Small cars with big-vehicle toys: Suzuki Celerio vs. Toyota Wigo

Mini-subcompact cars are growing up. They're combining features once exclusive to larger and pricier vehicles with small-car hallmarks such as stellar fuel-efficiency and an easy-to-drive nature.  

An example of a small car with big-car aspirations is the all-new, third-generation Celerio, which is Suzuki's latest entry to the A-segment market. For some time, this market has been the sole domain of Toyota and  its little Wigo — (yes, and even the Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback)  

Suzuki is quick to boast the 2022 Celerio's fuel consumption rating of 28kpl. That number comes from a three-cylinder one-liter engine (67hp, 89Nm of torque), which is helped by an engine auto start/stop function. What was once the reserve of upscale vehicles, the Celerio's start/stop shuts off the engine when the car is at a standstill, eliminating excess idling and fuel consumption. The engine switches on again when it's time to get going. 

Aside from the start/stop, another novel feature of the 2022 Celerio's Dualjet engine is, well, found in its name. The Dualjet consists of two fuel injectors per cylinder in order to create a finer mist of fuel for combustion. 

And apart from a five-speed manual, the Celerio's engine can also be paired with what Suzuki calls Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission. With AGS, the Celerio driver has a choice of letting the transmission do the shifting, or doing the gear shifting themselves but without using a clutch pedal. 

As for the 2022 Wigo, it's powered by a three-cylinder inline engine that generates 65hp and 89Nm of peak torque. Being a mini-hatchback, the Wigo should be able to return budget-friendly fuel-economy numbers. In terms of transmission choices, the Wigo gets a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. 

Safety is also expected by buyers of A-segment vehicles, and here, the Celerio and Wigo once again pack the safety equipment from higher vehicle segments. 

Inside the Celerio lies the Heartect chassis which, Suzuki claims,  absorbs impact energy in case of a collision. The Celerio's front end is designed to withstand pedestrian collision. The car is also equipped with big-car safety kitting such as hill-hold function and stability control. Dual airbags and reversing sensors are included. 

The Wigo is also equipped with reversing sensors as well as a reversing camera. Ensuring more security on the road is the dashboard camera the Wigo can be equipped with. Two airbags and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants also come with the Wigo. 

In terms of equipment, the 2022 Celerio and 2022 Wigo can almost make a small-car buyer feel that they've acquired an upscale car for an economy vehicle budget. The Celerio is fitted with a 6.2-inch infotainment screen with phone mirroring through WebLink, while the Wigo's touchscreen allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A push-start ignition further pushes the Wigo's big-car projection. 

These features — along with the two hatchbacks' manual aircon, four speakers, and power windows — can be found in surprisingly spacious cabins. The Celerio, in particular, offers 60:40 split folding rear seats to expand the 295-liter trunk capacity. The Wigo's rear bench folds as a single piece. 

So, the 2022 Celerio and Wigo may be small cars, but they're big in terms of what they offer. The spec sheets of the top-of-the-line Celerio (GL AGS) and Wigo (TRD-S AT) show the ingredients of these small hatchbacks. 

Photos from Suzuki Philippines Inc., Toyota Motor Philippines, and Kent Flores