Launch review: Suzuki Eeco

The mini loaf is back, and this time with a whole lot more value for money, versatility and convenience. The new Suzuki Eeco is aimed at the small business owner, and just in case you are wondering, is more refined than its sibling, the Super Carry, though they share the same K12N engine. In my view the Eeco is something just what the doctor ordered.

Being a practical person myself, I would not have asked for a better toolbox, which essentially what these panel vans are. As with any other model, the Suzuki Eeco does have natural enemies.   

What I liked (disliked) about the Suzuki Eeco:

In all honesty I do not for once believe that there is a perfect car, many do come close, but all cars have their flaws. What stood out for me about the Eeco was its practicality, with the two sliding doors on either side making it super easy to access your cargo from almost anywhere. It is able to carry 615 kg of cargo (while the Super Carry is capable of 750kg), which in my view is more than adequate to most small businesses being it a florist, a plumber/electrician, or any other.

While its sibling, the Super Carry, does not have an aircon, the Eeco does but it is its fuel economy of 5.4l/100km that is more appealing to me. Add to that is the reliability of a brand we have come to appreciate. Both the Eeco and the Super Carry share the use of manual windows, something almost unheard of in these times, and lack of a power steering.

While busy working up a sweat in the cockpit, at least a parking sensor will assist in making your life a little easier. As mentioned above, the Suzuki Eeco is as practical as they come.

The drivetrain

The Suzuki Eeco is powered by a K12N powerplant, mounted below the cabin and underneath the only two front seats. It is registered to carry two people. This little 1.2 naturally aspirated engine is happy to rev to its maximum all day, and every day, churning out 59 kW of power at 6000 rpm and the 104 Nm of torque, is readily available from 3000 rpm.

Although we had set out to deliver goods in rural schools in the Bergville area, I do believe that the Eeco is happier doing urban kind of trips like in a courier service and the like.

Eventually this power flows through a 5-speed manual gearbox that turns the 13-inch steel wheels into motion.

The natural enemies

The Suzuki Eeco stands up against a few panel vans from various other manufacturers, and the below table will assist in comparing these.

Standard features

• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Electronic stability control (ESP)
• Rear parking sensors
• Two SRS airbags
• 12V power socket
• Two speakers and antenna in preparation for a radio 

My final thoughts

While the Suzuki Eeco may have compact dimensions, it does have a large load bay and the highest carrying capacity than its peers, big enough to fit a standard pallet. It may not have electric windows but the reliability and ease of working on the engine makes up for that, and will save some hard-earned money in the long run, especially to someone like myself who works on their own cars.  

The lack of power steering may be a deal breaker to some, but unlike its competition the use of a rear powered differential makes it stand out and beat its peers, something I think the average consumer may not even notice. Then there is the lack of storage space for drinks, which I feel they could have just made even in the door panels. But like I said earlier, no car is perfect.    

The Suzuki Eeco is priced right, especially in an economy where interest rates seem to be on steroids, and with that you can also expect a leading 3-year mechanical warranty/100 000 km.

The mini loaf will be available at dealer floors by May.  

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