Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL 5MT - Video Review

 

 

It’s not often that you can decide on a budget and then walk into a dealership and have the choice of three different models, offering similar specifications, off their floor. With Suzuki, you have that choice. For just shy of R140 000 you can have the choice of either a Swift, Splash or Celerio model. It seems like a weird way to do business, by offering a competitive vehicle on the same floor of a model you’re trying to push.

The Suzuki Celerio is the one that can be considered their entry level model. It has the smallest motor of the lot but that doesn’t mean that it lacks character. In fact, I found the Celerio to be one of the most fun little runabouts I’ve driven in a long time.
The three-cylinder 1.0-litre motor may only develop 50kW and 90Nm torque but it feels considerably more peppy than those figures would suggest. This can be attributed to the lightweight body that comes in at only 835kg, giving it a manageable power to weight ratio. Add a little off-beat three-cylinder engine note to the mix and you are left with a car that is actually quite fun to drive with respectable dynamics for a car of its size and weight.

This lightweight hasn’t hampered the safety of the vehicle and while you can’t expect to get a full-house compliment of safety features, your basic needs and requirements are covered. There’s ABS and dual airbags for the front occupants as well as the mandatory three-point seatbelt appointment. The Celerio was awarded a three-star Euro NCAP rating but scored maximum points in the side impact test.

One can’t mention the Celerio without mentioning the fuel consumption figures. Suzuki has managed to create one of the most frugal petrol motor I have ever driven and even with a bout of spirited driving, average consumption figures never rose above the 6-litres/100km mark.

The interior is never going to win any awards but at this price point I was once again impressed with the overall build quality and finish of the plastics. One cannot expect yards of cow-hid in a car this cheap but the over-all touch wasn’t unpleasant. For your money you’re going to get a multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity for the audio system. The layout is pleasant and air conditioning is standard on the GL model we tested.

While taller human specimens may find the interior a little tight, I was once again surprised by the legroom and headspace in the cabin up front – the rear suffers a little. Boot space is not at a premium here but the Celerio was never meant to take a family of four ‘cross country.

Exterior styling may be regarded as overly conservative and a little lacklustre but a clever choice of colour can quickly remedy this. This may be the singular point that defines the buyers choice, whether it is the Celerio of the slightly more exciting Splash offering.

The Celerio GL is offered with a 3-year / 100 000km warranty and a 2-year / 30 000km service plan, a service plan which is not offered on the entry level GA model, to save a few additional rands. Recommended retail price for the Suzuki Celerio GL Manual is R135 900.