Suzuki Carry Van Range : SUZUKIÂ’S FLEXIBLE FRIEND

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Suzuki's Latest Carry Could Convince Many Van Users To Downsize. Claire Evans Reportsâ€¦

Suzuki might not be the first name that comes to mind when you're thinking of commercial makers, but many small company users - florists, couriers and caterers - will tell you that they wouldn't go anywhere else. The manufacturer's versatile Carry van is an ideal solution to the problem of carrying light loads around urban areas.

Priced at just £6,895 (+VAT), the Carry is a value for money alternative to a full-sized panel or car-derived van. Its compact exterior dimensions make it ideal for business users who spend most of their time in and around town. Slightly shorter and narrower than your average Supermini, it is able to squeeze through gaps and into parking spaces that other van users can only dream about (while they're stuck in traffic jams).

"Striking exterior styling adds to the impression that this van is larger than it really is..."

However, unlike many car-derived machines, the purpose built Carry boasts an impressively large load area that doesn't suffer from wheel arch intrusion. Its load deck is 1,620mm long, 1,340mm wide and 1,100mm height. Pleasant exterior styling adds to the impression that this van is larger than it really is. Think of a Ford Transit van in miniature and you won't be far off. A sculpted bonnet, large wrap-around bumper and flat side panels all add to Carry's illusion of grandeur. Each of these side panels has a long, flush fitting, sliding door, which provides easy access to the van's load bay. Underneath this is a useful storage area that runs the full width of the Carry and is ideal for keeping tools or briefcases out of sight. There's also a large, vertically opening rear tailgate that can also be used to keep the driver dry while loading or unloading from the back of the van. If you need even more versatility in your load space, the Carry Van is also available in Carry Dropside Pick-Up form. Under the bonnet of the little Suzuki lies a nippy fuel injected, 16-valve 1.3-litre petrol engine. Acceleration and cruising abilities are respectable thanks to this proven powerplant that's allied to a five-speed manual gearbox. Mid-mounted, this engine can make the cabin a trifle noisy, but the payback is in the surprising turn of speed. In the cabin, the driver is treated to decent levels of comfort for a budget commercial vehicle. There's a good quality stereo, central locking on all five doors, a driver's airbag, heated rear window and a good selection of storage spaces including a large, built-in storage tray. The electric power steering is another clever touch: unlike conventional hydraulic systems, it doesn't suffer from reduced assistance at lower engine speeds. However, at higher speeds the steering can become a little vague and, coupled with the cross-wind resistance, high bridges or exposed roads won't be your routes of choice once the weather turns. To ensure this versatile van meets the needs of every possible user, Suzuki has come up with an exclusive accessories list of various items. These Range from a tow bar to alloy wheels and foglamps, as well as a selection of made-to-measure livery schemes to suit different businesses. Like all Suzuki models, the Carry also comes with the peace of mind of a comprehensive three-year/60,000-mile warranty, six years' anti perforation cover and 36 months Suzuki Assistance including vehicle recovery and associated services. It is available from all of the company's UK dealers. In summary, the Carry is priced competitively and should prove cost-effective to run. The five wide opening doors have been designed for ease of loading and Suzuki prides itself on the high specification it has made available on its vans for a low capital outlay. This means the Carry won't break the bank if you're just starting up in business. Compact yet spacious, the Carry offers an unusual and practical alternative to more traditional full-size panel vans or car-based machines.

Facts At A Glance VAN: Suzuki Carry van
PRICE: Carry Van: £6,895 (basic) DIMENSIONS: (Carry Van) length/width/height mm, 3,675/1,475/1,800mm ENGINE: 1.3 16-Valve petrol PAYLOAD: 577kg