2023 proved to be an interesting year for the Philippines automotive industry. New models entering the market, increased economic activity, and more bank approvals were seen as key drivers to the growth of the industry.
According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), the total automobile sales for 2023 stand at 4,29,000+ units sold with passenger cars accounting for 1, 10,000 cars sold in the country. Factoring in diverse preferences, dynamics like sedans and hatchbacks holding a significant share, and brand loyalty; the Philippines market has a number of fuel-efficient and eco-friendly automobiles that make better economic sense.
Here are some of the most fuel efficient Suzuki cars available in the Philippines market today that offer great value: -
Suzuki Celerio
Initially introduced in 2015, the Suzuki Celerio came with a 1.0-litre K10B engine; the new generation (2022) Celerio is a clean-looking hatchback with teardrop-shaped taillights and bigger blacked-out 15” alloy wheels. The console now features a 6.2” Sony infotainment system. Suzuki Celerio also has the highest ground clearance in the category at 170mm.
Suzuki Celerio now features a fuel-efficient 1.0 litre 3-cylinder K10C Engine Auto Stop-Start System (EASS).
Integrated into a newly developed HEARTECT platform for enhanced safety, the car’s engine now incorporates Suzuki’s Dualjet Technology with dual variable and dual valve timing which allows better combustion. This, in turn, results in enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. Available with an option of a five-speed manual gearbox (GL MT) or Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift (GL AGS), it is among the most fuel-efficient cars available in the Philippines.
Fuel Efficiency - 28.24* km/l (as claimed by AAP)
Suzuki S-Presso
Launched in 2020, the Suzuki S-Presso is another hatchback from the Japanese auto giant with a substantial amount of ride height. Additionally, the compact size of the S-Presso makes it easy to maneuver in traffic, thanks to its compact form factor.
The most meaningful enhancement is the 7” touchscreen, New Generation Display Audio, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which can be controlled by steering-mounted control. The car is among the first in the category to offer Hill Hold control. Suzuki S-Presso shares the same powertrain as Celerio. In 2023, Suzuki started offering the AGS transmission option.
Fuel
Efficiency - 25.33* km/l (as claimed by AAP)
Suzuki Dzire
Initially launched as Swift Dzire in 2013, the third generation is simply known as Suzuki Dzire. Its widespread popularity comes down to the elegant and proportionate design which enhances day-to-day practicality. In 2021, Suzuki Philippines gave the Dzire minor cosmetic updates along with subtle upgrades on the console. It now boasts the largest-in-category 7” infotainment system.
Powering the Suzuki Dzire is the 1.2-litre VVT naturally aspirated K12M engine, available with AGS of 5-speed manual transmission. Suzuki Dzire can do 0-100 km/h in under 13 seconds. It is offered in three trims – GA MT, GL MT and GLP AGS.
Fuel Efficiency – 26.54* km/l (as claimed by AAP)
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift is among the best-selling hatchbacks worldwide, with 5 million units sold globally. The current generation Swift was launched in 2018 along with its sedan counterpart, the Dzire. Both share the same 1.2-litre VVT K12M four-cylinder engine and are built on Suzuki’s HEARTECT Platform which makes the car safer and stiffer. The key differentiator here is the type of automatic transmission; Swift’s engine is paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for a smooth and engaging driving experience.
In 2022, Suzuki Swift received updates in the form of LED lights, an 7” infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and chronograph-inspired gauges. For a sporty appeal, the Suzuki Swift now features a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.
Fuel Efficiency – 31.54 km/l. (as claimed by AAP)
HYBRID OPTIONS:
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid
If you’re looking for a reliable fuel efficient hybrid car in the market, then Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is great value-for-money option. It has a rugged exterior with an aggressive front grille, a taller ride height and a multitude of thick under-cladding to go anywhere.
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is powered by a 1.5 litre K15B, four-cylinder engine assisted by Engine Auto Start Stop System (EASS) and a 12V Li-ion battery pack, mated to a 4AT/5MT gearbox, the mild hybrid system assists the car during acceleration to ensure excellent fuel efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency – 23.54 km/l. (as claimed by AAP) ·
Suzuki XL7 Hybrid
It is the Flagship SUV from Suzuki, designed for families searching for a versatile vehicle offering a blend of practicality and luxury for a well-rounded driving experience.
The exterior exudes the confidence of a full-fledged SUV with functional roof rails and black cladding on bumpers and fenders for some offbeat adventures with a flowing shoulder and body line. It also features automatic LED headlights as standard and these elements elevate the overall aesthetics significantly.
Stepping inside, you’ll find a functional and simplistic design approach with an all-black interior and chrome accents on the door panels, the similar chrome accents run across the dashboard. It also features middle row AC vents on the roof line for effective cooling. The main console is an analogue twin pod cluster with a vertical MID display in the Centre showcasing vital information; the centre of the dashboard is taken up by a 10” Touchscreen Audio unit with Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto compatibility.
There are multiple storage compartments and cooled cup holders (front seats only) to carry your essentials. The spacious cabin with a 2-3-2 seating configuration with a 50:50 split for the third row offers ample leg space and boot space for luggage to ensure a comfortable riding experience on long journeys.
It shares a similar powertrain with the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, however XL7 Hybrid comes with automatic transmission (4AT) only definitely a value-for-money mild hybrid car available in the Philippines market.
Fuel Efficiency – 22.03 km/l. (as claimed by AAP)
In line with the global agenda of reducing the carbon footprint, Suzuki Philippines Inc. has been offering fuel-efficient cars for personal and commercial use. These fuel efficient cars are not just taking care of rising fuel prices but also paving the way for cleaner mobility.