Used Suzuki Celerio 2016-2019 review

A good used city car isn't just an ideal companion for urban explorations, but it can also be a more cost-effective solution than taking the train. Indeed, some might say the great-value Suzuki Celerio is a far more reliable choice than any service that runs on National Rail, plus you get to choose your own music and not have to someone else's telephone conversation.

Engines: There is only one engine, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol that was offered in standard and 'dualjet' guises, the latter of which offers better fuel economy. Power is driven through either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automated manual 'box. The performance of the Celerio certainly isn’t quick – no matter which gearbox you opt for – but it is quiet and smooth. It’s also thrifty at the fuel pumps, and CO2 emissions of under 100g/km of means cheap tax.

Trims & equipment: There are three trims to choose from – SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4. The entry-level trim comes with 14in steel wheels, a CD player, and a DAB radio as standard, while upgrading to SZ3 adds 14in alloy wheels, air conditioning, remote central locking and Bluetooth connectivity. The range-topping SZ4 models come with all-round electric windows, front foglights, electrically adjustable wing mirrors and rear seat pockets.

Ride & handling: Out on the road, it feels surprisingly grown up; it rides pretty well for something so short, with a degree of firmness but also a suppleness that does its best to keep its occupants comfortable. Meanwhile, its handling is composed and secure, helped by its low weight and natural agility.

Interior & practicality: Inside, the driving position is good, and the Celerio is surprisingly spacious both front and rear, with a bigger boot than most of its similar-sized rivals. Its infotainment system is rather flaky, but it’s easy to connect a phone via Bluetooth, and, even if some of the plastics look a little cheap, everything seems well put together.

The Celerio only received a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating which is two stars short of the equivalent Skoda Citigo, but you still get six airbags and the safety net of an electronic stability program (ESP) as standard.

If you're interested in buying a used Suzuki Celerio or any of the other cars mentioned here, visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You can pick up a Celerio with a massive mileage for around £2000, but look to spend £3000 to get one with a sub-100k mileage. You’ll need £3500 to get your bottom on the driver’s seat of a 2015 Celerio of average mileage for the year and a full service history. Spend £4500 to £6000 to find a 2017 or 2018 car, while around £7000 to £9000 should secure you a 2019 example from a main dealer with a minimal mileage.

Check the value of a used Suzuki Celerio with What Car? Valuations

MPG

There is only one engine available in the Celerio, a 1.0-litre petrol, but you can find it in a ‘dualjet’ guise that increased fuel efficiency. Official economy increases from 65.7mpg to 78.4mpg, that's according to the older NEDC fuel tests that were prevalent at the time.

CO2 emissions

The standard 1.0-litre engine only produces 99g/km of CO2; the dualjet version gets this down to 89g/km.

Road tax

Road tax for pre-April 2017 registered cars is free, while those after will pay the standard rate. That rate is currently £190 a year. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Insurance, servicing and warranty

With all models in group 7, insurance costs are low and this is helpful if you’re buying the car for someone young. Servicing costs should be low, even at a Suzuki main dealer.

If you buy an approved used car from Suzuki, you'll get a 12-month warranty – as long as the vehicle isn't older than eight years old and doesn't have more than 80,000 miles on its clock.

Engine

The 1.0-litre engine comes either in standard tune or as a ‘dualjet’ unit, which ups efficiency and economy, but is no faster on the road. It cost a premium of around £600 new, so if you can find one used for similar money it might be worth seeking out.

Specification

SZ3 is the clear pick of the range; SZ2 is sparsely equipped but still worth considering. In our opinion, SZ4 doesn’t offer enough extra kit to justify its higher prices.

Our favourite Suzuki Celerio: 1.0 dualjet SZ3

The Kia Picanto is a solid city car choice, it handles well and has lots of standard kit, comfortable seats and a long warranty from new. The 1.25 petrol engine is the one to choose, it has excellent responses, feels strong and returned 47.9mpg in our True MPG tests.

The Skoda Citigo is great to drive, has a comfy ride and agile handling and its interior is well thought out. It’s economical, too, and makes a great used buy, with some models rivalling the Celerio for value for money.

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If you're interested in buying a used Suzuki Celerio or any of the other cars mentioned here, visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.