Fuel ‘ecomaster’ in its element

 

photos by Tessa R. Salazar

Lie low, but set the bar high. That’s how Japanese automaker Suzuki projects itself. It has not wavered in this stance.

Globally, Suzuki has been among the most “silent” and unassuming of Japanese automakers. Yet, despite the absence of noisy hype, the brand has been consistently successful in the bottom line over the years, sticking to what it knows best—small cars and small-to-medium 4x4s.

It has also been confident enough to share its technologies with other automakers.

Auto expert Tony Lewin shared that the Nissan Pixo is, in fact, a Suzuki Alto, built in India by Maruti Suzuki, and an exact twin of the Maruti A-Star.

Deep down, the European Opel/Vauxhaul Agila is a Suzuki Splash, made by Suzuki in Hungary.

Following its global character, Suzuki in the Philippines has been quietly enjoying considerable sales successes with its practical 4×4 Jimny, fuel-miser vehicles Alto and Celerio, its relatively premium compact version Swift, and its multipurpose APV.

Suzuki models’ overall dependability and simpatico design have, over the years, gained its own loyal followers, composed mostly of practical-minded motorists who make a fuss out of their vehicles’ fuel economy and the everyday costs of owning/operating a car.

Loyal followers would, inevitably, gravitate toward each other, then form a car club, just like with the Team Celerio.

Many members of the team chose the Celerio for its value-for-money proposition (such as its CVT transmission for its A/T variant, and safety features like dual airbags and antilock brake system, or ABS).

Some members also did the math, confidently claiming that the cost of owning a Celerio turns out to be better than with its competitors.

Recently, this author was able to find out for herself these standard-setting qualities of the Celerio, when she was given the keys to one for a weekend spin.

These were what she found out about the Celerio, up close and behind the wheel:

1. For just P542,000, the Suzuki Celerio CVT generously packages a CVT system, dual airbags, ABS, and other features usually reserved for more expensive vehicles.
2. The 1.0-liter, three-cylinder DOHC 12V Celerio lives up to its reputation as a fuel-efficient subcompact, based on the fuel mileage readings we got on various road conditions.

The best fuel mileage was

30 km/L on the South Luzon Expressway.

3. Plus points for the nonleather seats, a more humane alternative to leather seats, and which make the interior of the Celerio more adaptable to extremes of the tropical climate.
4. The dashboard, climate control, and audio entertainment clusters are well-organized and understandable in one glance.

The Celerio could do with more cupholders, though, particularly at the front door panels and for the rear passengers.

At least, though, the Celerio seat configuration is a versatile 60:40 split-fold.

5. The front and rear legrooms are sufficient for adult Asians. The rear compartment also offers generous space.

Suzuki Philippines proudly posted on its website that the Celerio feels like an “extra large small car” when it comes to interior space and comfort.

6. On the exterior, the Celerio design exudes that “European” look, and is solidly built, with clean, conservative yet streamlined lines.

The sharp front mask with expansive character lines flow into a rear profile designed for aerodynamics that work to create a stylish silhouette.

7. The suspension is firm, yet gentle, which is remarkable for a vehicle its size.
8. For its clean, streamlined exterior, we give the Celerio an 8 of 10.

For its performance, we give it a 9 of 10 for fuel economy without holding back on power even with just a 1-liter engine.

For its interior amenities, we give it an 8 of 10. Overall, the Celerio gets an overall rating of 8.5 of 10.