Japanese carmaker Suzuki is now making a noise in the sub-compact sedan category after it launched the affordable and premium sedan—the new Suzuki Ciaz. The car, which will directly compete with the popular and best-selling sedan Toyota Vios and Honda City, is the latest addition of Suzuki to its stable of reliable vehicles designed to fit for Asian Market.
Known as Suzuki Alivio in other countries, the Suzuki Ciaz was build to replace the SX4 sedan. The car comes in 3 different variants—the GL Manual Transmission, GL Automatic Transmission, and the Premium GLX.
What’s more interesting about its packaging is its price. Suzuki PH is selling the new Ciaz at P738,000 (GL/Manual), P773,000 (GL/ Automatic) and P888,000 (for the top-of-the-line GLX trim). Although the entry-level of the Vios is relatively cheaper, but we still feel that the new Ciaz is way cheaper gauging from the E variant of Vios (P743,000) and Honda City’s base model (P759,000).
Sharing with the same engine with the Ertiga, the new Ciaz is powered by 1.4-liter DOHC 16V with VVT (matted via 4-speed AT or 5-speed MT) that can deliver 92 hp at 6,000 rpm and a decent torque of 130 newton meter at 4,000 rpm. Perhaps, Suzuki should seriously consider coming up with a diesel variant of the Ciaz—one that could clash with its Korean and other Japanese rivals.
In terms of design, the new Ciaz has Euro-inspired styling that will certainly get the nod of today’s practical yet discriminating buyers. According to Suzuki, the Ciaz body is smartly crafted to facilitate smoother airflow, which in turn contributes to fuel efficiency. For instance, the front and rear bumper corners, wide front grille, and trunk lid-end are the product of meticulous R and D to achieve optimal results.
Interior-wise, Suzuki designers pulled off an outstanding combination of class and functionality. Suzuki loaded the car with multimedia integrated audio system with an Android touch screen complete with Bluetooth and USB connectivity for personal devices such as tablets and smartphones.
As always, safety is the main concern of Suzuki as the car is equipped with audio and hands-free connectivity control switches embedded on the steering wheel, which facilitates easy access to various tasks. Safety features in the Ciaz include dual airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS) with EBD, side impact beams, keyless entry system, immobilizer, and defogger.
To some purists, one would say that Vios or the City has the huge interior size. Well, I would agree with that. But surprisingly, the Ciaz also offers the “Best of both Worlds” with bigger door cutting, which increases the amount of rear seat leg space, headroom, and shoulder room. Plus, it has spacious trunks with luggage capacity of 495 liters.
Can the new Suzuki Ciaz dominate the sedan market? My answer: It might be a long shot, but it can! As long as Suzuki focus on its aftersales and availability of units, the car can slowly compete on the B-segment market. It was, after all, a total package car!
