In what is fast becoming the most dynamic segment in the Philippine setting, yet another major automotive brand recently launched what promises to be an exciting addition to its current line-up of compact cars. Last Thursday, October 27, Japanese compact car and motorcycle manufacturer Suzuki Philippines added another version of its most popular and fastest-selling car to its list of local offerings. The car is called the Suzuki Alto K10.

The Suzuki Alto K10 is distinguished from the current Altos you see on the road (which the K10 does not replace – but compliments) by several details, among them a new front grille design, improved headlamps and tail lamps, sleeker bumpers on both ends, and a sportier steering wheel and shift knob combination. The most noteworthy of upgrades in the Alto K10, however, is not immediately visible but is found under the car’s hood. The Suzuki Alto K10 is powered by the K10B 1.0-liter DOHC 12-valve gasoline engine with direct ignition and timing chain (yes, the same engine found under the hood of Suzuki’s popular Celerio model). As this engine provides more pulling power than the 800cc powerplant of the current Alto variants, it’s a step up in the Alto hierarchy.

Apart from the aforementioned goodies, the Suzuki Alto K10 comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, electronic power steering (EPS), front power windows, power door locks, AM/FM CD, MP3 audio system with aux port, full wheel caps, seat belts for all passengers and an engine immobilizer system. To top it all off, the car comes with a 3-year/100,000-kilometer warranty straight out of your favorite Suzuki dealer.

“The Suzuki Alto, which we first introduced in 2007, is still one of our most popular cars primarily because of its fuel efficiency and unparalleled value for money. Globally, we have sold more than 10 million units of this model and in the Philippines, it remains to be the car of choice for many first time car buyers and corporations,” said Arvie Fugoso, Assistant Marketing Manager for the Automobile Sales and Marketing Division of Suzuki Philippines Inc. “We are optimistic that with the introduction of this latest model, we will be strengthening our presence in the first time owner markets – be it the small families, the students and the young professionals,” he added.

“We at Suzuki are very confident that the new Alto is an outstanding addition to an already impressive lineup of compact cars Suzuki has offered for decades,” chimed Shuzo Hoshikura, General Manager of the Automobile Sales and Marketing Division during the launch held at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at Fort Bonifacio.

The Suzuki Alto K10, which is available in Silky Silver, Dazzling Red and Sunlight Copper Metallic, retails at an affordable P439,000. It completes the Suzuki Alto line-up which includes the standard 800cc variant (P369,000) and the 800cc deluxe variant (P408,000). Those looking to step up a bit further can check out the manual transmission Celerio (P528,000) or the automatic transmission Celerio (P569,000).

Dong Magsajo, Philippine Star Online
Photo from Philippine Star Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Suzuki Philippines recently held its annual Dealers’ Convention in Cebu City, the first company business event to be held outside of Manila. It was staged as a reward to the dealers for their outstanding sales for the year 2010.

The Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, one of the top resort hotels in Asia, was the venue for the three-day event which mixed business and pleasure, with recreational activities like golf, city tour and special theme dinner.

The convention kicked off with a golf game for the dealers, while those who did not join stayed in the hotel and enjoyed the luxurious amenities of Mactan Shangri-La. In the afternoon, dealers gathered for the convention proper which carried the theme “Drive as One.”

Day 2 saw the golfers going for another round, while the rest took a city tour. In the evening, the dealers went to Alegrado Island in Maribago Bluewater Resort. They were entertained by the fireball dancers and a sing-along.

President Uchida said: “A toast to your hard work, dedication and commitment that led to our outstanding achievements for 2010. The whole automobile industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and I am glad that Suzuki is growing alongside with it.”

Manila Bulletin

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Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) recently launched the Suzuki SX4 Crossover hatchback and the upgraded Suzuki SX4 Aero sedan.

First introduced as a five-door hatchback in the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover was designed by automotive hall of fame designer Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign studio, and was originally intended only for the European market.

In 2007, the Suzuki SX4 Sedan debuted in the New York Auto Show. One year after, Suzuki Philippines introduced to the local market the Suzuki SX4 sedan.

This year, the company brought in the new Suzuki SX4 Crossover. It is equipped with new features such as honeycomb type front grille, fender arch, roof rails, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

More power and better fuel efficiency are the hallmarks of its new M16A engine, a 1600cc 16-valve DOHC engine with variable-valve timing (VVT). Mated to a 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, it is able to deliver maximum output of 110 hp at 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 150 Nm at 3,800 rpm. Likewise, occupant safety is assured by a high rigidity body that utilizes TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) as well as dual air bags, anti-lock brakes and keyless entry.

The instrument cluster serves as a virtual information center with a fuel consumption gauge, fuel range and digital clock.

Plush seat fabric material, all-power features, and chrome inner door handles all add to the luxe-feel. A spacious cargo area and passenger seat under tray complete the Suzuki SX4 Crossover package.
The renamed Suzuki SX4 Aero, which is the upgraded Suzuki SX4 Sedan, has also been completely restyled with a sportier profile and a more aggressive front grille. A rear spoiler with third brake light, 17-inch alloy wheels and rear disc brakes make this sedan a standout.

Sharing the same basic specifications as the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, the SX4 Aero now boasts of a more powerful M16A engine, a 1600cc 16-valve DOHC engine with variable-valve timing (VVT). Mated to a 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, it is able to deliver maximum output of 110 hp at 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 150 Nm at 3,800 rpm.

Manila Bulletin

Tsikot.com Philippines

The country’s only integrated automotive company, Suzuki Philippines Inc., honored its top dealers recently, an SPH press release said.

For having achieved the highest points on Suzuki’s Balanced Score Card in 2009, Suzuki Auto Cebu was declared Dealer of the Year among Suzuki’s 18 automobile dealers nationwide.

In 2008, Suzuki Auto Cebu was the top dealer in the provincial category.

Asked about the secret to their success, Suzuki Auto Cebu general manager Debbie Chua said that, “Winning the Dealer of the Year award is a testament to the hard work of our people. We will be trying very hard to maintain or even improve our sales volume and at the same time focus more on customer service so that we can continue to be the top Suzuki dealer.”

Suzuki Auto Cebu is owned by Cebu Autocentrale Corporation, headed by the dynamic husband and wife team of Brian and Debbie Chua.

Suzuki employs a Balanced Score Card system for evaluating and rewarding its dealers in terms of marketing strategy implementation.

The comprehensive rating system evaluates retail sales performance and spare parts sales, as well as service and showroom compliance.

The system also ensures that Suzuki dealers maintain the company’s global standards to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

Now celebrating its 25th year in the country, Suzuki Philippines is committed to introducing more dynamic, value-packed products to meet the mobility needs of Filipino motorists.

Despite their relatively recent entry into the market, Suzuki automobiles enjoy a niche following among local car aficionados and have earned accolades for fuel-efficiency as well as value-for-money.

Currently, the Suzuki automobile line-up consists of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki APV Type II, Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki SX4, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Celerio, and Suzuki Alto, the SPH press release said.

The Visayan Daily Star

Tsikot.com Philippines

Most mini compacts offer lightweight bodies and peppy engines. However, their three-box shapes make them seem more like aerodynamic bricks, making them less fuel efficient and thus making them less environment friendly.

Suzuki knows that the global trend towards super compact, fuel efficient and space saving cars is increasing further by the day, and offers a new solution to that growing need – the new Suzuki Celerio.

The new Suzuki Celerio totes an aerodynamic, boy-racer look that yuppies crave since it looks like it could cheat the wind. The new body shape promotes better fuel consumption because of the potential for less drag – due to a wedge-shaped profile and a steeply raked windshield – particularly at high speeds. A boldly shaped grille creates a further impressive front fascia, and complementing the look even more are large halogen multi-reflector headlights and foglights. And to finish off the sporty look, the new Suzuki Celerio comes in five environmentally inspired exterior colors – Arctic White Pearl Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Desert Brown Metallic, Fortune Rose Pearl Metallic, and Paradise Blue Pearl Metallic.

The cabin sports a classy finish, with generous use of various materials in a two-tone grey approach. A sporty, functional and stylish dashboard layout enables the driver to have confidence when taking on the tarmac. The tachometer or rev counter is separately mounted on the dashboard to further add to the sporty approach of the interior. Fabric bucket seats offer a comfortable ride, and keeps occupants firmly planted on their backsides during lateral motion. Dimensions of 3,500 mm (length), 1,600 mm (width) and 1,470 mm (height) add up to the unit’s spacious feeling. The cargo area has the ability to swallow two to three medium sized travel bags, and the rear seats split fold 50/50 to swallow larger items.

Suzuki’s experience in making peppy but fuel parsimonious straight three engines also translates to the new Suzuki Celerio. Its naturally aspirated, newly-developed 1.0L 12-valve three cylinder gasoline scoots around town with ease. The compact dimensions of the engine block helps shave off precious kilograms that can result in increased fuel mileage, and the new Suzuki Celerio’s Euro 3-rated emissions level is the best in its class. Mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed gate type automatic transmission, attaining its 68 horsepower and 90 NM power stats is done quick and easy.

Normally, mini compacts offer harsh ride comfort, but the new Suzuki Celerio makes sure that all occupants won’t feel like their backsides are constantly assaulted by multiple fists during trips. A MacPherson strut setup for the front and a three-link rigid suspension for the rear provide great ride comfort, helped immensely by a 2,360 mm wheelbase, 14-inch rims with full wheel caps and 155/65R14 tires. Shedding speed also isn’t a problem, as ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels – plus the presence of an anti-lock brake system or ABS (with electronic brakeforce distribution or EBD) – provide superior deceleration. In case of an accident, dual front airbags and side impact beams ensure that all passengers are protected in a safe cocoon.

The superior aerodynamics, newfound driving dynamism and topflight ergonomics befitting its class make the new Suzuki Celerio an environment-friendly, mighty micro machine.

Suzuki Philippines Media Release

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