2009 Suzuki Celerio: Fashionably Economical

MANILA, Philippines - During its first Auto-Moto Show dubbed as “Harmony in Motion” last June, Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH) emphasized its status as the country’s first integrated automobile and motorcycle company. Unlike its competitors, SPH imports, assembles and markets its motorcycle and automotive products under one company.

Case in point is the new 2009 Suzuki Celerio, which SPH describes as a “couture compact car”. This five-door subcompact sedan was introduced along with the Suzuki big bike models, the Hayabusa 1300, the GSX-R1000 and the Gladius 650. SPH pointed out the sporty Suzuki DNA that is inherent in all its product lines.

This new Suzuki can be considered as an international collaboration since this Japanese car boasts of European design features throughout its exterior and interior while its assembly for the Asian market was undertaken by Maruti in India. Of course, mix in the Filipino marketing savvy, and the Celerio’s international pedigree is complete.

The Celerio caters to a young sporty market with its aerodynamic design that SPH describes as a “boy-racer look”. With its svelte dimensions, this youthful subcompact is perfect for the close confines of urban traffic while its 1.0-liter 12-valve three-cylinder Euro 3 K10B gasoline engine, which produces 68hp at 6,000rpm and mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, is in tune with the fuel consumption and global warming concerns of today.

It continues its sporty feel inside with a dashboard-mounted tachometer, which bolsters its links to its big bike brethren, sporty steering wheel and ergonomic bucket seats. A six-speaker audio system belies the Celerio’s econocar origins as does its safety features: dual front airbags, side door impact beams, and anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist.

“The Celerio fits right in between the Alto and the Swift. If you’re looking for a truly affordable economy car, there’s the Alto while if you want a fast and sporty hatchback, there’s the Swift. But if you’re a college student or if you’re a young, married couple, then the Celerio is right for you,” said Arvie Fugoso, SPH assistant manager for automobile marketing.

The Suzuki Celerio with five-speed manual transmission is priced at P528,000 while four-speed automatic transmission comes at P569,00 and is available in Arctic White Pearl Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Desert Brown Metallic, Fortune Rose Petal Metallic, and Paradise Blue Pearl Metallic.