Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019) Verdict
Cheap to buy. Low running costs. Good level of standard equipment. Spacious cabin and boot. Comfortable and easy to drive. Brake problem resolved.
Coarse engines and poor refinement. Interior feels dated and cheap. Imports suspended in August 2019.
Find out more about the Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019)
On the face of it there's very little to say about the Suzuki Celerio. It is ordinary to look at and its price tag doesn't grab headlines like the bargain Dacia Sandero. But delve a little deeper and you will start to find the appeal, because this little car comes with everything most drivers need.
Standard equipment on the base model includes a CD player with DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB port, along with alloy wheels, electric windows and even air conditioning. There is space in the back for two adults and an impressive boot for such a small car.
The main engine is a 1.0-litre petrol with 68PS and 90Nm of torque. It has official economy of 65.7mpg and emits 99g/km of CO2 and so qualifies for free car tax. This will be joined by a revised Dualjet engine from April 2015, which has the same power figures but with improved economy of 78.4mpg and even lower emissions of 84g/km.
It might be a bargain, but the Celerio certainly has its flaws - the engine is coarse when driven hard and there is a noticeable amount of wind noise at motorway speeds. It is easy to see where costs have been cut inside - the dashboard, indicator stalks and air conditioning controls feel dated and less durable than they do in other Suzuki models like the Swift.
Having said that, the major controls are feather light and road manners are good - there's plenty of grip and ride quality is good. Factor in the generous standard gear and it's easy to make a case for the Celerio. It might not be a class leader, but for those who want nonsense-free motoring at a good price it could be just the ticket.
Reviews for Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 to 1.0 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 50–80 mpg
All Celerio models get a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol engine with 68PS. Initially this chain-cam engine has emissions of 99g/km and official economy of 65.7mpg, but from April 2015 the figures improve to 84g/km and 78.4mpg thanks to a new DualJet version, which will be offered alongside the current engine.
It might not be powerful, but the engine is peppy enough for town work or accelerating up to motorway speeds. The smooth, light clutch and gear lever make the Celerio effortlessly easy to drive, but the engine does make a fair amount of noise when pushed hard.
Thankfully the handling and ride quality are good. The suspension is compliant and comfortable over most surfaces but sunken manhole covers or potholes do intrude rather noisily into the cabin. On the plus side the handling is safe and predictable, with more than enough grip from the front wheels.
On motorways the Celerio works, but it certainly isn’t at home. Speed isn’t the issue – a down change frees up enough power to overtake trucks – but the wind and engine noise get tiresome quickly. A short dual carriageway trip won’t be a problem, but long distance journeys at high speed really aren’t its forte.
As you would expect it is much more at home in town, where the light steering, easy gear change action and small size come into their own, making it easy to park. It is happy on B-roads too, with enough pep to keep up with a 60mph limit – it’s only above that speed that things get loud.
For those who need an automatic transmission there is an automated manual, which offers the same emissions and economy as the standard manual. It is a little cumbersome compared to a traditional automatic, however – so is better avoided unless you really need it.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 66 mpg | 13.5 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.0 Automatic | 66 mpg | 16.4 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.0 Dualjet | 66–78 mpg | 13.0–13.5 s | 84–99 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
96%
Real MPG
50–80 mpg
MPGs submitted
142
Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 254–726 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of three stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3600 mm |
| Width | 1600 mm |
| Height | 1530–1540 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2425 mm |
The Celerio has a good level of standard equipment for such an inexpensive car, plus it offers more interior space than you would expect. However it's easy to see where the costs have been cut, with cheap switches, flimsy plastic door coverings and a dashboard less durable than is typical of Suzuki models. You can tell this is a car built to a budget.
But if you can look past the flaws there is plenty left to like. All cars come with air conditioning, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, so you're left wanting for very little. The boot is 254 litres, which is slightly larger than you get in rival cars like the Skoda Citigo. It's a flatter and longer too, so is a more useful shape.
The five-door only bodystyle means access to the back row of seats is good and they offer plenty of leg and headroom, even for adults. Children will be at home too, thanks to Isofix child seat mounts and a full three-point seatbelt in the middle - though shoulder room will be limited for whoever draws the short straw and ends up sitting there.
The trim structure is very simple. The entry-grade SZ3 model gets more or less everything you need, but you can spend a little more and get some cosmetic embellishments and some extra luxuries with top SZ4 trim. Our advice is to stick to the entry-level car though. It's simple, honest transport with all the essentials covered.
Standard Equipment
SZ3 models come with a tyre pressure monitor, remote central locking, electric front windows, rev counter, gear shift indicator, 12v socket, manual air conditioning, USB connection, DAB radio with two speakers, Bluetooth and 14-inch alloy wheels.
SZ4 trim adds polished alloy wheels, four-speaker audio, body-coloured door mirrors, chrome grille trim, front fog lights, electrically adjusted door mirrors and rear electric windows.
Suzuki Celerio (2015 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3600 mm |
| Width | 1600 mm |
| Height | 1530–1540 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2425 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 835–845 kg |
| Boot Space | 254–726 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £7,993–£11,443 |
| Insurance Groups | 7 |
| Road Tax Bands | A |
| Official MPG | 65.7–78.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 3 |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 City 5dr | £8,493 | 65.7 mpg | 13.5 s |
| 1.0 SZ2 5dr | £7,993 | 65.7 mpg | 13.5 s |
| 1.0 SZ2 Dualjet 5dr | - | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 1.0 SZ3 Dualjet 5dr | £10,243 | 72.4 mpg | 13.5 s |
| 1.0 SZ3 Dualjet 5dr | £10,243 | 78.4 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.0 SZ4 5dr | £10,643 | 65.7 mpg | 13.5 s |
| 1.0 SZ4 Ags 5dr Auto | £11,443 | 65.7 mpg | 16.4 s |
Model History
- March 2014: Suzuki unveiled the new Celerio
- December 2014: Suzuki Celerio UK prices announced
- July 2015: Entry-level SZ2 model introduced
- October 2015
March 2014
Suzuki unveiled the new Celerio
The Celerio has been developed as an 'A+ compact' car and replaces the Alto. According to Suzuki the driver-friendly, compact size has not been compromised as regards best-in-class space and utility and offers a comprehensive package. The lightweight, rigid body is accompanied by low CO2 emissions delivered by the new powertrain.
3,600mm long x 1,600mm wide x 1,540mm high.
The European-specification model includes a newly developed engine with a dual-injection system for low CO2. Coupled with reduced body weight and improved aerodynamics, models with a combination of the K10C engine and the Engine Auto Stop Start system provideemissions of 85g/km.
The automated manual transmission version features the newly-developed Auto Gear Shift, which provides fuel economy equal to a manual transmission. The Celerio's easy-to-drive, compact body size with a total length 3,600mm succeeds in providing both an outstandingly roomy interior for an A-segment car and 254 litres of cargo capacity.
December 2014
Suzuki Celerio UK prices announced
On sale in the UK from February 2015 priced at just £7,999 for the highly equipped SZ3 model and £8,999 for the SZ4.
Class leading luggage capacity of 254L. Standard specification for the Celerio SZ3 includes six airbags (Driver, passenger, side and curtain), ESP, air conditioning, alloy wheels, DAB Radio, CD Tuner, USB, Bluetooth connectivity and remote central locking.
The SZ4 model adds polished alloy wheels, rear electric windows, front fog lamps, body coloured door mirrors and chrome front grille.
Roomy and comfortable interior within a compact body measuring just 3,600mm in length with a width of just 1,600mm (making it fit typical UK garages). Celerio has a turning circle of just 9.4 metres too making it one of the most manoeuvrable in its class.
A height of 1,540mm and a non-slanting roofline allows greater headroom for occupants. The 2,425mm long wheelbase provides a tandem distance of 743mm which gives space in the cabin for five.
Celerio offers low CO 2 emissions of 99g/km and 65.7mpg on the EC combined cycle from its 1.0-litre three cylinder 68PS engine. From summer 2015 a new engine will be available offering 78.4 mpg andemissions of just 84g/km thanks to the introduction of Suzuki’s new Dualjet engine technology. This engine will also incorporate stop start.
Also available from summer 2015 is Suzuki’s new automated manual Auto Gear Shift (AGS). This system features an Intelligent Shift Control Actuator positioned at the top of the transmission that operates the gearshift and clutch automatically.
With AGS, the driver can enjoy the effortless driving of an automatic, particularly in City traffic, but without any loss in fuel efficiency or increase in CO 2 emissions that would normally be the case with a conventional torque converter equipped automatic transmission.
A unique feature of the Suzuki AGS is a low speed ‘creep’ facility which allows the car to move in gear without the accelerator being applied, ideal in slow traffic and when parking.
July 2015
Entry-level SZ2 model introduced
Suzuki has now introduced a new SZ2 derivative priced at just £6,999 that now completes a five model line up in the range consisting of SZ2, SZ3, SZ3 Dualjet, SZ4 and SZ4 with Auto Gear Shift (AGS).
Although priced at £1000 below the SZ3 model, standard specification highlights for the new SZ2 is comprehensive and includes six airbags (Driver, passenger, side and curtain), electric front windows, central locking, ESP and DAB Radio with CD Tuner.
October 2015
'City' trim introduced. City has as extras over the base model SZ2 of alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, black side mouldings, black B pillar trims and City edition badge.
What to watch out for
Suzuki Celerio temporarily withdrawn from UK market sfter two separate Celerio models suffered brake mechanism failure on Autocar 80mph braking test. The 36 Celerio so far sold were recalled and the problem rapidly resolved.
04-02-2017:Be aware that the Suzuki recommended oil for the Celerio is a very light 0w-20 grade.
