Choosing a practical, economical car that doesn't break the bank can be a difficult and timely job. With so many models of cars on offer, where do you start? One of the best ways is to compare your shortlist of cars side-by-side and see how they match up. Prioritise the important features you're looking for, and give the cars an overall score.
This is exactly what we've done in our latest head-to-head. We've pitched the 2017 Suzuki Celerio against some of its closest rivals: the Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10. All these cars are aimed at those wanting a compact but practical car, with low running costs and that is comparatively cheap to buy. As you're reading this article, we're going to assume you're one of those!
Just because a car doesn't break the bank balance, doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfort, safety and technology so we've taken all these into consideration to help you decide.
Celerio SZ3 1.0 | Skoda Citigo S 1.0 | Hyundai i10 SE 1.0 | Kia Picanto 1 1.0 | |
Price | £8,899 | £8,985 | £9,995 | £9,450 |
Seats | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Doors | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Boot Space (Litres) | 254 | 251 | 252 | 200 |
CO2 (g/km) | 99 | 101 | 108 | 101 |
Combined MPG | 65.7 | 64.2 | 60.1 | 64.2 |
USB Port | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DAB Radio | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Bluetooth | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Air-Conditioning | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Alloy Wheels | Yes | No | No | No |
Score | 10 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
On each of the comparisons we awarded a score to the car which came out on top. Where there were any comparisons in which the cars were equal then each received a point.
As can be seen, the Celerio scored a point in every single category, proving what we already knew which is that it's one of the best small cars currently on the market.
The Skoda Citigo only secured a single point in the comparison and this was for having a USB socket. The Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto came closer to the Celerio in terms of features, but fell short with their combined MPG and CO2 values which in turn translates to increased running costs. The i10's boot is almost as large as the Celerio's impressive 254 litre figure, but the Picanto's is a marked 21% smaller, which could certainly impact your getaways.
In terms of purchase price, the Celerio SZ3 eclipses its competitors. It's £86 cheaper than the more basic Citigo, £551 cheaper than the Picanto and a massive £1,096 cheaper than the i10. For it's £8,899 price point, the Celerio is not only the cheapest of the line-up, it's also the most economical, most practical (with its whopping 254 litre boot) and is equipped with more features than all of the others.
So in short, if you're after a practical and economical car that doesn't break the bank - the Suzuki Celerio should be on your shortlist. Why not take it for a test drive and see if it's the car for you?
Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help. So please feel free to contact us.
Colin Appleyard Limited is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd's permissions as a Principal Firm allows Colin Appleyard Limited to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only. We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders may pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required.