The 2nd-generation Suzuki Celerio entry-level car has touched down in South Africaand we headed to Gauteng to drive the newcomer.

Suzuki Auto SA is in an enviable position right now. With a range of value-focused offerings, the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer has tallied up a commendable number of sales over the past two years. In fact, Suzuki has fought its way up the national new-vehicle sales charts to rank as the 3rd best-selling brand in South Africa last month (February 2022).

With the evergreen Swift and well-thought-out Vitara Brezza commanding most of the sales, attention turns to the entry-level segment of the market. Enter the Celerio, now in its second generation.

What’s changed?

A lot actually. The new Celerio adopts the same HEARTECT platform as the one that underpinsthe Swift compact hatchback. The outgoing model was truly a diminutivecar, but this new model is longer, wider, and features a larger load bay, with a claimed capacity of 295 litres.

There are two trim levels, both of which is powered by a 49 kW/89 Nm 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT). In terms of expected fuel efficiency, Suzuki claims its new Celerio’s average consumption is4.2 L/100 km (for the AMT derivative), with the manual version being a touch thirstier at 4.4 L/100 km.

Inside, the cabin looks reasonably fresh and the trim materials appear substantial andhard-wearing. There’s a nice reassuring feel about the interior –at first glance, nothing looks cheap,nasty or flimsy.

Standard equipment?

The new Suzuki Celerio is available in two grades: GA and GL

Celerio GA

14-inch steel wheels

Audio controls on the steering wheel

Info display with fuel consumption

Air conditioner

Rear parking sensors

Engine start stop

ISOfix child-seat anchor points

Immobiliser

Celerio GL

15-inch alloy wheels

Body-coloured door handles and mirrors

Front fog lamps

Electric mirrors front + rear

Multifunctionsteering wheel

Rev counter

Remote central locking

7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity

USB port

The Suzuki Celerio has the basics covered as far as safety is concerned, with 2airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and an electronic stability programme, the latter being a welcome addition to the segment.

What is it like to drive?

You’d think that a peak output of 49 kW would be woefully inadequate inthe cut and thrust of Gauteng traffic… Don’t forget, the thinner air on the Highveldcauses a 17% power reduction in naturally-aspirated engines. Yes, we drove a car that had effectively had around 41 kW on tap – surely that’s a record for the lowest power output in cars that are currently on sale in the new-vehicle market?

And yet, thanks toclever packaging that limits the 2nd-gen Celerio’skerb weight to just 805 kg, Suzuki’s entry-level hatchback can, in actual fact,keep up with traffic. The newcomer’s power-to-weight ratio is commendable, with Suzuki claiming segment honours here.

Suffice to say, the Celerio feels a lot more sprightly than you mayexpect. While it does run out of grunt once you’re travelling at triple-digit speeds, which, to be fair, is to be expected given the 1.0-litre’s modest outputs, the Suzuki never feels like it’s struggling. You will be working that gearbox hard to get the most out of the powertrain at highway speeds, but thankfully,the shifter has a light,easy action.

Manufacturers’ fuel economy claims for their models are often very optimistic; as a consequence, most of their statedfigures are near-impossible to match in real-world driving conditions. However, in our experience, Suzuki models can be nearlyas light on gas as their maker claims.This newcomer is no different…Despite some frenetic driving in urban areas, the Celerio 1.0 GL manual we drove indicated a figure of 5.2 L/100 km!This figure should drop into the 4s without too much effort. In a time whenthe petrol price is rocketing upwards, the arrival of a truly cheap-to-run city car is certainly welcome.

We came away impressed with the newcomer’s on-road refinement too. The 3-cylinder engine admittedly makes itself heard when you rev it hard, but, for the most part, the cabin is sufficiently quiet and reasonably well insulated from road- and wind noise. On our launch route, the plump15-inch tyres fitted toour test unit’s alloys worked hard to absorb the undulations of some awfulstretches of tarmac.

As for the ride and handling balance, we’d like to point out that Suzuki has given its Celerio 170 mm of ground clearance, which makes the Japanese hatchback quite adept atclambering onto pavements and dealing with those types of potholes that bear a closer resemblance to pits than cavities. What this generous ride height doesn’t do, however, is facilitate sharp and direct handling…The Celerio’s body rollsmore than necessary due to the highercentre of gravity. It’s not a deal-breaker, but be prepared should you need to execute a swerve. There’s a solid and reassuring feel to the steering setup, though.

But what we appreciated most about the Celerio was that it didn’t feel like a cheap car to drive. The lower end of the passenger-vehicle market is littered with vehicles that look cheap, feel cheap and have poorly composed road manners and very vague handling. Most budget-oriented cars also offer very little refinement; most carcompanies would rather fit a fancy touchscreen than sound-deadening material!

How much does the new Suzuki Celerio cost in South Africa?

All prices include VAT. Every derivative comes with Suzuki’s 5-year/200000 km mechanical warranty, 5 years’roadside assistance, as well as a 6-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty. GL versions also come with a 2-year/30000 km service plan.

Summary

Has Suzuki Auto SA launched another winner…or has its compact car line-up become too convoluted? We’d answer yes on both counts. There’s no doubt that the new Celerio brings some upmarket feel to a segment that’s awash with mediocre models, but its pricing positionsit too close to an already accomplished offering from Suzuki:the Swift. Even Suzuki SA’s staff will tell you, the answer is always Swift!

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