We drive the snazzy and updated Suzuki Ciaz sedan

Did you have to look twice at the word ‘sedan’? We know, we know…sedans might not be the most exciting of car models in today’s consumer market, but there are still those who prefer them. That’s because you can’t beat the amount of boot space that most sedans offer and they’re generally lighter (in weight and fuel) than SUVs. It’s a broad statement, but sedans also tend to offer better driving dynamics when it comes to acceleration, braking and speed.

Okay so let’s save the motivational speech and get to the point. If you’re in the market for a new sedan and you (like most South Africans) are shopping in the budget segment, Suzuki’s face lifted Ciaz deserves your attention and here’s why…

We’ve just spent a week getting to know this impressively efficient city sedan and apart from good fuel consumption what stood out the most every time we entered its cabin was how surprisingly luxurious it is. Granted, we were tested the range-topping GLX model, which comes kitted with all the bells and whistles, but you only need spend R30 000 more to get leather and height adjustable seats, keyless push start, automatic air conditioner, a review camera, Cruise Control, LED headlights and electric folding mirrors…to name just a few!

Like many of Suzuki’s new products we’ve been testing over the last few months, the Ciaz is light and easy to drive in the city, making parking lots and tricky parking spots a drama-free experience, so you don’t have to rock up at meetings feeling frazzled and stressed. The 2019 Suzuki Ciaz is powered by 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4 cylinder petrol engine that offers 77 kW of power and 138 Nm of torque. It might not seem much, but for a budget city runaround (and don’t forget – a sedan) it doesn’t feel underpowered and never fails to struggle in town or out on the highway. Our unit came with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and just like the rest of its mechanics, does a good job at feeling light and smooth when in operation – another good attribute to its city credentials.

Trying to use up the fuel tank during my week spent with the face lifted Ciaz just wasn’t happening – despite trekking out to the airport and back various times, as well as commutes in traffic to and from work and obligatory visits to various family members. I averaged around 6.7-litres/100 km and returned it to our enthusiastic fleet manager with just less than three-quarters of a tank left!

Overall, the Suzuki Ciaz needs more attention from those in the sedan market – and I don’t just mean from Uber share holders (although, I will certainly be smiling if my next Uber trip notification informs me that a Suzuki Ciaz is on its way). If you’re deciding between the GL and GLX specification models, I would certainly consider spending that little extra (if you can) considering all the extra snazzy bits you’ll get that make up a rather premium sedan. Oh, and I can’t leave this post without telling you that the Ciaz’s boot space measures at 480-litres, which gives families and friends plenty of room for luggage and such things.

All Ciaz models will be sold with a 3-year / 60 000 km service plan and Suzuki’s promotional 5-year / 200 000 km vehicle warranty.

The range is available immediately in the choice of Snow White, Sangria Red, Dignity Brown, Premium Silver, Stargaze Blue, Magma Grey and Midnight Black Metallic and now consists of:

Recommended retail price incl. VAT

• Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GL Manual          R214 900
• Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GL Auto               R229 900
• Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GLX Manual        R244 900
• Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GLX Auto             R259 900