MANILA, Philippines - The Suzuki Celerio recently added another accolade to its growing list of awards by being named C! Magazine Mini-compact Car of the Year 2010, at ceremonies held last 18 July 2010.
Recognized in the global automotive scene for its small-car expertise, Suzuki is probably the most successful manufacturer of sub-compact cars with outstanding fuel economy, as embodied in the Suzuki Celerio, with its response to the global trend towards super-compact, fuel-efficient, and space-saving cars. In the local scene, it made its mark for outstanding fuel efficiency by averaging 34.34-km/li during the 2009 Fuel Economy Run of the Department of Energy.
Packaged as a couture compact car for trendy urbanites, the Suzuki Celerio’s wedge-shaped body, aerodynamic lines, sporty and fun boy-racer look all contribute to making this a style icon. At the same time, its 996cc lightweight aluminum engine with multipoint injection ensures both fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. It is able to deliver maximum output of 68hp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 90Nm at 4,800rpm, providing sufficient power for zipping through the metro.
Extensive road testing in Europe during its development phase resulted in coil springs and dampers tuned for optimum handling stability. The Suzuki Celerio driving experience is characterized by linear response, gentle roll movements, good steering feel, and effective shock/vibration absorption. Further contributing to its excellent fuel efficiency is a low drag coefficient of 0.3, the result of excellent aerodynamic design.
Despite its compact proportions, the Suzuki Celerio was designed with ultimate passenger safety in mind. Using Suzuki’s proprietary Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), a strong cabin structure absorbs and disperses impact energy for a high-level of occupant safety. Dual front airbags and energy-absorbing materials provide further protection.
The Suzuki Celerio is also equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA). A tailgate-mounted high-mount stop lamp, 3-point ELR seatbelts for both front and rear seats and side-impact door beams complete its safety features.
Enhancing the Suzuki Celerio’s value proposition is a host of practical features. Electronic power steering, power door locks, front power windows, and keyless entry system are some of the convenience features. Audiophiles will appreciate the integrated audio system with MP3 capability, auxiliary input and 6-speakers. Built-in front foglamps and 14” wheels with full wheel cap add to its sporty and stylish package.
More value-added features include a functional instrument panel that incorporates a dash-mounted tachometer and digital trip meter. A host of storage spaces such as front cup holders and rear door bottle holders, front/rear door pockets accommodate all the necessary driving gear. When needed, the rear seats fold down for additional luggage space.
Not common among one-liter cars, the Suzuki Celerio has a 4-speed automatic transmission variant, in addition to the 5-speed manual transmission model. Trendy color choices include the following options: arctic white pearl metallic, silky silver metallic, desert brown metallic, fortune rose pearl metallic, and paradise blue pearl metallic.
Aside from long-term savings that Suzuki Celerio owners will enjoy via its fuel efficiency, cost of ownership is surprisingly within reach with the manual transmission model priced at P528,000 and the automatic transmission variant at P569,000. The Suzuki Celerio’s award-winning package combined with its affordable price contribute to making this mini-compact car a bestseller in its category.