The Suzuki nameplate has become synonymous with affordable, quality motoring and excellent fuel consumption. For this reason, much bigger nameplates such as Toyota have picked Suzuki's brains to bring us cars like the Starlet and Urban Cruiser, essentially a Suzuki Baleno and Vitara Brezza in a Toyota outfit. If you're thinking about buying a car for yourself and the kids, Suzuki Suzuki has plenty to offer the budget-conscious, adventurous family. Let's take a look at the top 5 best family cars from Suzuki.
1. Sub-compact SUV: The Suzuki Ignis
For a city car with a 1.2-litre engine, the Ignis sure is peppy, plus it is surprisingly roomy in the second row and its entire design, inside and out, is young and modern. If you need a fun-to-drive, solidly-built, spunky little runabout for the city and beyond, the Ignis is your car. From R230 900 for the 1.2 GLX.
Read our Suzuki Ignis GLX (2020) review, here.
2. Budget compact SUV: the Suzuki Vitara Brezza
As we've mentioned before, the Vitara Brezza was recently rebadged by Toyota because it's just so good. South Africans all seem to want SUVs as their daily driver these days, and the Vitara Brezza is an affordable, attractive option. It is also Suzuki's bestseller.
The Vitara Brezza has 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, and scored a four-star safety rating. A 1.5-litre engine powers the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or auto gearbox. Pricing starts at R248 900 for the 1.5 GL model.
Read our Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX Auto (2021) review here.
In need of something more spacious for the school run? The Suzuki Ertiga (from R241 900 for the 1.5 GA derivative) is a quality people mover that seats seven sets of bottoms.
3. Upmarket compact SUV: The Suzuki Vitara
Suzuki offers a more spacious and sophisticated package in the shape of the Vitara, which has been around for quite some time now (but not to be confused with the larger Suzuki Grand Vitara which has since been discontinued). Initially offered only as a 1.6-litre, a 1.4-litre turbocharged derivative was added a few years ago. The Vitara range also offers an all-wheel-drive 'AllgGrip' model for better grip in more challenging off-road conditions. Used Vitaras are surprisingly affordable in the used-car market and comes highly recommended; especially since it boasts a 5-star safety rating. From R310 900 for the 1.6 GL model.
Read: Is the Suzuki Vitara a good car for families?
4. Family sedan: The Suzuki Ciaz
The affordable Ciaz is a family vehicle par excellence, offering a healthy dose of space on the second row and in the boot, of course. The only drawback is the lack of a central lap belt for the middle rear passenger and a shortage of traction/stability control, but on the upside, fuel consumption is really impressive at only around 6 litres per 100 km. From R245 900 for the 1.5 GL derivative.
Read our review: Suzuki Ciaz, the business sedan on a budget
5. Family hatchback: The Suzuki Baleno
The Baleno seems to have it all: Space, practicality, sufficient power, and all the most important modern convenience features that families need nowadays. The most recent Baleno is also endowed with stability/traction control for further peace of mind. Its boot is also surprisingly spacious at 355 litres for the kids' school bags or sports equipment. It is sensible in every way and packs a massive value punch. An absolute winner in our books! The Baleno retails from R221 900 for the 1.4 GL model.
Also consider the Suzuki Swift.
Read our latest Suzuki Baleno review here.
