The Suzuki Celerio is the Japanese small carmaker’s entry into the local subcompact hatch segment. Suzuki touts the Celerio as a hatch that’s “head and shoulders above the rest.”
Outside, it has a simple and straightforward design. You get a sharp front grille flanked by headlamps and fog lamps on each side. It also has fender-mounted turn signals, body-color door handles, and taillights with integrated turn signals at the rear.
The same vibe can be seen inside the Celerio with an interior that leans toward practicality. Amid the abundance of hard plastic is an analog instrument panel with a tachometer, a seven-inch multimedia touchscreen panel, and a manual air-conditioner.
Powering the Celerio is Suzuki’s 1.0-liter K10B gasoline engine which can be mated to either a five-speed manual tranny or a CVT. This setup makes 67hp and 90Nm of torque.
Safety-wise, the Suzuki Celerio packs four three-point ELR seatbelts, dual airbags, side-impact beams, remote control locks, child-proof rear doors, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), and a reverse sensor.
Suzuki offers the Celerio in two variants: the Celerio M/T-1.0L and the Celerio CVT-1.0L. These subcompacts are priced at P558,000 and P628,000, respectively.
Currently, the Suzuki Celerio competes with a few popular names in the category. Here are a few.
Arguably one of the most common subcompacts in the Philippines, you’d find them almost anywhere and in fact, you might even own one yourself.
The Toyota Wigo offers a snazzier exterior than the Celerio. Its more modern design features a honeycomb grille paired with projector halogen headlamps and foglamps. At the rear are LED combination lamps with a rear spoiler and a high-mount stop lamp.
A "Sport Kit” can be purchased as an additional add-on to enhance the Wigo’s appeals which adds a sporty front spoiler, side skirt, rear skirt, a two-tone rear spoiler, “TRD S” decals, and “TRD S” badges.
Inside is an LCD-type A/C panel and a seven-inch touchscreen audio panel.
The Toyota Wigo is equipped with a 1.0 VVT-i engine that can be mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. It makes 65hp and 89Nm of torque.
In terms of safety, the Toyota Wigo gets two airbags, ABS, a rear sensor, a rear camera, a dashcam, anti-theft programs, and wireless door locks.
Toyota is offering the Wigo in four trims including the Wigo 1.0 VVT-i E M/T priced at P568,000, Wigo 1.0 VVT-i G M/T for P623,000, the Wigo 1.0 VVT-i G A/T for P658,000, and the Wigo 1.0 TRD S AT priced at P700,000.
The Kia Picanto is also a good alternative for those looking for a stylish subcompact city car.
At the front is the South Korean carmaker’s iconic tiger-nose grille together with two projector headlamps and a two-part foglamp. The side profile is similar to the aforementioned cars with body-color door handles and 14-inch wheels. At the rear is a spoiler with a third brake lamp and two taillamps and rear foglamps.
Inside the spacious cabin is an analog instrument panel with a 2.6-inch mono-LCD screen and a seven-inch infotainment system.
The Kia Picanto can be had in two engine options: a 1.0-liter Kappa MPI engine or a more powerful 1.2-liter Kappa MPI mill. The former produces 66hp with 95Nm of torque while the former offers 82hp with 122Nm of torque.
To ensure the safety of its occupants, the Kia Picanto is equipped with ABS, a reverse camera, and a suite of airbags.
It’s currently offered in four variants: the Picanto 1.0 LX MT, the Picanto 1.0 LX AT, the Picanto 1.2 EX MT, and the Picanto 1.2 EX AT. These Kia subcompacts are priced at P590,000, P635,000, P700,000, and P745,000, respectively.
Last on the list is the Chevrolet Spark, it offers a more modern take on a subcompact’s exterior with a somewhat smiling front grille with plenty of chrome accents. The Spark is fitted with projector headlamps with DRL. Halogen taillamps accompany the high-mount stop lamp integrated at the rear spoiler.
Inside you get a seven-inch infotainment system and an instrument cluster with analog gauges.
The Chevrolet Spark is powered by a 1.4-liter mated to a five-speed manual tranny or a CVT. Together, the powertrain setup makes 98hp and 128Nm of torque.
When it comes to safety, it offers a slew of airbags, side-door impact beams, ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist.
Chevrolet Philippines is offering the Spark in three variants including the Spark 1.4-liter CVT Premier, the Spark LT 1.4-liter CVT, and the Spark LT 1.4-liter MT. Prices start at P649,888.
Photos from Suzuki, Toyota, Kia, Chevrolet
Also read:
Toyota Corolla Cross vs. other compact crossovers in the same price range
Hyundai Veloster vs. other compact sports vehicles in the same price point
The Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, and other options in the same price point
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