The all-new Celerio checks all the boxes expected of a subcompact hatchback—and then some
By Kenneth M. del Rosario
The all-new Suzuki Celerio checks all the boxes one wants—and expects—in a compact car: it’s easy to maneuver, it’s fuel-efficient, and relatively more affordable. The subcompact hatchback is small and light enough to drive around the city, but big enough to give passengers a generous amount of leg and headroom.
The recently launched Celerio does its peers better with a feature Suzuki calls the Engine Auto Start System. This unique feature shuts off the engine when the vehicle is idle or comes to a stop such as when waiting for the red signal to turn green. The engine automatically starts when driver steps on the gas. With today’s high fuel cost, those precious seconds of saved fuel consumption adds up. This feature also helps limit exhaust emissions and engine noise.
In roads and parking spaces where maneuverability is key—and where it’s not unusual to get stuck in a stop-and-go traffic flow, the Celerio is proving that compact is king.
Small yet incredible
Launched early May, the Celerio is the third iteration of the subcompact, the last of which came out five years ago. Like its predecessors, the all-new Celerio features subtle design that beams vitality, with equal parts cool, cute, and powerful.
“The All-New Celerio has evolved into a compact car that will make people’s lives easier, more convenient, and will allow to express ones personality in an age where diversity is expected,” said Norihide Takei, Suzuki Philippines’s general manager for automobile.
The Celerio is ideal for motorists who want a car that is practical, while at the same time shows off their individuality.
Quick drive to Batangas
In a test drive event late May, motoring reporters got to try driving the Celerio-sly fun car to The Old Grove Farmstead in Batangas, a 75-minute drive from the Suzuki Sucat dealership location. The subcompact delivered on its promise of a powerful performance, thanks to the 1.0-liter K10C DUALJET engine that produces 67 horsepower and 89 Nm of torque.
To prove the Celerio’s 28.25 km/L fuel efficiency rating (as observed by the Automobile Association Philippines), Suzuki asked media participants to join in a contest to see which ones can achieve the best fuel mileage during the drive to Batangas.
Even with driving consistently at the 60 to 70 kph range, with the air condition and sound system turned off, and windows barely open, the car assigned to this writer achieved a little more than 20 km/L. The winning car made it as far as 26 km/L.
This fuel-efficient hatchback comes in 5-Speed manual transmission and Auto Gear Shift (AGS), which is an automated manual transmission featuring Intelligent Shift Control Actuator that automatically operates the shift and clutch to bring convenience to manual driving.
Liquid expression
The All-New Celerio prides itself with a three-dimensionally curved surface with a “liquid expression” which is supposed to resemble a water surface, a deviation from its previous boxy-type body. Together with the rear combination lamps placed on the shoulder lines, the flared rear fenders emphasize wideness and stability. The car also flaunts 15-inch black alloy wheels, which are an inch larger than the previous model.
The eye-catching exterior features uniquely designed vent grilles at the center and sides. It’s also equipped with a 6.2-inch Touchscreen Audio Unit with a clear and responsive anti-Glare Touch screen, Weblink 2.0, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as audio controls on steering wheels.
The Celerio is much roomier than it looks. It had no problem accommodating all the camera equipment at the back, along with another passenger. Without any luggage, the hatchback could comfortably fit five people, including the driver. At front, the driver and passenger do not touch elbows.
Advanced safety features
The body design centers on Suzuki’s TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) concept, resulting in a structure that efficiently absorbs and disperses the energy in the unfortunate event of collision. It comes with Anti-Lock brake system (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to help the driver stay in directional control during sharp turns and wheel slippage.
All safety features worked well during the drive back to Manila where a heavy downpour put the Celerio to the test. Since our route didn’t include any inclined terrain, there was no way for motoring reporters to test the Celerio’s Hill-Hold Control, which is supposed to keep the vehicle from rolling backwards on steep slopes.
It’s a shame that the Celerio does not come in pastel colors, but the all-new Celerio comes in equally exciting Arctic White, Glistening Gray, Fire Red, and Speedy Blue Metallic.
Available in Suzuki Philippines’ 73 auto dealerships nationwide, price for the all-new Celerio starts at P708,000.
