If you think the mini-hatchback segment in the Philippines is slowing down, you’d be sorely mistaken. Mini-Hatchbacks have been selling in droves despite the market trending towards bigger and taller vehicles.
This demand has forced manufacturers to still release updated or all-new versions of their mini-hatchback contenders. The most recent entrant is the all-new Suzuki Celerio.
Suzuki is a master when it comes to making small vehicles, and the all-new Suzuki Celerio has its work cut out for it.
As is with all our comparisons, How does the all-new Suzuki Celerio stack up against the competition?
Do take note that for the purpose of this comparison, we chose to highlight the top-of-the-line variants of each model.
Below are the criteria we used, which are based on what we think matters most to the consumers.
Suzuki Celerio GL – AGS
Table of Contents
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 3,695mm x 1,665mm x 1,555mm
Ground clearance: 170mm
Engine: 1.0 Liter 3-cylinder 12 valve with Dual VVT, Gasoline
Power and Torque: 67PS and 89Nm
Transmission: 5 AGS (Automated Manual Transmission)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 32 Liters
Infotainment: 6.2” Display Audio with Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety: anti-lock brakes, brake assist, hill-start assist, vehicle stability control, ISOFIX anchors for child seats, two airbags, rear parking sensors.
Price: PHP 754,000
Toyota Wigo 1.0 TRD S AT
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 3,700mm x 1,600mm x 1,520mm
Ground clearance: 180mm
Engine: 1.0 Liter 3-cylinder Gasoline
Power and Torque: 66PS and 89Nm
Transmission: 4 AT
Fuel Tank Capacity: 33 Liters
Infotainment: Display Audio Screen with Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
Safety: anti-lock brakes, ISOFIX anchors for child seats, two airbags, rear parking sensors, rear backup camera
Price: PHP 700,000
Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 3,815mm x 1,680mm x 1,485mm
Ground clearance: 137mm
Engine: 1.2 Liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC, Gasoline
Power and Torque: 66PS and 110Nm
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 Liters
Infotainment: 7” Display Audio with Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety: anti-lock brakes, ISOFIX anchors for child seats, two airbags, rear parking sensors, rear camera.
Price: PHP 735,000
Mitsubishi Mirage GLX CVT
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 3,795mm x 1,665mm x 1,500mm
Ground clearance: 160mm
Engine: 1.2 Liter 3-cylinder DOHC MIVEC, Gasoline
Power and Torque: 77.5PS and 100Nm
Transmission: INVECS-III CVT
Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 Liters
Infotainment: 6.75” Display Audio with Bluetooth connectivity, with Mirror Link Feature
Safety: anti-lock brakes, two airbags
Price: PHP 772,000
Verdict
Given the specs above, I think it’s a “dead heat” between the Honda Brio and the all-new Suzuki Celerio. The Honda Brio bests the Celerio in terms of size and engine torque (which is important). While the all-new Suzuki Celerio one-ups the Honda Brio with regard to safety and ground clearance. Both the Honda Brio and Suzuki Celerio are priced high, although they do come with the aforementioned features above.
As for the Toyota Wigo and Mitsubishi Mirage, it’s a tale of opposite ends of the spectrum. While the Wigo is the most affordable option all it has going for it is the highest ground clearance at 180mm and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mitsubishi Mirage on the other hand is the second most expensive option, while only besting its competition in terms of raw horsepower.
Also, it’s worth noting that the Celerio is the newest in almost all aspects compared to its competition. The Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Honda Brio have been around for a long time already. While these are still solid options, the Suzuki Celerio has definitely upped the ante. The Wigo, Mirage, and Brio are in need of a significant upgrade, or all-new models.
Again, this is just my opinion, should you want to look at either of these vehicles we do encourage you to do so.