Suzuki APV Debuts in Malaysia
SUZUKI APV MAKES ITS DEBUT IN MALAYSIA
The multi-faceted, multi-purpose Suzuki APV made it debut in Malaysia today, bringing Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd a little more up to speed in its market objectives. This is the second Suzuki model to be launched; following closely behind last month’s launch of the popular 1.5 litre Suzuki Swift and the APV will augment sales of the Suzuki brand in Malaysia. The APV signals the start of a new phase in the automotive landscape, where aggressive pricing and innovative models are expected to take precedence over existing models in the market.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Suzuki APV at DRB-HICOM headquarters in Glenmarie, Petaling Jaya, Group Chairman of DRB-HICOM BERHAD, Tan Sri Saleh Sulong said, “The launch of the Suzuki APV today with its extremely attractive pricing signals our intention to secure a more significant market share in Malaysia.” DRB-HICOM, the country’s single largest integrated automotive player is confident that the Suzuki APV will do well, and has targeted that Suzuki Malaysia will be able to sell some 200 units per month, and capture at least 5 percent of the MPV market within one year.
In particular, the APV is a direct offer to those who have a large family of many people to move around, and want a competitively priced small MPV. Being an 8-seater, the APV provides an alternative to buyers. Equipped with an aluminium, light-weight 1.6 litre fuel injected, 16 valve, long stroke engine that develops 92 horsepower at 5750rpm, the APV will provide good pulling power even when fully loaded. The engine is mounted under the front seats, and drive is transferred to the rear wheels either through a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.
Suspension consists of hassle-free and simple but effective MacPherson struts at the front and a leaf spring/solid axle arrangement at the rear. A short ride and drive around the block was reasonably comfortable.
The exterior is a one-box design that provides for maximum interior space. There has been an attempt to diffuse the boxy look by rounding off the corners, and putting in a short nose at the front. The overall effect is a pleasant looking MPV looking much like a small-sized American MPV.
Inside, there are three rows of seats, individual seats for the driver and passenger in front, two seats formed for two persons, with a fold-out armrest in the centre, and a similar arrangement at the third row. Both the second and third row seats will take three passengers at a pinch, or can be split and folded to make room for carrying lengthy items.
The driver’s cockpit is pretty functional, a no-nonsense arrangement with all the necessary basic instrumentation placed in a logical layout. Most important to me is a rev counter. The steering wheel is a three-spoke arrangement, with a padded centre. Sorry, there are no airbags available, but Suzuki is looking into it. Also absent is an ABS system, but there are 8 sets of seatbelts, one for every occupant.
The 1.6 litre Suzuki APV, fully imported from Indonesia, is priced at RM59, 888 for the manual transmission, and RM69, 888 for the automatic. Prices are on-the-road, without insurance.
