR misses. Even in its pre-facelift look, the Tiago looks rather sporty compared to the WagonR’s boxy appearance.
Even in terms of performance, the Tiago’s 1.2-litre engine offers peppy and powerful performance, even in CNG trims, compared to the WagonR’s 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engines. Other than that, the Tiago’s 4-star safety ratings put other competitors to shame, including the WagonR. Moreover, in its pre-facelift avatar, the Tiago also brings in a power-packed Diesel engine, which the WagonR completely misses. Overall, for an average pre-owned price of Rs. 4.5 to 6.5 Lakh, a pre-owned Tata Tiago offers a value-for-money package with several advantages over the WagonR, which is set to receive a price hike.
Pre-Owned Tata Tiago Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine and 1.0-litre diesel engine
- Transmission: Five-speed manual and five-speed AMT (Petrol Only)
- Mileage: Petrol Manual: 20.09kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 20.09 kmpl, CNG Manual – 26.49 km/kg, Diesel Manual: 27.28 km/l
- Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel and Petrol + CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Pre-Owned Tata Altroz (Alternative to the Baleno)
The gold standard of premium hatchbacks, the Tata Altroz has impressed millions. Evolving per consumer demand, the Altroz offers a choice of three engines; a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission duties are taken care of by either a five-speed manual or a six-speed DCT automatic. With ample premium features onboard, the Altroz is truly the gold standard even in terms of safety, boasting a perfect 5-star.
Why you should consider the Pre-Owned Tata Altroz
If you are eying to bring home the Baleno in 2023, then considering a pre-owned Tata Altroz can be logical and practical. When pitched against the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Altroz offers features like ambient lighting, largest in-segment cooled glove box, an eight-speaker premium audio setup by Harmann, a flat rear floor, and better boot space, making the overall cabin and utility better than the Baleno.
In terms of engine, a pre-owned Altroz can offer a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, both of which the Baleno misses out on. In fact, if you are a diesel lover, then the pre-owned Tata Altroz stands as one of the only few worthy hatchbacks in India still offering a diesel engine. Another aspect that makes the Altroz shine over the Baleno is its impeccable 5-star safety rating, making it the safest hatchback in India. Overall, for a price ranging between Rs. 5.5 to 8 Lakh, a pre-owned Tata Altroz can offer superb value without any price-hikes whatsoever.
Pre-Owned Tata Altroz Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel
- Transmission: Five-speed manual and six-speed DCT automatic (1.2 NA Petrol)
- Mileage: Petrol- Up to 18.53 kmpl and Diesel – 23.03 km/l
- Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Pre-Owned Hyundai Aura (Alternative to the Dzire)
The Dzire rivalling compact sedan, the Hyundai Aura packs in modern looks, ample features, capable powertrain and excellent value-for-money. Available with a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with both manual and automatic gearboxes, the Aura impresses with its exciting driving dynamics and spacious cabin.
Why you should consider the Pre-Owned Hyundai Aura
For those looking to buy the Maruti Suzuki Dzire in 2023, considering the pre-owned Hyundai Aura can be cost-effective. As against the Dzire, the Aura offers several advantages, including a bigger boot space, modern styling, and a bigger touchscreen infotainment system that makes the overall experience more practical.
In terms of engine, with a pre-owned Hyundai Aura, you can enjoy the thrill of driving the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit that packs in a punch of power that the Dzire cannot match. The pre-owned Hyundai Aura can also be brought home in CNG trims, making overall ownership even more affordable. Available for a price between Rs. 6.2 to 8.5 Lakh, a pre-owned Hyundai Aura makes perfect sense, considering Maruti’s upcoming price hike.
Pre-Owned Hyundai Aura Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1-litre turbocharged petrol.
- Transmission: Five-speed manual and AMT Automatic (1.2 NA Petrol)
- Mileage: Petrol Manual: 20.5 km/L, Petrol Automatic: 20.1 km/L and CNG: 28 km/kg
- Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact Sedan
Pre-Owned Tata Nexon (Alternative to the Brezza)
Despite the Brezza’s latest update, the Tata Nexon is still India’s best-selling compact SUV. Packing an elegant yet stylish look, a diverse powertrain, practical and premium features, and top-notch safety, the Nexon is simply magic. Still available with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine alongside the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit, the Nexon impresses both petrol and diesel lovers.
Why you should consider the Pre-Owned Tata Nexon
For those looking to buy the Maruti Suzuki Brezza in 2023, considering the pre-owned Tata Nexon can be the smartest decision. Up against the all-new Brezza, the Nexon offers key advantages such as a larger boot, better safety features, higher ground clearance and impeccable 5-star safety.
Engine-wise as well, the pre-owned Nexon offers a 1.5-litre turbo diesel unit, which the Brezza misses out on. Even in terms of the petrol engine, the Nexon’s smaller 1.2-litre turbo unit outperforms the Brezza’s bigger 1.5-litre petrol unit. With a six-speed AMT on offer, the pre-owned Nexon, in its pre and post-BS6 avatars, offers better value than the Brezza in terms of engine and performance. For a price of Rs. 8 to 12 Lakh, a pre-owned Tata Nexon is a much more practical choice, considering the Brezza’s imminent price hike.
Pre-Owned Tata Nexon Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- Transmission: Six-speed manual and AMT Automatic
- Mileage: Petrol up to 17.5 km/l, Diesel upto 22 km/l
- Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Pre-Owned Honda City 5th Generation (Alternative to the Ciaz)
The queen of the C-segment sedan category for decades, the Honda City 5th Generation is the latest and greatest from the City badging. An amalgamation of sporty and stylish looks, impeccable performance, a host of premium features and a luxurious feel, the Honda City 5th Generation is a head-turner even in its pre-owned avatar. Offered with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel trims, the Honda City 5th Generation is one of the very few BS6 cars that still offer a diesel engine.
Why you should consider the Pre-Owned Honda City 5th Generation
For those looking to buy the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in 2023, considering the pre-owned Honda City 5th Generation can be the best move. Compared to the Ciaz, the Honda City in its 5th generation offers several advantages such as a one-touch electric sunroof, ambient lighting, 8-speaker premium sound setup, bigger touch infotainment, practical storage spaces, and much more.
In terms of the engine, the pre-owned Honda City 5th Generation offers a 1.5 litre iDTEC Diesel engine, which the Ciaz simply misses out on. In the petrol game, the Honda City’s 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol unit is much more powerful than the Ciaz’s 1.2-litre unit. In terms of the automatic transmission, the City also offers a lag-free 7-speed CVT compared to the Ciaz’s 4-speed AT. For a price of Rs. 11 to 15 Lakh, a pre-owned Honda City 5th Generation is a wiser pick than the Ciaz, despite commanding a higher price tag than the Ciaz’s top-end automatic trim.
Pre-Owned Honda City 5th Generation Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel
- Transmission: Six-speed manual and seven-speed CVT (Petrol Only)
- Mileage: Petrol Manual: 17.8kmpl, Petrol CVT: 18.4kmpl and Diesel MT: 24.1kmpl
- Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Sedan
Summary of Maruti Suzuki India Limited Price Hike
With inflationary trends, regulatory norms, and rising input costs driving Maruti Suzuki to hike car prices from January 2023, it is evident that carmakers are under immense financial pressure. With several price hikes taken up every year, buying a new Maruti will surely get pricier in 2023. However, despite rising prices, you can get a lot more for a lot less by choosing pre-owned alternatives to popular Maruti cars. With extra features, better performance, and an affordable price tag, buying a pre-owned car can be smart.
FAQs on Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Price Hike
Q. Will Maruti increase car prices in 2023?
Maruti Suzuki is set to hike the prices of its cars from January 2023. Though the quantum of the model-wise hike is yet to be released, a price hike nonetheless is confirmed.
Q. How much price hike will Maruti undertake in 2023?
While there is no official information about the quantum of the hike, we can expect a hike of at least 1.5% based on previous trends.
Q. Why is Maruti undertaking a price hike?
Besides overall inflation, the carmaker has cited upcoming regulatory requirements as the reason behind the hike.
Q. Which Maruti Cars are likely to get expensive in 2023?
In 2023, cars like the Ciaz, Baleno, Dzire, Brezza and WagonR are all likely to get expensive.
Q. What are the alternatives to popular Maruti Cars?
Alternatives to popular Maruti Cars include the Tata Altroz, Tiago, Honda City 5th Generation, Tata Nexon and others.
