Don't you just love it when a R90-million plan comes together? That's how much Suzuki Japan invested in Suzuki Auto SA. The plan was to re-launch the brand locally after Delta Motor Corporation (now GM), the previous importer of Suzuki vehicles, ditched it about four years ago.
They're offering a classy product with fantastic features for great prices. Two of the models launched so far, the SX4 and Swift, are shoo-ins for "what-the-people-want" prizes.
We reviewed the smaller of the two, the Swift hatchback, a few weeks ago and if we had a star rating system it would have come away with at least nine out of 10.
Now we're rating the other - the SX4, which Suzuki calls a "sporty crossover" pitched against Golf and Focus-sized cars.
If you line up the SX4 next to all of its so-called rivals, it would stand out as an oddball though. It's a little shorter than the competition but what it lacks in length it makes up for in height. Perhaps where the crossover part comes in, the SX4 stands head and shoulders above the likes of Golf, Focus, Auris and Astra, not only in headroom but also ground clearance.
It feels as though you're sitting on this car rather than in it but that adds to the sense of security loved by SUV-driving moms. The SX4 has a nice perspective from behind the wheel and the cleverly styled front windows give excellent peripheral vision.
It's also nice to know that the belly's not going to scrape over SA's vicious speed bumps.
Power comes from a fuel-injected two-litre engine that matches rivals in terms of power. I was impressed with its zipability around town and, with the manual transmission, it's quite capable in any environment. Pity it has only five gears though - six are the standard nowadays and the change might help with fuel consumption.
I recorded an average of 9.3 litres/100km, a whole litre more than claimed by Suzuki. I reckon it's a pretty decent figure but with the needle goes down quickly with only a 45-litre tank.
If you look at the large hatch market like a poker game the Suzuki has a trump card AND an ace up its sleeve. Buying an SX4 is a no muss, no fuss, experience - the only choice is manual or automatic (R13 000 more) and colour. There are no options (although dealers will fit leather if asked) because everything's included.
Keyless entry and ignition are standard - they're not even an option on competitors.
FULLY LOADED
Everything from cruise control through power windows, aircon to six crash bags comes at the price. Pity the steering column doesn't adjust for height but everything feels classy and solidly built.
The price is unbelievable. Irresistible, actually. I'm not talking about a few thousand bucks less than its rivals but an average difference of around R35 000! I know, it seems too good to be true, but it all comes down to that R90-million plan I told you about.
We use the word "package" quite regularly in this industry and this one's bursting at the seams with appeal.
The market's quite taken with the Suzuki offerings so far and a little birdie tells me that it'll only get better. The Grand Vitara and Jimny were launched in SA this week and the SX4 may also arrive as a sedan and with all-wheel drive.
Then there's the Swift Sport and new A and D-segment cars. Prepare for a Suzuki onslaught!