Small now comes in extra large

I am just thinking – if one has to name one brand as the king of small cars, which one would it be? Hmm… You’ve got me one that one! Interesting – let me sleep on it. With the new VW Up in the mix, that is a seriously serious question.

In the interim though, let’s look at one of the many new offerings, the Suzuki Celerio which followed the slightly larger and recently launched, Splash. It replaces the popular Suzuki Alto. Having taken the best of the latter, adding some and improving on other elements, the Celerio is an impressive, as Suzuki has dubbed it – “extra-large small car”.

Look and feel
With it’s distinctly Suzuki front end dominated by a large grill and equally large light clusters and broad bumper, it does represent a larger “look”. The sharp style lines on the bonnet, large air dam beneath the grill and fog lamps creates width
leaving one with a perception of size – as in large – and a car serious about optimum use of space.
The sharpened look escalates to the side view where another prominent style line links front and rear. Short overhangs are always a sign of a stretched body so as to create interior space and comfort. The design of the rear bumper, in my mind, offers masculinity to an otherwise softer overall design. So, design-wise, the Celerio is not that much more exciting than what the Alto used to be, but it does offer a sharper more modern, exterior look.

The interior design and ergonomics synchronise perfectly with intention of the “extra-large small car” dynamics. The front seats are narrow but still very comfortable and in the rear there is plenty of legroom and space to accommodate three average Joe’s. Once one has adjusted the driver’s seat and the steering, you can sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy the Celerio “welcome” – and a pleasant one it certainly it.
The multifunction display is large and clear – controls to the sound system and Bluetooth are on the steering with USB port within easy reach, on the centre console near the gearshift. The interior is uncomplicated with good quality finish and fit and, compared to the Alto, offers 235 litres of luggage space which can be enlarge to 1034 litres with the rear seats folded. There are enough stowage places for “other stuff” throughout the car.

Engine and performance
The Celerio is kitted with the same, albeit lighter, engine as the Alto – a three-cylinder pushing 50kW@6000r/min and 90Nm@3500r/min and offering a claimed 4,7litres/100km. And typical of all Suzuki power plants, it is high-revving with a huge heart and spirit. Not only did it impress in town driving – it’s ideal and probably preferred environment, but also on the open road.
I took a drive to Boven and back via Schoemanskloof and, with the air conditioner switched on; she performed without a hitch seldom requiring me gearing down to third. Road holding and cornering – never pushing it hard – was confident and truly pleasant for such a small car.
Of course the fact that she does come with ABS with EBD and air bags added, on a subconscious level, to the driving pleasure. Fuel consumption was impressive with the computer often registering an index of between 22 to 30km/lt on the open road and averaging 110km/h. In town my average indexed at 18,7lt/100km.

Conclusion
So, back to the question about “the king of small cars”. I am still sleeping. But I’ll say this – you will never go wrong when you buy a Suzuki – never!