Best-in-class contender: Suzuki Ciaz
SUBCOMPACT car buyers are spoiled for choice nowadays. Not only do they have a staggering number of car models to choose from (I can count almost a dozen off the top of my head), these cars are all brimming with features which used to come only in bigger and much more luxurious brands and models.
Case in point: the Suzuki Ciaz. Coming from its forte of superminis like the Alto and Celerio, the Ciaz is a whole new world for Suzuki, especially since it’s entering the class dominated by category giants Toyota Vios and Honda City.
But the Ciaz is actually punching below its weight class (or should I say size class) as it’s now the biggest among its peers—biggest in overall length, biggest in width (1,730mm), and most importantly, biggest in wheelbase (2,650mm). The Ciaz measures a tad more than three inches longer than the benchmark Vios. The Suzuki is also an inch wider with the same height and rests on a 100mm-longer wheelbase. This gives it class-leading cabin space and comfort—comfort from generous stretchout room and comfort from a more supple ride delivered by a long wheelbase.
Style-wise, the Ciaz may not necessarily be a headturner like the graceful and curvaceous Mazda2 (no radical or controversial design gimmicks for the Ciaz), but it’s among one of the cleaner styled models in its class. It sports a look that will still look fresh several years down the road.
The Ciaz comes in three variants: the P738,000 GL Manual, the P773,000 GL Automatic, and the topof-the-line P888,000 GLX Automatic.
Power comes from the Suzuki Ertiga’s smooth-revving and sweetsounding K14B 1.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) developing 92hp at 6,000rpm and 130Nm at 4,000 rpm. The motor is mated to either a five-speed manual or a fourspeed automatic, both also derived from the Ertiga.
Suspension is via struts up front and a torsion beam axle at the rear. Brakes are front discs and rear drums. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) help ensure strong and stable stopping power. Tires are 185/65-15 for the GL and 195/55-16 for the GLX. Riding comfort and handling—traditionally opposite attributes—rate high marks.
The Ciaz also comes with a variety of advanced features that once were only available in high-end luxury cars like a multimedia integrated audio unit with an Android touchscreen and six speakers for the GLX (complete with Bluetooth and USB connectivity as well as mirror link capability for tablets and smartphones). The multimedia infotainment system, which I found a tad counter-intuitive to use (despite being an Android phone user), comes with preloaded applications such as YouTube, Gmail, Facebook, and the Filipino driver’s go-to app, Waze. GL models have a four-speaker touchscreen audio system with navigation.
Audio and hands-free connectivity control switches are also found on the steering wheel, facilitating easy access to various tasks. Add these to the keyless push-start system and remote, and the Ciaz delivers a hassle-free driving experience.
This subcompact sedan has big door openings and, coupled with the generous wheelbase, enables easy ingress and egress. The large seats have soft cushions and are decently supportive. The GLX variant comes with handsome black leather seats.
Matching the cavernous interior is the equally spacious trunk, which has a luggage capacity of 495 liters, and can be closed with an electromagnetic latch.
At the core of the Suzuki Ciaz is the patented Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), which boosts driver and passenger protection through a light yet incredibly strong impact-absorption system.
Other safety and security features include dual front airbags, ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioners and forcelimiters, side-impact beams, and a keyless entry system with engine immobilizer.
With the new Suzuki Ciaz, picking a truly capable and feature-packed subcompact sedan has become even harder. One thing’s for sure—you owe it to yourself to try one out before plunking your hard-earned money down for a small sedan. You won’t regret it.