New Suzuki Celerio Goes On Sale In South Africa

• South Africa-spec Celerio gets a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment and electronic stability control.
• However, it misses out on push-button start.
• No changes have been made to the design or mechanicals.
• In India, the Celerio is priced from Rs 5.15 lakh.

Suzuki has introduced the updated Celerio in South Africa. While the model on sale in the Rainbow Nation is similar to the India-spec Celerio, there are some market-specific changes. 

Let’s start with the interior as that’s where most of the updates have come. The dashboard design is similar to the India-spec hatch; however, the South Africa-spec Celerio features a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system whose graphics are similar to the facelifted Baleno Zeta’s 7-inch unit. Please note that the top-spec Baleno Alpha gets a larger 9-inch screen in both India and South Africa. 

Also, on offer is Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which has been given a miss for keyless entry with push-button start in India. That said, features like manual air-conditioning, steering-mounted audio controls, multi-info display, all four power windows, and remote central locking are shared between both models. Passenger safety is taken care of by dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and hill hold assist. 

The South Africa-spec Celerio’s exterior is exactly the same as the one here. To know what we thought of it, check out our in-depth first drive review.  

The hatch is powered by a 67PS 1-litre three-pot DualJet petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed manual and an optional 5-speed AMT. In India, there’s a CNG option available as well.  

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is priced from Rs 5.15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards, and it squares off against the Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, and Hyundai Santro.