Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
THERE is a superhero in all of us. We just need the courage to put on the cape,” Superman said.
And by these words, Suzuki Philippines valiantly brought to the fore a new line in the utility-commercial vehicle segment that prides itself with superior loading capacity, a new-generation environment-friendly and fuel-efficient diesel engine—ladies and gentlemen, the new Suzuki Super Carry. Recently launched at the Mega Tent in Libis, Quezon City, this workhorse will surely carry any business venture to new heights.
“Super Carry is brought to the Philippine market with the objective of improving business processes and operations, especially among small- and medium-sized businesses, which comprise more than 90 percent of the overall sales in the country,” said Shuzo Hoshikura, Suzuki Philippines general manager for automobile. “We seek to help more businesses flourish and reach their maximum potential, and what better way is there than through this reliable workhorse,” he added.
This utility commercial vehicle could carry heavy materials with up to 3.25 square meters in space and maximum capacity of 735 kilograms. Armed with light steering wheel and a low turning radius of 4.3 meters, which allows effortless driving no matter how hefty the cargo, the Super Carry provides easy maneuverability even in tight areas as proven by a short test-drive they conducted in the parking grounds during the launch.
This loader sports the latest automotive technology—the 793cc, two-cylinder and DD is Euro 4-diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission with a peak power of 32 hp at 3,500 rpm and 75 N-m of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm—making the vehicle more cost-efficient and eco-friendly compared to others of the same caliber. Not to mention sipping fuel driblets of 22.07 km/l, the Super Carry is a sure-worthy errand boy doing rounds in the city if you ask me.
Its new engine is also suited with an Engine Control Module (ECM), which easily monitors its condition and guarantees its continuous peak performance.
From the outside, the Super Carry may be your typical runabout work-loader, as it features plain front bumper and halogen headlights. It’s a tad higher than the previous model at 1,883 tall and measures 3,800-mm long, 1,562-mm wide and a 2,110-mm wheelbase, while its cargo bed is 2,183-mm long, 1,488-mm wide and a bed height of 300 mm.
Interior-wise, however, Suzuki designers have given careful thought on the comfort and convenience for its driver and passengers.
The driver seat, for example, can be adjusted up to 90 mm, coupled with the extended portion of the passenger seat, where there is enough legroom and space to lie down in between long drives. The cabin endows numerous cubbyholes, trays, pockets and storage spaces for documents, food items and other necessities.
A din audio unit with built-in speaker featuring AM/FM tuning, USB/SD interface, auxiliary input and LCD display make driving more enjoyable.
Underneath the seats, meanwhile, are thick glass fiber heat shields for better insulation, paired with balloon-type weather strip that lessens noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Its bigger rear window can readily be opened with an ergonomically placed locking mechanism. This allows a large amount of air to flow inside the cabin when needed.
Safety-wise, this Super Carry is protected by a lock-on fuel tank cap, a secured spare tire mounting bracket and battery with provision of lock.
The seats are equipped with a three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelt, while stopping power is taken cared of via a front ventilated disk brake for better heat dissipation, plus drum brakes on the rear featuring Load Sensing Proportioning Valves (LSPV) for stabilized braking in different load conditions.
The Super Carry can be one’s all-around utility man with its various body setups: from an ambulance, police car, school bus up to a mobile sari-sari store.
Their Super Carry Truck is priced at P479,000; Super Utility Van (UV) at P565,000; Super Carry Cargo Van (CV) at P529,000; Super Carry Jeepney Body (JB) at P550,000; and the APV Utility Van with Dual Aircon (UV) at P630,000. From now on, Suzuki’s iconic trademark brand logo “S” has a whole new definition for this scribe.
As per Superman himself, “It’s not an S, on my world it means hope.” And for this country, it is hope for the small-time entrepreneur, for the typical Filipino and for a better future.