Globally the automobile sector is shifting towards the crossovers, but there is still room for sedans and hatchbacks. When we talk about small and entry-level vehicles, we can’t forget about the Suzuki brand. Suzuki Celerio, an “A” segment hatchback, is one such model which is also available in Pakistan known as Suzuki Cultus. The Pakistani domestic model of Celerio is the 2nd generation, although it arrived in Pakistan in April 2017, while in the overseas market, it was introduced in 2014.
After 7 years of life, a replacement model was due, and Suzuki India [ Maruti Suzuki ] was developing it for over a year. At last, the third generation of Celerio launched a few days ago. As this new model will replace the Celerio in other markets besides India, we can expect that we might see the same model renamed Cultus sometime in the future. Let’s go over what’s new in the generation.
Footprint
The new model underpins an all-new platform/ chassis and known as HEARTECT. This is the foundation for many other Suzuki models like Swift, Ertiga, S-Presso. The 3rd generation Celerio is increased in almost all dimensions comparing the previous model. The new model is 3695mm in length,1655mm wide, 1555mm high, while the wheelbase is 2435mm. It means, the new model is longer by 95mm, wider by 55mm, higher by 15mm, and has an increased wheelbase of 10mm. The new Celerio has a ground clearance of 170mm, which is approximately 5mm more than in the past. According to Suzuki, the new model has optimized the interior space and cargo utility.
Exterior
The new model goes with a revolutionary approach, and its an all-new on the exterior. The new model has a more round profile than the previous generation, which had a boxy exterior. At the front, big round halogen headlights with a new front grille, cross chrome strip, Suzuki logo, fog lamps and a new bumper are available. On the side view, it has rounded wheel arches, the door handles are lift and pull, unlike the previous generation, which had handles.
Depending upon trim level, the side view mirror is also equipped with turn signals. The rear door window size is also enlarged with a single piece, unlike the previous model, which had a fixed glass panel in the door.
Moreover, 15-inch wheels are standard, although base models are with steel wheels with caps as alloys are available on upper trim levels. The rear is revamped as well with newly available LED taillights, which Suzuki calls droplet styled. Furthermore, the car has a new rear hatch design with a new bumper and built-in reflectors.
Interior
Like the exterior, the interior gets an all-new layout. As per Suzuki, the new model has an energetic and spacious cabin. The new dashboard has 4 speakers, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car-Play, factory Navigation and Bluetooth. Lastly, the steering wheel is equipped with audio controls.
The window control and door lock on right-side are now moved from the driver side door under the infotainment screen, which might be little confusing. And push-button start is available depending upon trim level. Meanwhile, a new instrumental cluster is available with an orange lit speedometer and a smaller circular insert with LCD MID, which displays RPM and other driving data, including odometer mileage.
There will be a fabric seats with integrated headrests while 60:40 split rear seats for increased cargo capacity. Meanwhile, driver seat height adjustment is available on top variants. The central console has only new gear shift and cup holders. The climate control remains manual with round twist controls. Except the base model, all variants get power windows with driver-side auto down and the side-view mirrors are also electronically controlled. The car comes with a cargo shelf, and a trunk capacity of 313 Liters, up from 235 litres as in the previous generation. Overall the new model has an improved interior space and utility.
Mechanicals
While the exterior and interior are all-new, the engine displacement remains the same at 998cc. Although the engine is volumetrically similar, the naturally aspirated 3 cylinder engine in the new Celerio is K10C which improves for better efficiency. The upgrades include Dual VVT, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system and an integrated exhaust manifold. The new Celerio generates 65hp and 89NM of torques.
As for the transmission, a 5-speed manual is standard, while like previous generation AGS/ Auto Transmission is also an option in top variants. To improve fuel economy, an idle engine start-stop feature is also available. As per Suzuki, the new Celerio is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the segment, with Up to 26.68 kilometres per litre. The Celerio has McPherson Strut on the front while Torsion beam on the rear suspension. Additionally, power steering comes standard while disc brake is on the front while drums are on the rear wheel.
Safety
When it comes to Safety, Suzuki promised a huge improvement in the new generation. The 5th generation HEARTECT platform uses ultra and advanced high tensile steel. Meanwhile, the new platform design gives an improved crash resistance and uniformly disperses the impact energy. The platform also enhances stiffness and rigidity, reduces noise, vibrations, and harshness, and provides better road handling and comfort.
The other features include, 2 frontal airbags, ABS, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. Furthermore, rear screen defogger, rear parking sensors are also available. And for the first time, the AGS model will also come equipped with Hill Hold Assist.
Pricing:
In India, the Celerio is one of the most popular models and crossed over 600,000 units in sales for the previous generation during its lifetime. Maruti Suzuki is keeping the new model’s pricing very competitive and predicting sales will break all records. In India, the Celerio is offered in 6 variants with the option of a 5-speed manual or the AGS/AMT. The base LX version start at INR 4,99,000/- [ PKR- 1,177,988/- ] while the the top of the line ZXI+ AMT will touch INR 6,94,000/- [ PKR-1,638,324/-].
For Pakistan, it’s too early to say about the next generation of Cultus as Pak Suzuki track history is not that good for model replacements. It is not yet clear whether the Indian spec Celerio will also be produced outside India in other markets like Thailand, where Suzuki sells Celerio and is currently selling the second-generation [ same model as Cultus in Pakistan ]. In other words, we need to wait to know if the new Celerio is a global model or exclusive to India only.
So, what are your thoughts about the new model? Share in the comments.
