The story behind the Celerio sub-compact hatchback’s discontinuation can now be told. It seems Suzuki Auto Philippines will be relacing it with the first-ever Suzuki Fronx which will be making its Philippine debut this month.
A portmanteau of “Frontier” and “Next,” the Fronx is Suzuki’s entry in the sub-compact SUV space. The Fronx battles with the likes of the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet in terms of size and price. As such, it measures in at 3,995 mm in length, 1,765 mm in width, and 1,550 mm in height putting in the sub-compact SUV segment sweet spot.
In Indonesia, where the Philippines will likely source the Fronx, it comes with a choice of two engines—a conventional 1.5-liter 4-cylinder or an electrified 1.5-liter 4-cylinder. The latter uses the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) mild hybrid system that pairs an integrated starter generator (ISG) with a 12-volt lithium-ion battery.
The conventional K15B makes 105 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm, and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the electrified K15C makes 103 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
Despite its small size, the Fronx has a roomy interior and its feature set includes a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a tilt/telescopic steering column, automatic climate control with rear vents, and a wireless charger.
The Fronx comes with a solid set of safety features, but the top-of-the-line variant is the only one that offers Suzuki Safety Support—the brand’s own line of ADAS. This is on top of 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control with hill hold control, and a 360-degree camera.
The Fronx will make its Philippine debut to mark Suzuki’s 50th anniversary in the country. Stay tuned for more info on this upcoming sub-compact SUV in the coming weeks.
So this will replace celerio and most likely to compete against raize and sonet.
ReplyDeleteThe reason for celerio's discontinuation. Folks, we got answers now.
ReplyDeleteUp until the local price's reveal. Don't be too excited. We all know how suzuki ph love to price their vehicles like it's a mazda or subaru.
ReplyDeleteThey better not price it like xforce or it will collect dust and rust in the delearships
ReplyDeleteCorrect, not even one in the h-way gets crossing
DeleteThe proportions and design of this vehicle really hides its dimensions well. It does not look like a sub 4 meter vehicle at all.
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn Suzuki Indonesia Retool their plant to produce their 6 speed automatic?
ReplyDeleteMatagal na akong user ng Suzuki ie Celerio Ertiga Jimny at Vitara kaya lang iba na sila ngayon. Ang mahal na ng SRP pero di din naman kalakihan yung upgrades kumpara sa dati. Mahal ang Suzuki ngayon
ReplyDeleteThis car will be a game Changer if placed in the market at the right price point that is value for money against the Sonet and Raise . The styling is similar to the top players , definitely a winner but PRICE is the KEY as with all new cars
ReplyDeleteSuzuki Philippines is likely gonna price the new Fronx like a Nissan Kicks as they'll sell it as a Hybrid Vehicle even if it's just a Mild Hybrid one
ReplyDeleteah ok kaya discontinued na ang Celerio....makes sense
ReplyDeleteWill Toyota also sell Taisor, a Suzuki Fronx re-badge here? Although maybe not as it will compete with its own Raize, a re-badge Daihatsu Rocky.
ReplyDeletethey won't and probably doesn't need to, as you've said may comparable model na sila with the Raize, and I think it's probably cheaper to import from Indonesia than India :)
DeleteThere is still a Toyota Rush market to replace. The only problem is Taisor is a 5 str while Rush is already 7 Str. TMP wanted all grounds covered with a product to sell.
DeleteThe fronx will not be priced lower than the dzire, thats for sure. Suzuki Maruti has the Dzire at 685k rupees vs 750k for the Fronx. Theyre the about the same dimension but since its an SUV it will carry a price premium.
ReplyDeleteTheres still gonna be a gap between dzire and spresso, I hope its gonna be something like a wagonR..
Also the Dzire is marketed in India via Maruti Arena while the Fronx is marketed via Maruti Nexa. Nexa houses the more expensive models of Maruti Suzuki than those sold under Arena. So possible na mas expensive din talaga ang Fronx than the Dzire dito
DeleteIf the base is price below 800k and goes 988k for the totl, it will destroy the swift too for sure. But if they price this above million, then it's going to be a potential phase out candidate just like the vitara.
ReplyDeleteHeck even the dzire that's overprice too.
DeleteI doubt about the price starting 800k below because if you look at the dzire, it's already above 900k for the base, idk how suzuki ph will price the fronx. If there's to fill the gap between 700k and 900k, it should be the ignis with its 1.2 engine.
DeleteThe transmission is what I think woulf be the sellong factor, specially cvts aren't reliable.
ReplyDeleteWill see on June 14 if it can outsell the Sonet
ReplyDeleteIt won't outsell the made in China Kia Sonet as the prices of the variants of Suzuki Fronx are higher
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