The Suzuki brand has become synonymous with excellent value and frugal powertrains, so if you're looking for a car that passes the road-trip test with flying colours, you can rest assured that a Suzuki will exceed your expectations.
Fuel has become ridiculously expensive, and while some earlier Suzuki models such as the Grand Vitara (no longer available) were heavy drinkers, the latest Suzukis don't have this problem - in fact, the Suzukis we've driven are quite the opposite.
What's more, Suzuki is spot on when they give consumers a claimed fuel consumption figure - normally, manufacturers are a little ambitious with their 'X litres per 100 km'-numbers.
Best Suzukis for road trips?
It all depends on your budget, the number of people in the car, and where you plan on going. Adventurous couples who go far off the beaten track usually prefer the four-wheel-driven Jimny, but there's no space for children or their luggage.
If you're not going bundu-bashing and you want to take a kid or two along, the Suzuki IGNIS, Suzuki's micro-SUV, is a more practical solution.
Shopping in the entry-level segment? The new Suzuki Celerio may be small, but it's roomy on the inside, and it's plenty of fun to drive, plus Suzuki has added major convenience features for a more comfortable journey. The Swift, somewhat higher in price, will give you a more stylish interior and better handling, or if you're after something with a bit more zest, try out the Swift Sport for size.
Another newly-facelifted Suzuki that will delight you in a multitude of ways is the Suzuki Baleno (see above). The new and improved Baleno is surprisingly spacious and feature-filled, and its low weight will keep fuel consumption at a minimum.
The Vitara Brezza (in red, above), is another family-friendly road-trip solution. It's solidly built, has all the necessary mod-cons, and is economical too. Perfect for a family of four! However, if you need a good car for the road and a large amount of boot space, you can't go wrong with the Suzuki Ciaz sedan either. And, if you need space for more sets of bottoms, the Suzuki Ertiga, a seven-seater, won't disappoint.
If your budget is a little bigger, the Suzuki Vitara (see image above), a compact SUV, is perfect for road trips, especially the 1.4-litre turbocharged model. It offers excellent all-around value, refinement, and comfort levels, plus it has space for five. It is my top pick of all the Suzukis in this line-up. Look for an older, used model if a new one is beyond your reach.
Verdict
Suzuki is an excellent choice if you need a car that will sip very lightly across thousands of kilometres.
