3 Reasons why Suzuki APV is a value for money MPV

The Suzuki APV is like an affront to the current batch of MPVs in the Philippines. Like a stubborn child, it has refused to follow its siblings and become more modern. However, if you look at it another way, it has refused to become more complicated. In the age of MPVs that look like spaceships, the APV has stuck to the boxy shape that it came out with in 2004. Seriously, place the current gen model next to the original one and many people will fail in telling the difference. For some, this may be a bad mark against the APV. But these people are just missing the point. The APV is probably the cheapest MPV on sale in the Philippines today. This does not mean that its buyers are compromising on essential amenities. Here are a few reasons why the Suzuki is very good value for your hard-earned money.

1) Built for Asian conditions

Asian roads offer a unique challenge to car makers. Suzuki had these same challenges in mind when they designed the APV. With its narrow and high dimensions at 4230 (L) x 1655 (W) x 1865 (H) m, it is a breeze to fit through narrow alleyways. But that would be useless if it couldn’t turn on a dime. Thankfully the turning radius is very low for a van at just 4.9m. Unlike its rivals, power is sent to the rear wheels for better hauling. It also rides at a height of 180 mm above the ground, easily going over potholes and speed breakers. While it is high it does not hamper visibility at all. The windows are large and go deep in the doors. Seating is high and gives a very good view outside.

2) Hauling

While today’s MPVs are more geared towards carrying passengers at the cost of the load-hauling ability, the APV succeeds in striking a balance. The cargo volume with the third row folded is cavernous at 714 litres. The gross vehicle mass is 1950 kg on top of the empty vehicle which weighs 1210 kg, this means that with average sized driver and passenger, the van can still easily carry 600 kg of load. The loading bay is wider in the back for better access. The floor is low and the rear arches are small. There are some issues like the floor not being completely flat and the top hinged rear door. But these are expected with an MPV that also wants to be a people carrier.

3) The basics

At this price range, you would probably expect the APV to barely have any creature comforts at all. And indeed it can best be described as simple. The steering is buttonless. The seats are covered in vinyl. The large mirrors are manual. But the essentials are all there. It scores major points in the reliability department too. There is enough space to seat 7 or even 8. The materials are tough. The upholstery and the carpeting are long-lasting. There is central locking and seat belts for everyone. The higher variants also come with dual airbags, electric windows, and anti-lock brakes. More importantly, the air conditioner is powerful and even serves the rear rows pretty well. The higher variants even come equipped with a 6 speaker system paired with a radio supporting USB, MP3, and AUX.

When you consider that you get this versatile and capable package for less than the price of an entry-level sedan you will understand why you see fleets of these things on the road. The Suzuki APV is meant for hauling ass. It is most in its element when it is loaded with 7 passengers and asked to navigate narrow city roads. If you know what you want out of your MPV, suddenly the APV will start making a lot of sense.