Three Suzuki owners whose cars helped steer them through the year
Three Suzuki owners whose cars helped steer them through the year
2024 was yet another challenging year for South African consumers. From navigating the uncertainty of a general election to having to deal with increased living costs, the last twelve months have been a taxing time for most citizens.
Fortunately when it comes to getting from point A to point B, those with a Suzuki in their possession have been able to weather the storm a little better.
Whether enjoying reduced running costs, excellent value for money or simply the freedom of picking the path less travelled and leaving the stresses of everyday life behind, our vehicles are proving faithful companions to a legion of moneywise motorists.
Jimny lightens the mental load
One of them is Gqeberha-based adventurer Craig Fouche who regularly recharges from the rat race behind the wheel of his fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny GLX. Purchased in 2020, his customised Medium Grey example has transported him and his wife, Heather, to all manner of exciting destinations such as Namibia, Tankwa, Kgalagadi, Lesotho and the Richtersveld.
“Our relationship with the Jimny dates back to 2011,”
says Fouche.
“While tackling the Swartberg Pass in our small hatchback we started thinking how awesome it would be to explore the backroads of our beautiful country. We needed a more capable vehicle that would not break the bank and as such Heather and I settled on a third-generation model.”
Still in their possession, the Fouches used their plucky Suzuki to complete the Ben 10 Eco Challenge: an adventure that requires you to drive ten specific high altitude Eastern Cape gravel passes within a time frame of seven days. They completed it in four and in doing so became etched in the Ben 10 Hall of Fame as the first Jimny to ever complete the challenge.
After 14 years of ownership, Fouche has many reasons why he remains so enamoured with the Jimny platform. At the top of his list is the Japanese off-roader’s diminutive proportions.
“In a Jimny it is easy to navigate and in some cases drive around obstacles larger 4x4s need to drive through. It offers true go-anywhere capability in a package you can use on a daily basis. I also like the fact you can easily customise it to meet your requirements. Whether you’re an everyday driver, weekend camper, overlander or hardcore 4x4 enthusiast, the Jimny acts as a sort of blank canvas for vehicular expression – especially the latest model.”
“Aside from benefiting from lower insurance premiums, servicing costs and favourable fuel consumption, the Jimny is proving to be super reliable. We’ve done plenty exploring over the years and have yet to experience any issues. We trust and have a great relationship with our local Suzuki dealership and we take both of our Jimny models there for regular servicing.”
Fouche is equally enthusiastic about the Jimny community and the camaraderie it instils.
“Though Jimny people come from various walks of life, all are like minded about seeking out adventure and learning more about their vehicles. Having been involved in the scene for so many years, we have made a lot of friends from all over South Africa, and it was great to actually meet them at the last Jimny Gathering – an unforgettable event Suzuki really went all-out to make memorable for us. Hopefully we’ll see them again at Jimny Gathering 2025.”
Eeco Van proves a winning recipe
Back in the confines of the urban jungle, pionering private chef Andile Sikhakhane (aka Chef Scott) has found the Suzuki Eeco Van to be a tasty addition to his business. The in-demand culinarian picked one up in August and has been amazed at how it has streamlined his life.
“I use the Eeco Van for carrying my extensive list of cheffing equipment,”
says Sikhakhane.
“Despite this panel van’s compact proportions, I have found there is more than enough room inside to accommodate all my cutlery, crockery and ingredients. I love the double sliding side doors as they make the Eeco Van easy to load and unload in places where space or access is limited. Another feature that makes my life easier when getting to or from jobs are the standard rear parking sensors – they certainly earn their keep on a regular basis.”
Introduced to the South African market in 2023, the Eeco Van is endowed with a generous cargo bay measuring 1,620mm long, 1,300mm wide and 1,070mm tall. These dimensions allow it to carry a full-sized South African pallet with ease. It also boasts a certified load-carrying capacity of 615kg, including two passengers and a full tank of petrol. Power is provided by a fuel-efficient 1.2 litre four-cylinder engine making 59kW and 104Nm of torque.
“The motor runs very smoothly, even when the vehicle is fully loaded,”
says Sikhakhane.
“It’s economical too, with low fuel consumption making it an excellent choice for missioning through congested urban areas. Though I’ve only had my Eeco Van for four months, I can’t recommend it enough to other chefs and small business owners looking for an affordable commercial transport solution. What’s more, those boxy proportions make an excellent space for marketing your services with some kind of branding or a wrap – it works for me.”
Ertiga earns its wings
Another operation putting its trust in Suzuki is Bluebird Bespoke Transport: a specialist transportation company based in Cape Town with depots in Johannesburg and Durban.
According to Managing Director Wasief Chilwan, the company’s primary offerings include staff transport, chauffeur services, shuttle transportation and a variety of other bespoke vehicle hire solutions tailor-made to meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike.
It’s a sizable enterprise operating a large number of vehicles, one of which is the Suzuki Ertiga.
“The seven-seater Ertiga caught our attention for a number of reasons,”
says Chilwan.
“For starters, it’s an incredibly versatile platform able to accommodate both passengers and luggage in a compact design – something that makes it a standout option for our fleet. As such Blue Bird currently operates over 200 Ertiga vehicles across the three major provinces. Another plus is the ownership experience. Over the years we have found the Ertiga to be reliable, low-maintenance and well-suited for the high-mileage demands we place on them.”
“A further string in its bow is impressive fuel efficiency; the Ertiga proving economical to run without compromising on comfort or performance, which is crucial for us as a transport operator. With rising fuel costs, this has been a key factor in our decision to have the Ertiga in our fleet, as it helps us manage operating expenses while still delivering reliable service.”
Available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and paired to a 77kW/138Nm 1.5 litre petrol engine, Chilwan says Blue Bird drivers are fond of the Ertiga’s smooth ride, comfortable driving position, and ease of manoeuvrability – especially in urban environments where heavy traffic can be challenging. The vehicle’s cabin is spacious, and the controls are intuitive, making long hours spent behind the wheel a lot more comfortable.
Passengers on the other hand are said to appreciate the ample interior legroom and user-friendly interior design. The flexible seating configuration allows for easy adjustments, whether for additional luggage or extra passengers, ensuring all client travel needs are met.
Finally, Chilwan highlights the appeal of the Japanese carmaker’s extensive dealer network.
“It offers great peace of mind knowing we have hassle-free access to servicing, parts, and support nationwide. This network ensures maintenance and repairs can be done quickly, minimising downtime and keeping our vehicles on the road. For a business like ours, reliability and convenience are key, and Suzuki’s dealer network plays a crucial role in supporting that.”
