Suzuki APV: Features we like

Suzuki has a van offering which is quite famous in the South East Asian countries. The Suzuki APV can be optioned as a seven or eight seater depending on the customer’s preferences. The price point (Php 5.8 lakh - Php 8.08 lakh) too is attractive and given the segment it operates in, the space too is decent. It can change its interior dimensions to afford for more cargo and is also the preferred choice of wheels for small and medium business owners.

Here are some of the features that endear us to this versatile people mover.

Flat folding seats

When Suzuki names a car as APV, it is but obvious that the car has to fulfill every duty allotted to it. So, be it carrying seven people in reasonable comfort or carrying five with enough space for their luggage, the APV does it all. In fact, the third row of seats folds flat to accommodate more luggage.

The second row of seats too fold flat. As demonstrated on Suzuki’s website, a passenger can also use the APV like a limo and stretch his legs to have a more comfortable journey.

Safety

While the base trim may not come with anything more than seat belts, the mid, as well as the top-spec trims, do get safety features - a boon considering how safety is perceived here in the Philippines. While ABS is available from the mid-spec GLX, dual airbags though are provided for only on the top version i.e. SGX. A seat belt adjuster with force limiter as well as preload adjustable, tubeless alloy wheels and rear defogger are available with the APV SGX. The front crumple zone possible with the two-box design also helps reduce the fatality in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Engine and transmission

Who says a people carrier are not fun to drive has obviously driven the Suzuki APV. The 91 PS 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is a hoot to drive. Used previously in performance cars such as the older Baleno, this engine is a delight with the abundant spread of torque available. The gearbox too slots in perfectly. On a straight stretch as well as clear road and with no load, the APV can easily nudge 170 kmph, the only limiting factor being its tall body stance. Did we mention that it's a very fuel efficient engine as well? No wonder, the Suzuki APV is a favorite both with taxi operators as well as private owners.

Audio system

While it is not the best sound system around, in its class, the Suzuki APV’s stock music output is good enough. The 6-speaker audio system in the APV is a Suzuki-branded unit and gets AUX as well as USB compatibility. The sound tones are crisp and make the drive enjoyable. Suzuki also gives an option to update it with a touchscreen unit as an aftermarket accessory.

Compact dimensions

A people mover necessarily shouldn’t always have to be about five metres long. This is something which the APV has proved time and again. At 4.2 metres long, the Suzuki APV is just about the size of your average hatchback. It is easy to park given the wide glass area and good all-around visibility. These dimensions, as discussed earlier, don’t really hamper the space in the cabin.

As it is a family car with focus on utility over comfort, do not expect anything exceptional. But, it has everything that justify its pricing and the segment it is offered in.