Change is constant.  We live in an ever changing world – with ongoing research and development, technological changes, change in leadership and changing attitudes and trends on a daily basis, we are constantly faced with change. And yet, amidst all the change that surrounds us, some things never change but continue to remain the same.  And what do we do? We think.  We question.  We learn.  We adapt.  And then we act.

This month we introduce you to some changes to both the iconic Suzuki Jimny as well as the Grand Vitara Summit.  The recently launched Splash is reviewed by autodealer.co.za and we introduce you to some accessories on offer for your new Splash.  We congratulate Suzuki Marine for being awarded the National Marine Manufacturers Association 2014 IBEX Innovation Award and share their great Gold for Old promotion.  Suzuki Motorcycles welcomes Motomate Rivonia to the Suzuki family, Suzuki Mobility Finance share some tips with us, Suzuki 4×4 GP Autoclub return to Bass Lake from some unchanging fun and good times and Suzuki Auto South Africa welcomes a new dealership in Tygervalley.

So as we head towards the end of another year, enjoy both the change that is happening all around you as well as all the great things that are remaining constant.  We hope you are able to take the time to enjoy the moment and make special memories in this busy season.

Safe driving till next time.

Stuart Moir from autodealer.co.za took the Suzuki Splash out for a drive earlier this month.  Not only was he was impressed by its youthful, funky look but he also declared that it was “nimble and fun to drive”.  Take some time to read his article for all the details – and then contact your Suzuki dealer and book a test drive so you can experience it all for yourself!

“IT’S BEEN a busy time for Suzuki as it’s launched no fewer than four models this year, one of them being the new Splash, a small city-like car with MPV-type styling”. Read the full article here.

Last month we introduced you to the Suzuki Splash – and now we would like to introduce you to some of the accessories available for your new Suzuki.  Not only are there interior and exterior options but you can also have additional protection such as parking sensors and rain and wind deflectors.  You can even add some accessories for when you are travelling – from cooling boxes to cargo trays and roof racks.  With so many options available, you are able to ensure that your Splash is perfectly fitted for your own Way of Life.  Have a look at the numerous accessories available and contact your Suzuki dealer for installation.

SPLASH ACCESSORIES

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

PROTECTION

TRANSPORTATION

There’s been a lot of buzz lately around the iconic Jimny, and this month we were thrilled to officially announce that the Jimny will now be available with an automatic transmission! Have a look at all the details and you will have to agree that this is just another reason to love the Suzuki Way of Life!

MODEL UPDATE

Automatic choice for iconic Suzuki Jimny

• New colours and updated interior
• Upgraded equipment levels introduced

Suzuki Auto South Africa has updated the iconic Jimny off-roader with a raft of changes and upgrades to both the exterior and interior, while an equipment upgrade has also been introduced. An automatic transmission is being offered as an alternative to the manual gearbox for the first time.

Arguably the most obvious change is the fitment of new 15-inch alloy wheels, boasting a dark silver finish. The Jimny’s colour palette has also been revised, and now includes two new colours: Bison Brown, and Khaki Pearl Metallic.

The cabin has also been spruced up, with an all-new instrument cluster the primary feature. The cluster features main dials for speed and rev count, with a third, intersecting instrument hosting a digital display.

The display includes fuel tank level and engine temperature readouts, as well as a digital clock, ambient temperature display, gear and transfer case indicator, a fuel economy readout, and a trip meter.

The Jimny’s interior features upgraded seat upholstery aimed at boosting both comfort and durability, while a new steering wheel design has also been introduced.

The introduction of a four-speed automatic transmission option for the Jimny will please owners seeking the convenience of clutchless operation, especially in urban traffic conditions, while also making access to the Jimny’s legendary off-road capability even easier.

As with the manual gearbox version, the automatic transmission is still partnered by a transfer case offering low-range operation for almost unstoppable traversability over the roughest and most challenging terrain.

The updated Jimny is still powered by a lively and economical 1 328 cc four-cylinder engine, with a maximum power output of 63 kW at 6 000 r/min, linked to a torque peak of 110 Nm at 4 100 r/min.

The comprehensively equipped interior includes remote central locking, a CD receiver sound system, electric windows and air-conditioning. Safety features include dual front airbags, head restraints, inertia reel seatbelts, and ABS anti-lock brakes.

Both the manual and automatic transmission-equipped versions of the Jimny are covered by a three-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000 km service plan.

Bass Lake, just 45 minutes from JHB, is always perfect for a great day out in your Suzuki 4×4.  This month the Suzuki 4×4 Club GP returned to Bass Lake to renew old friendships, meet new people and of course put their Suzukis through the course.  Read their story, have a look at their adventures, and if you are in the area, why not join them on their next outing.

This month the Suzuki 4×4 Club re-visited one of its old stomping grounds, Bass Lake near Meyerton.  Bass Lake is also well known for scuba diving.  The obstacles are mainly ups and downs, axle twisters and a water hazard – and some of the ascents are very difficult.

We gathered next to the lake where we were welcomed by Diandra with coffee and rusks.  By 08:00 there were 20 cars – 5 GVs and 15 Jimnys.  It was great to see that there were many new faces and some brand new Jimnys.  Old friendships were renewed and new friends were made.

Steven Grieve showed us this work of art.   It is mud that was forced through the bash plate of his GV and you can clearly make out the word ‘Suzuki’.

Because of the large number of cars, it was decided to divide us into groups.  The ‘Newbie’ group was led by Alan Pepper, the owner of Bass Lake.  Here is Alan, with the Newbies, at the start of the trail.

We were eased into the trail with a few relatively easy obstacles.

Alan guided a Jimny through an obstacle that looked easy, but was not.  The Newbies did very well and negotiated most obstacles successfully but here and there somebody got stuck.

At one stage we came across this meanie.  Somebody said, “I’m going home!”

Alan tried it in his well-trained Jimny, but could not make it.  We decided that discretion is the better part of valour and gave the obstacle a wide berth.

High fives were given after conquering a tricky obstacle.  One of the last obstacles was a real heart-stopper.  We inspected it and thought, ‘Easy-peasy.’  That is until the first car tackled it.  We thought the car was going to topple over!  There were quite a few anxious moments and the adrenalin flowed freely.

Then it was back to the lake for a welcome braai and beer.

Finally it was time for the Strafdop Club – this is a very exclusive club and only open to members that have disgraced themselves in one way or another.

Our latest member is Peter (ala Kitty) who almost wiped out Diandra and our coffee table.  Here is the proof!

Thank you to…

Pieter and Diandra for organizing the event and welcoming us up with hot coffee and rusks, and Alan for guiding the Newbies and sharing hisvaluable advice.

This month Suzuki Auto not only the announced that the Jimny will be available in automatic, but we were also pleased to introduce the newly upgraded Grand Vitara Summit to the Suzuki family.  The upgraded Grand Vitara Summit sports a fresh, updated exterior along with upmarket interior finishes without impacting on its great performance.  Read on for all the details and then pop in to your Suzuki dealer to have a look at the Grand Vitara Summits fresh new look – and while you are there, why not take it for a test drive? 

MODEL UPDATE

Smarter execution for Suzuki’s Grand Vitara Summit

• Exterior update creates fresher appearance
• Upgraded interior employs upmarket finishes
• Tried and tested mechanical underpinnings remain unchanged

Suzuki Auto South Africa has upgraded the Summit version of its popular Grand Vitara compact SUV.

Instantly recognisable is the updated grille, now finished in dark silver, while the roof rails are now finished in silver. The 18-inch alloy wheels also boast a new, dark silver finish. In addition, Suzuki has added a new colour, New Premium Silver, to the list of available exterior hues.

The interior now features champagne gold trim accents for the steering wheel, instrument dial surrounds, side vent bezels and gearshift knob, while the door panels feature cloth-accented trim with prominent stitching.

The seat upholstery has also been updated, and features cloth upholstery with suede-enhanced bolsters.

The Grand Vitara Summit remains mechanically unchanged, and is still powered by a lusty 2,4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, linked to a choice of either five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Rated maximum power output is 122 kW at 6 000 r/min, coupled to 225 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min. Unique in this segment, the Grand Vitara is equipped with an all-wheel drive system linked to a low-range transfer case, ensuring exceptional off-road capability.

A comprehensive standard equipment list confirms the Grand Vitara Summit’s flagship status. Highlights include remote central locking, air-conditioning, power steering, electric windows, a four-speaker CD sound system and cruise control.

Safety is also thoroughly addressed via dual front airbags, inertia reel seatbelts, head restraints, and ABS-assisted brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and emergency braking assistance (EBA).

The four-model Suzuki Grand Vitara range is covered by a three-year/100 000 km warranty, while a six-year/90 000 km service plan is standard.

Last month Suzuki Auto was recognised for its quality when the Suzuki SX4 received the Hungary Quality Product Award.  This month we are proud to share that Suzuki Marine has once again been applauded for its technology with the DF30A outboard receiving the National Marine Manufacturers Association 2014 IBEX Innovation Award. 

 Suzuki DF30A outboard wins Innovation Award at 2014 IBEX Show

Suzuki Motor Corporation’s new four-stroke outboard motor DF30A has received the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) 2014 IBEX Innovation Award for outboard motors at the International Boat Builder’s Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), which was held in Tampa, Florida from 30 September to 2 October.

IBEX Innovation Awards are the highest awards in marine technology, which are given to those new products in the marine industry that demonstrate distinctive technological advancements and deliver practical, cost-effective consumer benefits.

The following features of the DF30A were highlighted for the receipt of the award:

• Technologies for reducing mechanical losses such as the roller rocker arm, which was adopted for the first time in its class, and the offset crankshaft.
• Battery-less electronic fuel injection system that offers several important benefits, including reliable starting (especially in colder temperatures), crisp acceleration and smooth running.
• Lean Burn Control System for improved fuel economy.
• Weight reduction to achieve the lightest weight in its class.
• Adoption of direct intake system and engine cover ventilation for the reduction of intake temperature and increase of combustion efficiency.

This is the eighth Innovation Award won by Suzuki outboards (of which seven were won by four-stroke outboards), which accredits their high technologies.

Well done once again to Suzuki Marine on this achievement.

Is it time for a new Suzuki outboard motor? Are you wanting to upgrade your current outboard motor to a Suzuki outboard?  Suzuki Marine is currently offering you a great trade in on your old motor for a new DF60 or DF70 Lean Burn motor.  Have a look at their offer and contact your dealer to take advantage of this great promotion.