- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Suzuki Celerio Hatchback. Compact city car
The Suzuki Celerio is a subcompact city hatchback produced by Suzuki Motor (Japan). It has been produced since 2008. The second generation was released in 2014, followed by the third generation presented in 2021. In some markets, the first generation is known as the Alto or A-Star, and the actual history of the model does not include this generation, which was produced from 2008 to 2013. The Alto is a tiny model in Japan, where ultra-small size is popular and supported by the government via tax breaks and parking concessions in such crowded cities as the monstrously crowded Tokyo. Released in 2021, the newest Celerio is available in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The car will not be on sale in Europe.
The first generation
Since 2014, the Suzuki Celerio has been a global model. The European version of the 5-door city hatchback premiered at the Geneva Motor Show, and sales began in the second half of 2014. The first Celerio was based on the A: Wind concept car (autumn of 2013), from which the production model inherited the platform and body contours. Despite a significantly simplified front end, the car was generally well-received by the buyers. The subcompact car was 3,600 mm long, 1,600 mm wide and 1,560 mm high. The wheelbase reached 2,425 mm. Note that the hatchback offered a high ground clearance of 165 mm. The car was ergonomic and well-equipped, suitable for 5 people. The trunk volume was also pretty decent: 254 liters or 726 liters with the rear seats folded down.
The first generation Suzuki Celerio was equipped with 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engines producing 68 hp. There were two engine versions: K10B and K10C (more fuel-efficient with the ‘Start-Stop’ function). Depending on the market, the car was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, a 5-speed robotic gearbox or a variator. The car was based on a front-wheel drive platform with a MacPherson strut front independent suspension. All the wheels had disc brakes, while the front ones were ventilated. The entry-level version featured 2 airbags, alloy wheels, fabric interior, a multimedia system with a touchscreen display, ABS, EBD and ESP systems, hill start assist, as well as tire pressure monitoring sensors. In 2017, the car was slightly restyled, acquiring a new radiator grille and bumpers. The interior received new finishing materials.
The second generation
In November 2021, the new Suzuki Celerio was presented on its main market, in India. Now the hatchback is built on the lightweight HEARTECT platform, which makes the newcomer similar to the S-Presso, Wagon R and Ignis. The length of the car has practically not changed and is 3,695 mm. The hatchback has become 5 mm lower (1,555 mm) and 55 mm wider (1,655 mm). The wheelbase has grown by 10 mm to 2,435 mm. Trunk volume has also grown from 235 liters to 313 liters. The expensive versions now have 15-inch wheels (the previous generation offered 14-inch wheels, regardless of the trim level).
The 2021 Suzuki Celerio boasts a new, ‘rounder’ exterior style, as it has virtually no sharp edges, the bumpers and grille are smooth and softly contoured. The interior is also new. The car features a multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen. The basic equipment includes two airbags. The expensive version has an engine start button.
The hatchback comes with a 1.0-liter K10C Dualjet engine, which is a redesigned K10B engine with two injectors, VVT, etc. The unit produces 67 hp and 89 Nm instead of the previous 68 hp and 90 Nm, but still works in tandem with a 5-speed manual transmission or robotic gearbox. Moreover, the new Celerio has a ‘Start-Stop’ system and Hill-Start Assist (the latter is provided for cars with a robotic gearbox). The car has a semi-independent rear suspension and drum rear brakes.
