Giving good value for money

A SLOTTED chrome grille with Suzuki’s “S” badge in the center and projector headlights dominate the Ciaz’s fascia.

My experience with test-driving Suzuki automobiles (the Alto, APV, Celerio, Ertiga, Grand Vitara, Jimny, Kizashi, Swiftand SX4) is that somehow, each model has a frisky element.

I liked the Ertiga in particular. The Ertiga is supposed to be a humble and affordable multipurpose vehicle like the Toyota Avanza, but it was actually engaging to drive with its K14 engine.

So when the Suzuki Ciaz subcompact sedan was launched last month, I looked forward to getting my hands on the wheel—especially since the Ciaz has the new, upgraded version of Suzuki’s 1.4-liter K-Series gasoline engine.

Although the 4-cylinder, twin cam, 16-valve K14B engine with VVT (variable valve timing) produces only 90 horsepower and 130 Newton-meters max torque through a 4-speed automatic transmission in the top-end GLX variant, the Ciaz is quite frisky for its size.

A fairly large hood, four-slot chrome grille with Suzuki’s “S” badge in the center, projector headlights, 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, sharp creases on the sides and some chrome trim give the Ciaz a safe and inoffensive yet attractive road presence.

Low and sleek

The exterior design of the Ciaz is long, low and sleek, perhaps Suzuki’s most aerodynamic car, very different from the macho and upright stance of the SX4.

THE CIAZ looks upscale from the left side/rear, what with large combination taillights and the iconic “S” badge at the center.

Bigger than the Honda City and larger in every direction than the SX4, the Ciaz is 4,490 millimeters in overall length, 1,730 mm wide, and has a 2,650-mm wheelbase.

But its curb weight is only 1,040 kilograms, which translates into a competitive power to weight ratio. In fact, the Ciaz weighs 160 kg less than the smaller SX4.

Suzuki claims that the Ciaz sprints from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 11.7 seconds, which isn’t bad for a subcompact with a 1.4-liter engine and a 4-speed A/T.

The K14B engine is refined and smooth even when you rev it to 150 km per hour, although it gets rather noisy getting there.

THE ENGINE is a new, upgraded version of the K14 motor found in the Ertiga.

The steering is vague and disconnected, unlike the sharp and direct handling of other Suzuki cars like the Swift and the Kizashi, which lets you tackle corners quickly and confidently.

Stability

But for a family sedan, the Ciaz offers good enough straight line stability and composure around bends, albeit with acceptable understeer and body roll.

The ride quality at low speeds on city streets is extremely comfy, gliding over uneven surfaces but bouncy at high speeds over bumps. The ground clearance of the Ciaz is higher than its competitors at 160 mm.

The brakes, ventilated discs in front and drums at the rear, lack sharp bite. But hey, this is not a high performance car that requires extra strong brakes.

THE TRUNK offers 495 liters of cargo space.

The compliant suspension (MacPherson strut with coil spring in front, torsion beam with coil spring at the rear) is tuned more for comfort rather than sport, and the biggest beneficiaries of this are the back seat passengers who get class-leading legroom and shoulder room.

In the top-end GLX, the leather seats are big and comfortable with ample thigh and shoulder support up front.

Best seat

In the back, the flat floor (due to an almost flat transmission tunnel), aircon vents and comfortably angled backrests plus generous foot and legroom make the rear seat the best seat in the house.

Moreover, a decent amount of headroom is liberated for rear seat passengers by the Ciaz’s roofline, which does not swoop down like other subcompact sedans.

IN THE cockpit, a multifunction steering wheel, large leather seats and an Android touchscreen

The cabin of the Ciaz has a neat layout and generous space with chrome surrounds giving an upmarket look, but not plush.

The dash top has a nice soft touch; materials used and overall workmanship are excellent.

The central screen on the instrument panel includes an odometer, speedo, digital clock, trip meter and fuel consumption gauge.

Android unit

The GLX is equipped with a multimedia integrated audio unit with an Android touchscreen and Bluetooth and USB connectivity and preloaded applications like YouTube, Gmail, Facebook and Waze. Audio and hands-free connectivity control switches are stacked on the left side of the steering wheel and need to be pulled, unlike buttons which are pushed.

THE CIAZ’s back seat leads the subcompact class in terms of comfort and space.

The cabin of the Ciaz is better insulated from outside noise than its major rival.

The trunk, which can be closed with an electromagnetic latch, offers 495 liters of cargo room which cannot be expanded because the rear seat backrests are not foldable.

Probably to make the Ciaz more affordable in the Philippines (P888,000 for the GLX A/T, P773,000 for the GL A/T and P738,00 for the GL M/T), Suzuki excluded some safety features that are standard in other Asian markets.

Proximity key

The Ciaz offered in the local market has dual front airbags, antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, seatbelts, childproof door locks, engine immobilizer and keyless remote control entry system with pushbutton start/stop and proximity key system in the GLX.

Unfortunately, none of the variants has a rear parking camera, not even rear parking sensors in the top-of-the-line GLX.

Just the same, the lasting impression you get from the Ciaz is that it is an extremely comfortable, refined and spacious family sedan, attractively styled, affordably priced and digitally well-connected.

The Ciaz may not be very exciting to drive, but it does have a bit of understated friskiness.  In that sense, the Ciaz is a true Suzuki and gives good value for money.