How to save on fuel in an era of oil price increases  

Since the year started, fuel prices have generally been on an upward trend. What should have been a temporary (if routine) increase has turned into a series of price hikes, overwhelming and frustrating motorists every time they need to fill up at the pumps.

Unpredictable fuel prices might discourage customers from buying a new car   

For those who are about to buy their first car, or are even set on getting a second vehicle, this couldn’t have come at a worse time. While it sounds like everyone is helpless in the face of runaway fuel prices, it’s not like the market has run out of options when it comes to buying cars.

When it comes to fuel efficiency among car brands, some do it better than others. Typically, smaller cars tend to be known for consuming less fuel, on account of their lighter weight compared to bigger vehicles. 

The Suzuki S-Presso comes with a touchscreen head unit despite its price 

One option is the Suzuki S-Presso, priced from Php 563,000 to Php 588,000. What makes it stand out, apart from being the most affordable model in the market with a touchscreen, is that it manages a fuel consumption figure of 22 kilometers per liter. This is despite having a generous ground clearance and riding position, which are usually responsible for reducing fuel efficiency. 

Suzuki's new-generation Celerio is the only one in its class with hill-start assist

If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, the new Suzuki Celerio might be right up your alley. This small hatchback comes with an Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission option. Its 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline power unit comes with an Engine Auto Stop Start (EASS) system, resulting in a fuel consumption of 28.25 kilometers per liter. Not bad for its sticker price of between Php 708,000 and Php 754,000.    

The DZire is Suzuki PH's entry into the subcompact sedan market

Going for a model with a dedicated trunk is good for cargo carrying capacity, but will it affect fuel consumption? The Suzuki DZire subcompact sedan seems to disagree, particularly the GL manual transmission version priced at Php 758,000. It packs a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine under the hood, which returns an impressive 26.54 kilometers per liter. 

If it’s connectivity you’re after, there’s the Suzuki Swift subcompact hatchback and its 8-inch touchscreen that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For Php 898,000, it has a sporty presence that belies its superior fuel efficiency of just 31.54 kilometers for every liter of fuel that goes into its 1.2-liter gasoline engine. Having a continuously variable transmission helps, too. 

Connectivity is just one of the Suzuki Swift's strong points

Your household might prefer something that has more seats to accommodate the whole family. The Suzuki Ertiga MPV fits the bill nicely, and it only costs from Php 853,000 to Php 1,003,000. For that price, it has a generous interior that has enough space for seven occupants plus cargo. Under the hood lies a 1.5-liter gasoline inline-4 engine capable of traveling 20.50 kilometers per liter of fuel. Of note, the Ertiga is one of Suzuki's flagship models.   

Want something that’s a little more dressed up? There’s the Suzuki XL7, with its aggressive SUV styling matched with practicality. A sticker price of Php 1,138,000 gets you the same seating capacity as the Ertiga, with ventilated cupholders to keep refreshments cool. Despite its sporty exterior, the XL7’s 1.5-liter gasoline engine can still manage up to 17.11 kilometers per liter.

The Suzuki Ertiga still manages to be fuel-efficient despite its large dimensions 

These numbers were not just plucked out of thin air, mind you. They were all achieved in a recent eco run overseen by representatives from the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP).       

Rising fuel prices don’t necessarily need to put you off from buying a new car. If anything, they can even guide you into making more informed choices and help you get more than your money’s worth.  

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This story was produced in partnership with Suzuki