Suzuki: Small is beautiful, indeed

In 2005, Suzuki Philippines launched the Swift, a hot little hatchback that is a pleasure to drive and easily upsets some much more expensive counterparts when it comes to fun factor.

THE Alto K10 is Suzuki’s best offering in 2011

Suddenly, competitors took notice of the company whose bread and butter products are motorcycles and scooters.

Of course, Suzuki Philippines already made waves in the past when it launched the 2.5 liter V6 Grand Vitara in 2000 and pocket off-roader Jimny 4×4 in  2002. The public also took notice when the company introduced the very practical 8-seater APV subcompact minivan in 2005 as well as one of the country’s most inexpensive brand new compact hatch, the Alto in 2007.

Viable option

Indeed, the Suzuki brand has become a viable option for those looking for best-value-for money as well as fun to drive vehicles.

These days, when buyers think of Suzuki, they now think of the Alto as well as the all-new Alto K10, the sleek-looking Celerio, Jimny, the all-new Swift, SX4 Aero sedan, SX4 Crossover minivan, the APV and of course, the Grand Vitara SUV.

To Suzuki Philippines, small isn’t a bad thing at all. Rather, it is a statement considering that its most popular models are currently the Celerio and the APV.

Thanks to these two, Suzuki Philippines has already sold over 3,000 units (3,329 as of October Campi figures) and is on its way to exceeding its 2010 sales figure (at 3,735).

Very interesting

The Celerio is a very interesting model that straddles the line as the bigger brother to the Alto and a smaller sibling to the Swift. It kept the weight to a minimum and with such a compact frame, running cost is reduced.

In fact, the manual transmission of the Celerio posted the lowest fuel consumption in the 2009 E10 Fuel Economy Run conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) when it registered an average fuel consumption of 34.34 kpl after covering 317 kilometers from the Energy Department office in Taguig City to Subic, Olongapo City, and back.

Indeed, Suzuki Philippines had succeeded in enticing city folks who wanted a small car that offers style and enjoyment together.

The APV, on the other hand, is on its 2nd generation with the APV Type II now in two configurations: an 8-seater GLX or luxury 7-seater SGX versions. Both feature new coil spring rear suspension, bigger fuel tank, and improved electronic control unit.

In November, Suzuki Philippines also rolled out the Suzuki Alto K10, another version of one of its fast-selling vehicles.

Powered by a more powerful, 1.0-liter K10B engine, the Alto K10 is packed with an improved suspension, new cable type five-speed transmission, super brake system, front power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD radio and more knee room for rear seat passenger—already enticing features for a car that retails at P493,000.