Suzuki was on a roll in 2014, with a number of new and updated vehicles introduced into the local market, and the trend continues into 2015 with the launch of the new entry-level Suzuki Celerio hatchback. Marketed as an ‘XL Small Car’, the addition of the Celerio tothe Suzuki family has resulted inthe Alto being kicked out of the nest for good.

I attended the launch of the Celerio in Durban this week and had a chance to acquaint myself with the newcomer.

Surprising Performance

After a brief product overview at the Empangeni Hotel, we were introduced to a fleet of cute-looking Celerios and proceeded on our launch route, about 95 km north of Durban, to the seaside resort of Blythedale. Apart from highway driving, the Suzuki Celerio had to perform on some poorly maintained rural roads, which it did with relative poise and composure.

The Suzuki Celerio is fitted with a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine offering 50 kW of power and 90 Nm of torque. On paper those numbers are small, but in the real world the Celerio holds its own and performs admirably. I was pleasantly surprised with the Celerio’s eager performance on the highway –small cars often get skittish at highway speed, but the Celerio felt confident and keen to push on. The steering, however, did feel a bit light for my liking .

I sampled the 5-speed manual transmission which felt smooth throughout. Suzuki also offers a five-speed automated manual transmission which allows for clutchless gear changes and improved efficiency. A creep function is also part of the package making stop-start traffic situations a breeze. Unfortunately, I was unable to test this transmission on the day, but I did receive mixed reactions from fellow journalists regarding this automatic gear shift transmission. We will hopefully get to the bottom of it when we review the Celerio in the coming weeks.

Suzuki Celerio Features

On the styling front, the Celerio features a chrome grille with broad horizontal bars accented by large headlights. The Celerio also features a ‘Curve-in Curve-Out’ (CICO) design, seen on the flanks and shoulder line of the car.

Two Suzuki Celerio models are on offer, namely the base-spec GA and the full-spec GL model. Both are offered with a five-speed manual transmission, but the automatic gear shift transmission is only available in GL trim. Dual front airbags and ABS are standard fare, which is always welcome and 14-inch wheels can be had in either steel or alloy.

In terms of niceties, the GL model comes equipped with a trip computer, electric windows and exterior mirrors, air-conditioning CD MP3 player, USB /auxiliary ports and mounted audio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel.

Interior space is claimed to be best-in-class and the Suzuki Celerio felt particularly spacious during my brief stint on the rear bench. Suzuki hasn’t skimped on boot space either, which is generous at 235-litres.

In terms of fuel efficiency, Suzuki claims 4.6-litres / 100 km for the automatic gear shift derivative and 4.7-litres / 100 km for the five-speed manual. I easily averaged 5.2-litres / 100 km behind the wheel and I felt I could’ve done better.

Suzuki Celerio Price in South Africa

Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GA MT (no service plan) – R109900

Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GA MT Alloy (no service plan) – R112900

Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL MT – R124900

Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL MT Alloy – R127900

Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL AMT – R135 900

Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL AMT Alloy – R138900

Prices include a two-year/30 000 km service plan.