Do you remember last year’s petrol and diesel price hikes? The amount of baht that you used to fill your tank before, suddenly barely registered on the gauge any more and, for some unknown reason, diesel prices were even worse. It was in the middle of all this that Suzuki chose to introduce the new Suzuki Carry. Suzuki is not saying whether this was a brilliant piece of marketing foresight or just plain lucky, but there’s no doubt they were in the right place at the right time. While the competition was offering big diesel one tonne-plus units, the Carry weighed in with a payload capacity of 850 kilograms, powered by a petrol engine.

If everybody’s business has dropped by 20% then it probably means that their load-carrying demands have dropped by the same amount. Of course, the hard-hit construction industry does need a robust carrying capacity for materials and workforce transportation, but there are lots of businesses – everything from bakeries through florists to jobbing tradesmen whose needs are more modest. One more point. The fuel price may have retreated from the wallet-emptying excesses of the recent past, but in the long-term the oil price graph points inexorably higher. One environmentally friendly solution to this, of course, is to convert to CNG/LPG – a relatively cheap modification for vehicles with a petrol engine.

Still not convinced? The price ticket for a brand new Suzuki Carry is drastically cheaper than a price of a new diesel one-tonner. There’s more than an inkling of suspicion in the trade that Suzuki dealers may be indulging is some promotional pricing, but we should worry!

It’s hardly surprising therefore, that the Carry with its quirky, distinctive looks has become a familiar sight on the roads of Phuket.

The first question which needs answering is, “How small, is small?” Let’s give you the Carry’s vital statistics. The wheelbase is 2.625m with a track of 1.435 metres. The platform height is 0.775 metres and it’s 2.200 metres long by 1.585m wide. These are still quite decent dimensions for most purposes, whilst also making the unit easier to manoeuvre in traffic and simpler to park. The turning circle is a tight 4.9 metres. Less dead weight of course means better fuel consumption.

The next concern is whether this cute little number is just a toy – not up to the job. Wrong! Suzuki build quality is evident in a sturdy ladder frame chassis and a 1600cc, 16-valve aluminium engine which turns out a respectable 92 HP at 5750 rpm and a maximum torque of 127 N/M. This is matched to a good 5-speed transmission. Stopping power is excellent with front, air-cooled disc brakes and big drums at the rear.

The design of the load deck is convenient with drop sides and tailgate, allowing 270-degree access to the cargo.

Safety is built into the Carry’s curvaceous looks with Suzuki’s patented TECT anti-collision impact technology and side-impact door beams.

Small, muscular and economical to buy and run. We’d call this one a winner.

Authorised Dealers: S.U. Trading Co., Ltd.
227/2 Surin Road., Phuket City
Tel: +66 (0)76 222360
Email: suzuki@phuket-town.com
Website: www.suzuki.co.th