2016 Suzuki Ciaz 1.4 GLX A/T Part 2: Enjoying our Brown Derby

Upon the request of many of our readers, we will revisit the long term tests that we did for our 2011 Kia Soul, 2014 Suzuki Ertiga, and 2016 Suzuki Ciaz. We started with the Ciaz because we believe our series of long term tests are still relevant since it’s still the same model that’s currently being marketed by the Suzuki Automobile dealers across the country. Here’s Part 2 of our report:

Brown Derby is a delicious ice cream sundae that used to be a consistent top-seller when Tropical Hut was at its peak as a hamburger joint and ice cream parlor in the late 1970s and early 80s. It has a couple of scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, some nuts and chocolate chips, marshmallows, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry on the top. In short, this ice cream concoction has everything an ice cream chocoholic would crave for and more.

We were reminded of the Brown Derby each and every time we get to drive our 2016 Suzuki Ciaz 1.4 GLX A/T. We feel that it has everything anyone can ask of a modern subcompact sedan and more. It has the fuel efficiency expected of a small-displacement 4-cylinder engine and the power and torque provided by double over head camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves (16V), variable valve timing (VVT), and electronic fuel injection (EFI). Our GLX has the comfort and luxury expected of a top-of-the-line model with its leather interior, cold automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system, but surprises everyone with the spaciousness uncommon among 4-door 5-passenger subcompact sedans.

All the Sweet Goodness

As we get to accumulate more miles, err… kilometers with our long term test Ciaz, we begin to appreciate its design, features, and amenities. The bigger and wider 16-inch wheels works with the overdrive gear ratio of the 4-speed automatic transmission that allows the engine to rev lower, and thus, save fuel, during highway runs. Despite being loaded with five occupants and some stuff in the trunk, the Ciaz possesses more-than-adequate ground clearance, which saved us from scraping the bottom when we pass over ruts created by the widespread construction along the roads of our growing mega metropolis.

We also appreciate the Android operating system of our Ciaz’s infotainment system which allows us to make and receive hands-free mobile phone calls, especially with the new laws against using a cellphone while driving. The infotainment system features a big screen that works like an in-car computer tablet that allows us to access our Facebook accounts and stay connected on the web. That it gets great AM/FM radio reception, plays music from CDs and USBs, and plays videos from DVDs also gives it a lot of plus points. The only thing we need to do is buy the programming disc so we can activate the built-in satellite navigation system.

Satisfying Performance

In our previous report, we posted that, at 280 kilometers and despite the heavy everyday traffic, our Prime Dignity Brown Ciaz returned a fuel mileage of 7.56 kilometers per liter and a fuel cost per kilometer of P4.91. After we broke it in through its first 1,000 kilometers, we felt that our Ciaz ran lighter and more agile. That we frequented the highways going north to Clark, Pampanga to attend several meetings for the JSK Auto Fun Run 6 and the Philippine leg of the 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto championship series also helped the Ciaz stretch its legs and improve its average fuel mileage.

Additionally, it cost us only P2,076.70 for the first 1,000-kilometer periodic maintenance schedule (PMS), which was performed at Suzuki Auto East Avenue with the odometer showing 1,899 kilometers. The PMS brought our service cost per kilometer to P1.23 and the total cost of operating our Suzuki at P5.84 per kilometer. Not only is our brown Ciaz fuel-efficient, it is also cost efficient! We can’t wait to see how it will perform during the next 5,000 kilometers. Stay tuned!

MILEAGE REPORT

Odometer reading: 4,829 km

Mileage since last report: 4,549 km

Average fuel economy: 8.52 km/L

Fuel cost per kilometer: P4.61/km

Service cost per kilometer: P1.23/km

Current running costs: P5.84/km