10 Mar 2015
New Suzuki Celerio Masters Space and Efficiency Challenge
As the latest car to join the growing light car sector in New Zealand, the 5-door Celerio hatchback not only provides additional passenger space and load carrying ability compared to the outgoing Alto and Splash, it is also more economical. Official combined fuel cycle test factory figures show this latest Suzuki is 8.3 per cent more economical than the automatic Alto.
At $15,990 for the 5-speed manual gearbox version and $17,500 for the CVT transmission model, the Celerio GLX is one of the least expensive new cars on the local market and also boasts remarkably low running costs.
Sitting on a 2,425 mm wheelbase, a 65 mm increase on the Alto, the Celerio’s overall length of 3,600 mm is 100 mm more, while the new era high body design lifts overall height by 70 mm.
These larger dimensions have resulted in a useful increase in boot space, front and rear seat legroom and, in particular, headroom. The flattened-end torsion beam suspension has allowed designers to increase boot space to a best in class 245 litres, and a low-opening height for the hatchback improves practicality.
Yet in spite of the increased size of the car, the kerb weight of between 830 kg and 860 kg (depending on specification) is 7.3 per cent less than the out-going model. This is a benefit of the latest technology and more efficient componentry.
During development, Suzuki aimed for a resolution of the contradictory element of retaining interior space within a compact body. By going back to basics in development and reviewing the body structure, engineers succeeded in delivering a roomy and comfortable interior within a compact body.
With a tight turning circle of 4.7 metres, the Celerio is also one of the most maneuverable cars in its class.
The front wheel drive Celerio is powered by the proven Suzuki K10B 998 cm3 four valves per cylinder, all-aluminium engine. This lightweight 3-cylinder motor produces class leading economy and low CO2 emissions.
Changes have been made to the pistons and cylinder head, and the shape of the combustion chamber is optimised. The 3-cylinder configuration is more compact than an equivalent capacity 4-cylinder engine, and the silent timing chain system has a longer life than conventional belt designs.
The K10B features an offset crankshaft for better volumetric efficiency, a new tappet design and valve clearance adjustment frequency is reduced. High grade plastic parts, including the intake manifold, reduce weight and with its light pistons and conrods plus improved engine block stiffness, frictional losses are reduced.
Producing 50 kW of power at 6,000 rpm, the one litre engine’s peak torque of 90 Nm is realised at 3,500 rpm and the flat torque curve is ideal for easy city and urban use. The engine has a relatively high compression ratio of 11.0 to 1 and can operate on either 91 octane or 95-98 octane petrol.
In the independent fuel consumption tests, the manual Celerio averaged 4.7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, 4.1 litre/100 km in the extra-urban (open road) cycle, and 5.8 litres/100 km in the urban cycle.
Emissions were an outstandingly low from the independent test 108 CO2 grams/km in the combined test for the manual version.
Despite its economy price tag, the Celerio is well equipped as standard, with six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, electric power steering, air conditioning, driver’s seat height adjustment, an USB connection, CD tuner, steering wheel controls for the Bluetooth connectivity, rev counter, remote central door locking, five cup holders, electric door mirror control and front and rear electrically operated windows.
Safety also ranks highly, with high strength side impact beams, six air bags and ESP (electronic stability programme). Low NVH noise levels have added to the overall refinement and driving comfort of the car.
Australia’s New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) has awarded four safety stars to Celerio. Unique to Celerios sold in New Zealand and Australia is standard fitment of head-protecting side curtain airbags and seatbelt reminders for both front and second row occupants.
ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh, said, “Side curtain airbags are a vital safety feature - particularly effective in reducing the chance of serious head injury in side impacts.” He said ANCAP was happy to see Suzuki’s positive response to the fitting of curtain airbags.
“Consumers are going to appreciate the many Celerio convenience features,” said Gary Collins, general manager of motor vehicle marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. “For example, the easy-use computer provides instant and average fuel consumption, and there is a handy tank range indicator.”
He said owners would also appreciate the fully lined interior, the wide-opening doors, flat cabin floor and two-third splits folding rear seat and load compartment hook for shopping bags.
Double-click unlocking of doors is an excellent security item and the handy external door handle for the hatchback wins approval. Driver touchpoint controls, including those for ventilation and heating, are solidly built and simple to operate.
Occupant access is easy and high mounting of the gear lever or automatic selector lever aids convenience. Audio controls and readout are not only bold but also mounted high in the centre of the facia for convenience and driver safety.
A blue warning light glows during the fast warm-up period, and the interior courtesy lights have a 15 second delay turn-off for convenience. To prevent battery discharge, the Celerio’s interior lights are automatically cut after 15 minutes.
Gary Collins said the Celerio was the best outright value for money new car in the light car class, providing a level of equipment no other model could offer.
“This super-mini size hatchback is a global A-segment car for Suzuki and its competitive pricing, low maintenance advantage and general refinement are sure to make the Celerio an attractive proposition,” he said.
When the car was launched in India last year, dealers were flooded with 1,000 orders a day, and lengthy waiting lists of several months soon developed.
Celerios for the New Zealand and Australian markets are being sourced from Suzuki’s plant in Thailand which has a reputation for good build quality.