Suzuki Celerio vs. the competition

The Suzuki Celerio has been known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. As a subcompact car, the Celerio offers a comfortable ride and a range of features that make it a suitable option for both urban commuting and long drives.

Powering this hatchback is a 1.0-liter Dualjet engine that churns out 67 horsepower (hp) and 89 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. This engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or an Auto Gear Shift, depending on the variant.

Inside, the Celerio is equipped with a 6.2-inch touchscreen display with Weblink 2.0, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The car has a 295-liter luggage capacity and 60:40 split folding rear seats that allow additional storage room for larger objects.

Pricing for the Celerio ranges from P708,000 up to P754,000.

With its impressive features and budget-friendly price, the Celerio is perfect for first-time car buyers and young professionals, however, in a highly competitive automotive market, it is essential to examine the key competitors that challenge the Celerio's market dominance.

Let's explore the top three competitors of the Suzuki Celerio — the Toyota Wigo, the Honda Brio, and the Mitsubishi Mirage.

Toyota Wigo

The Toyota Wigo is one of the most popular subcompact cars in the local market today. It is known for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and reliable performance. It offers a comfortable interior, modern infotainment system, and excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for city driving.

Power comes from a 1.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 66 hp and 89 Nm of torque. The Wigo comes in five-speed manual and continuously variable transmission (CVT) variants.

Driving convenience is guaranteed by adjustable seats, keyless entry, eight-inch infotainment display, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, cup holders, bottle holders, and back camera and sonar.

The Wigo is available in three variants, with the prices starting at P609,000 to P729,000.

Honda Brio

The Honda Brio is another formidable opponent of the Suzuki Celerio in the local market. With its sleek design and reputation for reliability, the Brio has carved out its own space in the subcompact car segment.

Under the hood, the Brio comes with a 1.2-liter engine that delivers 88 hp and 119 Nm of torque. This powertrain clearly delivers more power compared to the aforementioned hatchback models.

The Brio’s base variant gets a five-speed manual transmission, while the other variants come with a CVT.

Inside the Brio, you will find a well-designed cabin that prioritizes comfort and convenience. It is equipped with a seven-inch capacitive infotainment touchscreen display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. The top-of-the-line RS variant is designed with black fabric seats with red accents for a sporty vibe.

The Brio comes in four variants, with prices ranging from P735,000 to P863,000.

Mitsubishi Mirage

When it comes to subcompact cars, the Mitsubishi Mirage is often mentioned alongside the Suzuki Celerio. These two models share similarities in terms of size and price range, making them direct competitors in the Philippine market.

The Mirage is powered by a 1.2-liter MIVEC engine that delivers 76 hp and 100 Nm of pulling power. It offers good fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commutes. This hatchback is also available in five-speed manual and CVT variants.

Inside, the Mirage is equipped with a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Mirror Link. Its cabin is ergonomically designed for both driver and passenger comfort, offering ample headroom and legroom for up to five adults.

The Mirage is priced P711,000-P772,000.

Verdict

In the battle of subcompact cars, the Suzuki Celerio faces tough competition from the likes of the Toyota Wigo, Honda Brio, and Mitsubishi Mirage. Each model brings its own set of strengths and weaknesses to the table, catering to different needs and preferences.

Ultimately, the choice between these hatchbacks will depend on individual priorities, whether it is fuel efficiency, performance, or budget. The Suzuki Celerio may have some tough rivals, but it continues to hold its own with its practicality and value for money.

Photos from Roy Robles, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated, Toyota Motor Philippines, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation

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