Sparsely Kitted Suzuki Eeco a Business Powerhouse?

Many South African businesses thrive on the practicality and functionality of a panel van, but Suzuki thinks it may have an affordable solution to increasing business costs.

suzuki eeco

Image: Suzuki SA

Looking for a new or used Suzuki? Find it here with CARmag!

Suzuki’s new Eeco is a panel van that promises to be a game-changer for South African businesses seeking a cost-effective and reliable transport solution. Priced at just R212 900, the Eeco is an attractive option for businesses needing a practical and efficient vehicle without breaking the bank.

Suzuki Eeco Fast Facts

  • Price: R212 900
  • Engine: 1.2-litre, petrol
  • Power: 59 kW @ 6 000 r/min
  • Torque: 104 N.m @ 3 000 r/min
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual
  • Drive: RWD
  • Load bay (L, W, H): 1 620 x 1 300 x 1 070 mm
  • Economy: 5.4 L/100 km (claimed)
  • Warranty: 3-year/100 000 km

At this competitive price point, the Suzuki Eeco stands out significantly against its rivals. The only real competitors in a similar price bracket are Hyundai’s Grandi10 panel van (R257 500) and Venue panel van (R351 900). The Nissan NP200 1.6i Safety Pack (from R245 300) is also on offer. However, with Nissan having ceased production of this half-tonne bakkie, stocks of the NP200 are dwindling. Other competitors like the Peugeot Partner 1.6 HDi LWB L2 panel van (R494 900), Fiat Doblo Cargo Maxi 1.6 Multijet panel van SX (R449 900), and Fiat Fiorino 1.4 panel van (R375 900) are substantially more expensive.

Related: Five-door Suzuki Jimny makes practical sense

Consequently, many potential buyers are likely to opt for the more affordable Eeco, even if it means foregoing some luxuries such as central locking, a more comfortable driving position, and a more advanced music system.

suzuki eeco

Image: Suzuki SA

Engineered for cargo

The Suzuki Eeco is designed with practicality at its core. It boasts a spacious loading area with dimensions that cater to large, sturdy items. The load bay, which measures 1 620 mm in length and 1 300 mm in width, can easily accommodate a full-sized South African pallet. The height of 1 070 mm ensures that even bulky items fit comfortably. With a certified load-carrying capacity of 615 kg, the Eeco is well-suited for a variety of goods. However, for smaller items, packing them tightly together is advisable to prevent movement during transit.

Related: Epic Drakensberg drive, in a Suzuki Eeco!

Under the hood, the Eeco is powered by Suzuki’s 1.2-liter K12N petrol engine, delivering 59 kW at 6 000 r/min and 104 N.m at 3 000 r/min. While not the most powerful engine in its class, it offers sufficient power for city deliveries and ensures fuel efficiency with a claimed fuel return of 5.4 L/100 km. Perhaps owing to the panel van status, sound insulation is not the Eeco’s strongest suit and wind- and road noises enter the cabin at an alarming rate. The hollow loading area adds to the audible discomfort as it creates an irritating humming sound behind the two front passengers.

Still, Suzuki managed to endow the Eeco with a raft of safety features. It comes equipped with two airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and electronic stability control (ESP) as standard. Rear parking sensors, side-impact steel beams, and a high-mounted stop lamp add to the safety package.

suzuki eeco

Image: Suzuki SA

Practical interior

Inside the cabin, Suzuki has prioritized functionality. The Eeco features large, manually adjustable side mirrors, wide front windows, and a high seating position. There is also an air conditioner and a 12V power socket. While the very basic music system lacks modern features, it includes two speakers and an antenna.

Suzuki has designed the Eeco for straightforward maintenance. The K12N engine, known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, is situated under the driver’s seat. The Eeco also comes in a single exterior colour – white – to simplify branding procedures and lower maintenance and insurance costs.

Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post Sparsely Kitted Suzuki Eeco a Business Powerhouse? appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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