Suzuki Phils. launches new 8-seat APV

Think Suzuki and you think motorcycles. Think four-wheeled Suzuki and you think tiny 4x4s and utility vehicles. But if you’ve been paying closer attention, you will have noticed that the low-profile Japanese manufacturer of high quality bikes and compact vehicles has been slowly unleashing a trickle of larger and larger vehicles.

The shift began with the Grand Vitara SUV, which followed the footsteps of the compact 1.6-liter-engined Vitara 4x4. The Grand Vitara comes with a 2.0-liter 16-valve engine but can be fitted with a big 2.5-liter 24-valve V6. Suzuki then followed it up with the even larger XL_7 SUV, which could comfortably carry seven passengers in its three-row configuration.

With the distinctive-looking new APV (All-Purpose Vehicle), Suzuki seamlessly continues its tradition of versatility and excellence in packaging thanks to the APV’s generous eight-seater capacity despite its compact exterior dimensions. The APV represents Suzuki’s new philosophy in automotive design, which the company calls "mobile living." Simply put, it means that Suzuki wants its customers to experience the warm, cozy atmosphere of their home even when they are on the road.

Having already introduced the vehicle in Thailand and Indonesia, and seeing that Asians are family-oriented people who like to travel together, Suzuki is positioning the APV as the main model that will spearhead its new thrust to conquer Southeast Asian markets.

Powered by a 91-hp (with 127 Nm of torque) 1.6-liter, 16-valve lightweight all-aluminum gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed manual (GL) or 4-speed automatic (GLX), the Suzuki APV promises the ideal balance between maximum seating capacity and high fuel economy.

The APV rides on compact and lightweight MacPherson struts and coil springs in front and leaf springs and a rigid axle at the back. It rolls on 14-inch alloy wheels with comfort-biased 185/80R-14 tires. The APV’s high ground clearance of 170 mm ensures that this wagon will not have a hard time clearing our flood-prone streets.

On the safety side, ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes complement Suzuki’s TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) crumple-zone protection and side-impact beams. For security, the Suzuki APV is equipped with a keyless entry system with hazard-lamp answer-back function.

Eight passengers are accommodated by three rows of seats in a 2-3-3 seating configuration. When the third-row seats are stowed, the APV’s rear portion can swallow up to 714 liters of cargo. Although we haven’t had a chance to drive it, initial build quality and fit and finish seemed high, even by lofty Japanese standards.

The Suzuki APV, which comes in Cool Black, Silky Silver, Champagne Beige, Twilight Blue and Shining Red, has a retail price of P599,000 for the M/T and P719,000 for the A/T. It is distributed locally by Suzuki Philippines, Incorporated, a wholly owned company of Suzuki Motor Corp. Ltd. of Japan.