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Suzuki
Country of Origin:
Japan
Indonesia
India
Canada
Models:
Alto
APV
Grand Vitara
Ignis
Jimny
Swift
SX4
XL7
|
Key:
| * |
Top speed electronically limited |
| 2.5SC |
2.5-litre supercharged engine |
| 2.5TC |
2.5-litre turbocharged engine |
| 2.5D |
2.5-litre diesel engine |
| 2.5TD |
2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine |
| I4 |
4-cylinder engine in inline configuration |
| V6 |
6-cylinder engine in V-shaped configuration |
| FWD |
Front-wheel-drive platform |
| RWD |
Rear-wheel-drive platform |
| 4WD |
Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform |
| 5M |
5-speed manual |
| 5A |
5-speed automatic |
| 5AM |
5-speed automanual |
| CVT |
Continuously variable auto transmission |
| l/100km |
Litres of fuel consumed every 100 kms |
|
Suzuki Alto
The Alto is a tiny hatchback originally conceived as a "kei"
car for the Japanese market, meaning it had to be restricted to this tiny size
to qualify for tax breaks in Japan. For foreign markets, it is powered by a tiny 1.1-litre engine
driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic.
The suspension is made up of MacPherson struts and coil springs at the front and
Suzuki's isolated trailing link and coil spring system at the rear.
Very popular in India, it offers low fuel
consumption, low maintenance costs and even safety features such as dual airbags, side impact beams and even seat belts.
It offers enough seating for four people as well as their wallets in the rear
luggage compartment. Available features, standard or optional, include front
power windows, cloth upholstery, power steering, central locking, CD player and
steel wheels with plastic hubcaps. Parking one of these things is easy in tight
city streets, but it could run out of breath on the highway fast lane.
|
Mini Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Spark
Daihatsu Charade
Kia Picanto
|
Price Range |
Dhs 30000 - 35000 (US$ 8100 - 9500) |
Body Styles |
5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
750 - 770 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 1.1 I4 FWD |
5M/3A |
62 |
85 |
6.2-6.5 |
14.8-17.5 |
150-154 |
Good |
Cheaper
than a used Toyota, easy to park, fuel economy |
Bad |
Cramped
seating, cheap cabin, slower than walking |
Suzuki APV
The budget APV multi-purpose people carrier has a name that stands for All-Purpose Vehicle and offers eight seats. That makes the APV one of the few passenger vehicles sold here that have more than seven seats. Built on a ladder frame chassis, the APV is supposed to be tough and affordable. It is designed in Japan and assembled in Indonesia. Although production costs were kept low, Suzuki engineers tried not to cut corners when it came to safety. The APV has Suzuki's proprietary TECT body, which is a structural design that's supposed to redirect collision energy away from occupants. The doors are reinforced with side impact beams and there are two front airbags that come as standard. Externally, the APV looks clean and distinctive in an oddball kind of way. It's dimensions translate into a roomy interior, but having eight adults in the APV is possible for average-sized people who just manage to fit. Luggage space is limited with the third-row seats up, but can be expanded by folding the rear seats forward, which then liberates enough space to allow you to transport something as big as a washing machine. Available features include rear air-conditioning, power windows, electric mirrors, central locking with remote control, 15-inch alloy wheels and a 1.6-litre engine with either a manual or an automatic.
|
Midsize Minivan
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Kia Carens
Mitsubishi Grandis
Renault Scenic
|
Price Range |
Dhs 50000 - 70000 (US$ 10800 - 19000) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1140 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 1.6 I4 FWD |
5M/4A |
92 |
127 |
8.1 |
17.8 |
140 |
Good |
Seating capacity, price, headroom, fuel economy |
Bad |
Terribly slow, tall handling, rear legroom |
Suzuki Grand Vitara
The new Grand Vitara is among the handful of small 4WD vehicles that offers true all-round 4x4 capability thanks to its low-range gearing and truck-like construction. This second-generation model is much more sophisticated than its previous iteration, and is a solid alternative to regular soft-roaders. Suzuki offers 3-door and 5-door body styles, with either a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder or a 2.7-litre V6, and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. All Grand Vitara models come well-equipped with interior room and useful features. Some of the available features include drive-by-wire throttle control, power windows, electric mirrors, power-adjustable front seating, CD stereo, and amazingly enough, a keyless entry system that does not require the key to leave the pocket to unlock the doors and start the engine. Safety features are also class-leading, with a full array of airbags with front, side and curtain bags for front seat passengers, plus curtain bags for those in the back.
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Compact 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Santa Fe
Toyota RAV-4
|
Price Range |
Dhs 79000 - 90000 (US$ 21500 - 24500) |
Body Styles |
3-door wagon, 5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1520 - 1640 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.0 I4 4WD
2.7 V6 4WD |
5M/5A
5M/5A |
138
184 |
139
250 |
9.2-10.1
11.1-11.6 |
12.5-13.6
9.2-9.7 |
170-175
180* |
Good |
Headroom, off-road gear, price, power features |
Bad |
Not very fast, rear seating space |
Suzuki Ignis
The Ignis is categorized as a supermini by the Europeans, but we see it as something a little bigger and, as Suzuki claims, a little more of a 4WD wagon alternative for hauling purposes. The Ignis was redesigned for 2006 with new front-end styling, roof rails and rear light clusters. Alloy wheels and foglamps are standard. Inside, all five seats provide decent space and comfort as well as firm support. The front seats slide and recline, and the driver’s seat is fitted with a height adjuster. Interior amenities include door trim pockets, bottle holders on all doors, cup holders, a glove box, under-dash storage space, a front-seat back pocket, a 12-volt accessory socket, a centre console, a storage tray under the front passenger seat and more. The Ignis lives with a 1.3-litre engine with variable valve timing, and a five-speed manual gearbox is standard, while a four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. Safety features include numerous airbags and active safety head restraints for the driver and front seat passenger.
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Sub-Compact Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Hyundai Matrix
Seat Leon
Toyota xA
|
Price Range |
Dhs 43000 - 49000 (US$ 11700 - 13300) |
Body Styles |
5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
955 - 1000 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 1.3 I4 FWD |
5M/4A |
94 |
118 |
6.5-6.9 |
11.1-11.6 |
160 |
Good |
Manoeuvrability, interior volume, features |
Bad |
Not quite fast, geeky shape |
Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny is a longstanding Suzuki 4WD dating back to the 1980s Samurai. With its rounded facelift, it entered the modern age with a lot of enthusiasm. Powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, it can be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. For what it's worth, the manual version is much quicker than the automatic one, though both are still painfully slow. Off-road, the Jimny holds its own against bigger 4WD vehicles. A separate chassis means that the Jimny has been constructed with serious off-road use in mind. Four adults can be carried on short journeys as long as they don't bring any luggage, but even then, front seat occupants will probably be called upon to sacrifice some legroom. When carrying rear passengers, the luggage area behind them is tiny. It is better to think of this vehicle as a two-seater with a fold-down rear bench. Driver and passenger airbags are available, as are ABS brakes. The Jimny is outdated, but finding another off-roader at this price is an unrealistic idea.
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Sub-Compact 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Daihatsu Terios
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
|
Price Range |
Dhs 48000 - 55000 (US$ 13000 - 15000) |
Body Styles |
3-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1060 - 1075 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 1.3 I4 4WD |
5M/4A |
85 |
110 |
7.3-7.8 |
14.1-17.2 |
135-140 |
Good |
Easy to park, headroom, off-road gear |
Bad |
Tight rear seat, tipsy handling, extremely slow |
Suzuki Swift
The Swift offers eye-catching looks, quality and good driving dynamics all in an affordable sub-compact package. Built and sold in many countries, this "world car" is a break from previously dull Suzuki iterations and adopts a muscular body with bold sides, spread-out wheels, and a broad-shouldered beltline that continues all the way to the tail lights, while the roof’s rear edge is shaped as a spoiler to improve aerodynamics. The Swift has one of the widest bodies in its class, and together with a long wheelbase, permits a spacious enough cabin. The functional interior uses aluminium-look trim highlights, tight fit and finish, and high-grade hard plastics. The little Suzuki is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder powerplant, while power is sent to the front-wheels using either the standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with a gated shift lever option. Its structure has done well in crash tests, and features extensive use of high tensile steel and tailored blanks to achieve strength without the penalty of added weight. All models have standard driver and passenger front and side airbags, as well as available full-length curtain airbags.
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Sub-Compact Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Daihatsu Sirion
Skoda Fabia
Toyota Yaris
|
Price Range |
Dhs 45000 - 49000 (US$ 12200 - 13300) |
Body Styles |
5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
1030 - 1050 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 1.5 I4 FWD |
5M/4A |
101 |
133 |
7.0-7.5 |
10.0-12.7 |
170-175 |
Good |
Good looks, handling, value for money |
Bad |
Basic interior, luggage space, promoted as girly car |
Suzuki SX4
The SX4 is an all-new crossover compact car from Suzuki. Suzuki says SX4 stands for Sport X-over for 4 seasons. Fitted with a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, the SX4 is reasonably sporty when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, while also coming with an optional four-speed automatic. It offers versatility and even looks like a stylish mini-4WD. The SX4 comes with all-wheel drive in
some other markets, but apparently not here. Safety features include numerous airbags, four-wheel ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and seatbelt pretensioners. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels and black roof rails. The higher trim level adds electronic stability control and traction control, auto temperature control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium audio with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers including subwoofer, silver-colour roof rails and SmartPass keyless entry and start system.
|
Compact Crossover Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Seat Leon
Hyundai Matrix
Volkswagen Golf Plus
|
Price Range |
Dhs 50000 - 60000 (US$ 13600 - 16300) |
Body Styles |
5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
1273 - 1308 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 2.0 I4 FWD |
5M/4A |
143 |
184 |
8.7-9.2 |
10.8-11.3 |
190 |
Good |
Tough looks, interior space, all-wheel-drive |
Bad |
Not as fast as it should be, heavy, average fuel economy |
Suzuki XL7
Suzuki gave up its image as a small car manufacturer with the introduction of the XL7 crossover 4WD, originally designed specifically for the American market. The XL7 is all-new, and is longer, wider and more powerful than the outgoing model. It is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Equinox model from GM, though it shares no sheetmetal with them. The XL7 is assembled in Canada alongside the Equinox, with the V6 engine coming from Japan. It is a large midsize 4WD that offers even more space for three rows of seats with sufficient room for adults to sit in reasonable comfort in the third row. The name XL7 denotes that this Suzuki can be equipped to carry up to seven passengers. Fold all the passenger seats down, including the front one, and there's a generous amount of cargo space. It uses a basic all-wheel drive system with no low range gearing. The 3.6-litre V6 is aided by a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic. Standard features include remote keyless entry, power windows, door locks and mirrors, cruise control, trip computer, alloy wheels, automatic climate control and a CD stereo system. Options include leather seating surfaces, power seats, sunroof and more. Safety features include numerous airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution, electronic stability control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
|
Midsize 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Ford Edge
Mazda CX-9
Nissan Murano
|
Price Range |
Dhs 90000 - 120000 (US$ 24500 -
32600) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1840 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.6 V6 4WD |
5A |
252 |
329 |
11.7 |
8.2 |
180* |
Good |
Comfortable ride, seating for seven, power features |
Bad |
Controversial styling, tight third row, off-road ability |
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Drive Arabia serves Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates car markets, but is also relevant to the Middle East region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Bahrain.
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