On June 26, 2025, Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Cervo, a new entry-level hatchback designed specifically for price-conscious urban and small-family buyers in India. Starting at just ₹2.80 lakh (ex-showroom), it aims to shake up the segment with its compact design, impressive mileage, and wallet-friendly positioning.
Design & Exterior Styling
A Fresh Urban Look
The Cervo breaks away from the traditional utilitarian design of older budget models. It features a sporty, youthful exterior with sharp headlamps, a bold grille, and clean bumper styling. Smooth body lines and a sloping roof add modern flair, while its compact footprint ensures easy maneuverability in city traffic.
Rear Design
At the back, the Cervo continues its sleek look with stylish tail lamps, a short overhang, and a tapered roofline—tailored for those tight parking spots common in urban settings.
Compact Yet Spacious Cabin
Inside, the cabin has a clean, no-frills layout with practical controls. Though it lacks premium materials, the space can comfortably seat four adults—a commendable feat for such a compact vehicle.
Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics
Under the Hood
Powering the Cervo is a 1.0‑litre, 3‑cylinder petrol engine delivering approximately 67–70 bhp, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Urban Performance
This engine is tuned for smooth, everyday driving. While it’s not built for sporty thrills, it offers responsive pick-up in traffic—thanks in part to the car’s lightweight build.
Ride & Handling
The suspension setup (McPherson struts up front, torsion beam at the rear) provides a balanced, comfortable ride over city potholes and speed breakers. Light steering and a tight turning radius make urban navigation and parking easy.
Fuel Efficiency
Claimed Mileage
Maruti boasts of a 35 kmpl mileage figure—one of the highest for petrol hatchbacks in India
Real‑World Efficiency
Drivers should realistically expect 28–30 kmpl under normal city/highway usage. Even this range is strong, offering significant savings on daily commutes, especially for middle-class families.
Onboard Features & Technology
For starters, the Cervo keeps things simple—delivering just the essentials at a low price:
Comfort & Control
Manual air conditioning, power steering, front power windows, and a digital odometer.
Audio System
A basic music setup with USB/AUX support.
Safety
Includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and front-disc/rear-drum brakes. Higher trims also feature central locking.
While it doesn’t include modern luxuries like a touchscreen infotainment system or automatic transmission, what it offers aligns well with its value-focused intent.
Variant and Pricing Strategy
Maruti positions the Cervo near the bottom of the price ladder:
Trims Available
- LX (base): barebones, safety essentials
- VXi (mid): adds power windows and audio support
- ZXi (top): includes central locking and cosmetic upgrades.
Price Band
Ranging from ₹2.80 lakh for the LX to around ₹3.50 lakh for the ZXi (all ex-showroom). This range puts the Cervo in direct competition with models like the Renault Kwid, Maruti Alto, and Datsun Redi-Go.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Cervo is a thoughtfully designed response to the needs of new car buyers, students, and small families in India. With its ₹2.80 lakh base price, excellent mileage, and Maruti’s trusted reliability and service network, it offers strong value in today’s highly competitive segment.
Q1 : Will a CNG version be offered?
A = Currently, only petrol variants are available. A CNG option may be introduced later.
Q2 : Is there an automatic transmission option?
A = Not at present—only the 5-speed manual is available .
Q3 : Is the Cervo suitable for highway or long drives?
A = It’s best suited for city commuting and short trips. For long-distance comfort and higher-speed stability, larger cars are more appropriate.