When the Suzuki Ciaz was launched in South Africa in April 2015, it was headed with the words, “A touch of four-door class”. Yes.
In reviewing the Ciaz I must add the disclaimer that I am a Suzuki fan. I own one, and am very happy with my choice and it performs beyond its promise.
The Ciaz GLX comes with leather upholstery including the steering wheel . The immediate feel when you step into this car is class. And its interior design belies its supposed size when you’re looking from the outside in. It is big for its class and this is important to me with a family to transport, including two active medium sized dogs (I might choose to cover that leather on the back seat). Looking at the outside is easy on the eye, too; not in the super-model kind of way, rather in the familiar city popular looks kind of way.
The standard safety features (here I’m thinking of that family again) on all models are good. The only feature missing from the GL is the front fog lamps, which in South Africa will only be missed once every couple of years. People who drive with them on normally are a pain in the eyes because these lights often shine upwards and impair the oncoming driver’s vision, so maybe not having them is a safety feature?!
4 sets of golf clubs should fill the size of that 495l boot… My family of 5 might be able to get away for a self-catered long weekend if we pack it just right. Of course, there’s no pram space, but the toddler is growing up and needs to practice his walking anyway (but why would we want to walk if we could spend it on leather seats driving some of the scenic passes of the Eastern Cape)?
Then to the performance: Power was not lacking from the 1.4l engine. It easily climbed the coastal hills, took off in good time from a standstill and engaged all the gears comfortably. A test at altitude might reveal something different, but if you’re after performance then you’re looking at the wrong car. And if you’re driving it at altitude, you’ll be able to say the same thing about any of its competitors, too.
Road noise was minimal in this car. It provided for easy listening to both my co-pilot and the radio (6 speakers and good clarity from them… I know what music I’ll get going in this car). The Ciaz range comes standard with Bluetooth for those phone calls you simply can’t miss. And you eyes never have to leave the road.
The instrument display and center console are both well layed out and intuitive to navigate, read and interpret. Getting used to that layout should be quick and easy.
Suzuki has made some fabulous vehicles, not least of which is the Alto which has sold so many units globally. I can’t see them failing with the Ciaz. In a C-segment car in the so-called budget market you’re looking at something almost like luxury. There are bells and whistles, with a couple of optional extras.
For the up and coming, this car will offer suitable credibility. For the family, this car offers full functionality. For those wanting the luxury, I recommend the GLX over the GL. For those wanting the extra bit of lazy, go for the automatic.
For more information, Michelle at Suzuki Auto PE was very helpful to me. Give them a call at 041 395 8200.
