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Suzuki are on a winning streak in South Africa - fast growing and accoladed by consumers for good customer service and reliable products.

The brand offers a variety of well-priced vehicles that are a joy to drive. I’d liken the brand to Mr Price – spot-on fashionable attire that is well suited to its youthful target market and priced to fly off the shelves.

Suzuki’s mid-sized sedan, the Ciaz, which is part of their 10-model line-up has recently been given a boost of power. Engine capacity was 1.4-l and now a 1.5-l. Not just a meagre 100cc - this new little gem of a motor is endowed with a decent 77kW/138Nm – that’s 7kW and 8Nm up on power vs. the 1.4-l. Free revving and frugal (you can expect figures to be between 5.6 and 8-l per 100km) its 1.5-l motor is mated to a lightweight platform. This combination makes for effortless acceleration and braking. The Ciaz has a firm yet comfortable suspension setup that offers a relaxed driving experience. Fast cornering is not its forte.

On the outside, the grille is flanked by new headlamp clusters with automatic LED headlamps and sassy integrated daytime running lights on the GLX model. The GL model, in turn, gets

new halogen projector headlamps. The lower air intake has been redesigned to be larger and more aggressive. Bonus! This trapezoidal intake is framed, on the GLX specification level, by LED fog lamps in large, chrome-lined holders.

I was fortunate to review the GLX (flagship) model. This model features attractive new 16” polished chrome wheels. These chrome wheels tie in well with the added chrome highlights on the bumper. As part of the GLX flagship status, there is now a new 7” SLDA touchscreen audio system. The SLDA system combines full Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone integration with modern features such as a reverse camera with rear park sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands. I enjoyed the faux leather seats – they add a plush, high-end feel to the interior.  

Additionally, automatic climate control, electric folding side mirrors and the upgrade to keyless access with a Start/Stop button on the flagship GLX model are some of the niceties.

Peace of mind and easy motoring are two key components of ownership of a Suzuki, generally speaking. The Ciaz is not different in that regard. Owners can take pride in knowing they own a reliable day-to-day sedan that offers a host of features in an underestimated package. Considering its competition: Kia Rio, Nissan Almera, Toyota Corolla Quest, Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Polo Sedan, the Ciaz is unique and arguably more premium-feeling.

In short, the enhancements made to the Ciaz through its facelift make it a very compelling option. Go test drive one. You will be surprised.

Plus +

• Arguably the best option in this segment
• Nippy
• Quality package

Minus –

• Light steering
• Some body roll at higher speeds

The Competition

Kia Rio, Nissan Almera, Toyota Corolla Quest, Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Polo Sedan.

Pricing

Ciaz 1.5 GL Manual R214 900

Ciaz 1.5 GL Auto R229 900

Ciaz 1.5 GLX Manual R244 900

Ciaz 1.5 GLX Auto R259 900

Service and warranty

All Ciaz models will be sold with a 3-year / 60 000km service plan and Suzuki’s

promotional 5-year / 200 000km vehicle warranty.

My Choice

Ciaz 1.5 GLX Manual R244 900

www.suzukiauto.co.za/new-cars/ciaz/