Suzuki CELERIO

Most super subcompacts offer lightweight bodies and peppy engines. However, their three-box shapes make them seem more like aerodynamic bricks, making them less fuel efficient, somewhat ugly and making them less environment friendly.

Suzuki knows that the global trend towards super compact, fuel efficient and space saving cars is increasing further by the day, and offers a new solution to that growing need – the new Suzuki Celerio.

The Celerio veers away from the box-on-wheels look of its Alto forebear, toting a fashionable yet aerodynamic boy-racer look. The new body shape promotes better fuel consumption because of the potential for less drag due to a wedge-shaped profile and a steeply raked windshield. A boldly shaped grille adds to an already impressive front fascia, and complementing the look even more are large halogen multi-reflector headlights and foglights.

The cabin sports a classy finish, with generous use of various materials in a two-tone grey approach. A sporty yet functional dashboard layout enables the driver to have confidence during spirited driving. The rev counter has its own housing near the leftmost aircon vent to highlight further the sporty insides. Fabric bucket seats offer a comfortable ride, and keeps occupants firmly planted on their backsides during lateral motion. The cargo area has the ability to swallow two to three medium sized travel bags, and the rear seats split fold 50/50 to swallow larger items.

Suzuki’s experience in making peppy but fuel parsimonious straight three cylinder petrol engines – as seen in the Suzuki Alto - also translates to the Celerio. The naturally aspirated 1.0L 12-valve three cylinder gasoline scoots around town with ease, and its small dimensions helps shave off unsprung weight that can result in increased fuel consumption. When mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed gate type automatic transmission, attaining its 68 horsepower and 90 NM power stats is done quick and easy, and the exhaust puts out Euro 3-rated emissions as well.

Normally super subcompacts compacts offer harsh ride comfort, but the Celerio makes sure that all occupants won’t feel like their backsides are constantly assaulted by multiple fists during trips. A MacPherson strut setup for the front and a three-link rigid suspension for the rear provide great ride comfort, helped immensely by 14-inch rims and 155/65R14 tires. Shedding speed also isn’t a problem, as discs for the front wheels and drums for the rear wheels - plus ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution or EBD – provide decent deceleration. In case of an accident, dual front airbags and side impact beams ensure that all passengers are protected in a safe cocoon.

The couture-inspired body, a newfound balance between spirited driving and fuel efficiency, and ergonomics befitting its class make the Suzuki Celerio – whether it’s the P 528,000 five-speed m/t or the P 569,000 four-speed a/t - exude an eco-friendly urban style.

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