Story and photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
‘DUBSMASH” is now the trendiest video-messaging application as proven by its 20 million users in 192 countries. Thing is, you can download it for free. Also, it allows users to do something that they cannot do with Periscope, Instagram, Snapchat and even Vine.
Similarly, in this country, small cars are also gaining a sizable following. These vehicles, akin to the said hit online app, are popular now, particularly among the young since they’re cute—obviously,
cost-efficient, easy-to-use, require low maintenance and allow you to be creative, especially with their given size and space.
What’s pretty cool about the small car segment of today, or any segment for that matter, is that they are ever-changing and ever-evolving—just like when Suzuki tweaked the Celerio’s engine, made its body bigger and funkier, all of which was recently revealed at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
In fact, during the launch, Suzuki Philippines President Hiroshi Suzuki said they are confident that the 2015 Celerio will set a new benchmark in its class.
“You will all be amazed with the architecture of this model, particularly its best-in-class luggage capacity, superb ease and comfort in driving, and outstanding fuel efficiency. We are confident that this all-new Suzuki Celerio will set a new standard for its kind,” he said.
The all-new Celerio, compared to its predecessor, is 100 millimeter longer, 70 mm taller and its wheelbase is 65 mm longer. With these, it now measures 3,600-mm long, 1,600-mm wide, 1,540-mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,425 mm.Design-wise, the 2015 Celerio’s front is fitted with more edgy-looking headlights, a redesigned grill, a restyled bumper and new fog lamp casing. On its side, the mini-hatch is further defined with more curves and more distinct, sharper lines. On the other end, the 2015 version sports a revamped bumper, larger tail lights with a third brake light and a roof-mounted lip spoiler. Making it stand on all fours are its 14-inch alloy wheels.
Once one steps inside, immediately noticeable is its black interior theme along with silver trims. With the “small on the outside, big on the inside” A+ compact concept, the Celerio builds on its strengths and transcends its limits. With this in mind, the vehicle features spacious legroom and higher headroom compared to the previous model. Plus, it also has a 60:40 seat configuration and 254 liters of luggage capacity.
At its heart is the K10B 1.0-liter engine that delivers an improved 68 ps of power and 90 Nm of torque. It is mated either to a five-speed manual, or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
What’s more is that it comes with safety and security features such as antilock brake system, dual air bags, side impact beams and Suzuki’s patented Total Effective Control Technology design, which integrates a lightweight impact-absorbing body using high-tensile steel.
The 2015 Celerio is available in eight colors: Snow White Pearl, Star Silver Mettalic, Mineral Gray Mettalic, Super Black Pearl, Ablaze Red Pearl, Cerulean Blue, Sunshine Yellow and Raspberry Pink.
The 1.0-L Manual is priced at P507,000, while the 1.0-L CVT is tagged at P542,000. By the looks of it so far, the all-new Celerio is cooler, than say, a Dubsmash remake, well, other than its rad parking it in tight spaces.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes