Suzuki Celerio registers 34-km/li in DOE run; wins COTY value-for-money award

MANILA, Philippines - The Suzuki Celerio with Manual Transmission (MT) posted the lowest fuel consumption in the 2009 E10 Fuel Economy Run conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) last November 27, 2009. Running under controlled conditions, a Suzuki Celerio MT registered an average fuel consumption of 34.34-km/liter on the 317-km run using E10-blended 93-octane gasoline from the DOE office in Taguig City to Subic, Olongapo City and back. Last year, Suzuki also delivered exceptional fuel efficiency performance at the DOE Fuel Economy run with the Suzuki Alto posting 34 km/liter.

In a separate development, the Suzuki Celerio also received the “Best Value for Money” award at the 2009 Car of the Year (COTY) Awards of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI), held last November 26, 2009.

Powered by a newly-developed 996cc K10B engine with 12-valve, 3-cylinder configuration, the Suzuki Celerio delivers maximum output of 68hp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 90Nm at 4,800rpm. Fuel distribution to the lightweight aluminum engine is via multipoint injection, ensuring superior fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. It has a low drag of 0.3 which enables it to slice through the wind.

During its development phase, the Suzuki Celerio was road-tested extensively in Europe, resulting in a driving experience characterized by linear response, gentle roll movements, light steering feel, and good shock/vibration absorption.

Enhancing the Suzuki Celerio’s value proposition is a host of practical features. Electronic power steering, power door locks, front power windows, and keyless entry system are some of the convenience features. Audiophiles will appreciate the integrated audio system with MP3 capability auxiliary input and 6-speakers. Built-in front foglamps and 14” wheels with full wheel cap add to its sporty and stylish package.

More value-added features include a functional instrument panel that incorporates a dash-mounted tachometer and digital trip meter. A host of storage spaces such as front cup holders and rear door bottle holders, front/rear door pockets accommodate all the necessary driving gear. When needed, the rear seats fold down for additional luggage space.

Despite its compact proportions, the Suzuki Celerio was designed with ultimate passenger safety in mind. Using Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), a strong cabin structure that absorbs and disperses impact energy ensures a high-level of occupant safety. Dual front airbags and energy-absorbing materials provide further protection.

The Suzuki Celerio is also equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA). A tailgate-mounted high-mount stop lamp, 3-point ELR seatbelts for both front and rear seats, and child seat anchorage complete its safety features.

The Suzuki Celerio is available in the following colors: Arctic White Pearl Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Desert Brown Metallic, Fortune Rose Pearl Metallic, and Paradise Blue Pearl Metallic. Competitively priced at P528,000 (MT) and P569,000 (AT), the Suzuki Celerio is an award-winning vehicle that offers fuel efficient performance with eco-friendly and value-added features.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has been conducting fuel economy runs since 1992 to advocate the efficient utilization of fuel by applying fuel efficient driving techniques, demonstrate the important role the driver plays in achieving substantial reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance cost, provide vital information on the fuel economy rating performance of different brand new vehicles, and make comparative analysis with the data obtained from the run.  For the first time, this year’s run was powered by an E10-blended 93 octane gasoline.

Although not a competition, the DOE Fuel Economy Run is an excellent reference for consumers and motorists, giving an unbiased fuel economy rating, since vehicles submitted by car manufacturers are subjected to the same driving and road conditions.

The Car of Year Awards (COTY) is given in various categories by the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI), an award-giving body composed of motoring journalists. COTY awards are given after a series of technical and subjective evaluations of new vehicle models introduced in the Philippine market every year.