A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
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Decision summary
Suzuki Celerio vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: the short answer
CLA Electric has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Celerio.
Recorded price context
Celerio:
current from
ZAR 188,900
·
CLA Electric:
announced from
ZAR 1,212,650
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Celerio
CLA Electric
Maximum Power
Celerio49 kW
CLA Electric200 kW
Maximum Torque
Celerio89 Nm
CLA Electric335 Nm
Engine Size
Celerio998 cc
CLA ElectricNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
Celerio18.2 km/l
CLA Electric0 km/l
Ground Clearance
Celerio0 mm
CLA Electric150 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Suzuki Celerio
1.0 GL AMT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Celerio
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
CLA Electric
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Celerio
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
CLA Electric
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current market generation
Current South African CLA Electric generation represented by derivative CLA 250+
Facelift History
Current market specification
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Hatchback
Premium coupé
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Coupé
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Length
3695 mm
4800 mm
Width
1655 mm
1900 mm
Height
1555 mm
1600 mm
Wheelbase
2435 mm
2790 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
150 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
150 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
32 l
500 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
500 l
Kerb Weight
825 kg
2000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1260 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
435 kg
500 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
12.0 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
950 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Engine
1.0-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Electric engine
Engine Code
K10C
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
998 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
3
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
12
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Multi-point fuel injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Not Applicable
Bore
73.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
85.0 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
49 kW
200 kW
Maximum Torque
89 Nm
335 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Rear
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
RWD
Transmission
5-Speed AMT
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
170 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
12.0 sec
6.7 sec
Quarter Mile
18.0 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
59.4 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
107.9 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
85 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
85.0 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
85.0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
85.0 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
320 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Gearbox
5-speed automated manual
Single-speed reduction gear
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
RWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
4.3
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
5
1
Transmission Type
5-speed automated manual
Single-speed reduction gear
Clutch Type
Dry single-plate clutch
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Electronic shift-by-wire
Drivetrain
2WD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
No
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
5-speed automated manual
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
750
Low Range
Not Applicable
750
Axle Layout
Front driven axle
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
5
1
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Claimed Mileage
18.2 km/l
0 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
0 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
32 l
0 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Zero tailpipe emissions
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.2 km/l
0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Charging Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Fuel Tank Litres
32
0
Combined Driving Range
700
750
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
14.6-12.3 kWh/100 km
Range Real World Highway
650 km
750 km
Range Real World Mixed
600 km
750 km
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Not Applicable
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
No
Front and rear
AEB
No
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
No
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
No
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
Yes
ABS EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Cruise Control
Cruise control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Applicable
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Applicable
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Park Assist
No
Yes
Around View Monitor
No
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Applicable
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
No
Yes
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Seat Material
Fabric upholstery
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
No
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
No
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
No
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Fabric upholstery
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Climate Control
Manual air conditioning
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
Yes
Sunroof
No
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Applicable
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Manual air conditioning
Automatic climate control
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment system
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Analogue instrument cluster with multi-information display
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB-A / USB-C
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
7
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
7
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
LED Headlamps
No
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
No
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
No
No
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
No
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
245/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space-saver spare wheel
19-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
16
19
Handbrake Type
Manual parking brake
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
CO2 Emissions
125 g/km
0 g/km
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
250000 ZAR
1212650 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
250000
1300000
Starting Price Zar
250000
1300000
Spec
Celerio
CLA Electric
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Celerio and CLA Electric comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Celerio 20 vs CLA Electric 77.
Efficiency index: Celerio 69 vs CLA Electric 90.
Safety-equipment index: Celerio 67 vs CLA Electric 95.
Practicality index: Celerio 43 vs CLA Electric 54.
Ownership-cover index: Celerio not separately scored vs CLA Electric not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Celerio and CLA Electric image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
CLA Electric leads by 30 points
CLA Electric has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Celerio.
Performance
CLA Electric +57
Efficiency
CLA Electric +21
Safety
CLA Electric +28
Practicality
CLA Electric +11
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
CLA Electric
Performance
77/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
54/100
Celerio
Performance
20/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
67/100
Practicality
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Electric
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 48 pts for Celerio
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Electric leads. However, Celerio may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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