The Suzuki Eeco is proof that a compact vehicle can offer big value, especially for small businesses.

Suzuki Auto South Africa has put this idea to the test by providing the Eeco delivery vehicle to a group of carefully selected entrepreneurs, allowing them to use the vehicle free of charge for three months. These small businesses were chosen with help from friends of the Suzuki brand, who recommended entrepreneurs who could benefit from the support.

“As with many of our other vehicles, the proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof. We want entrepreneurs to drive the Eeco, see how much they can load and lock up in the loading bay and test for themselves how frugal the 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine really is,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.

A year on the market

The Eeco was introduced to the South African market a little over a year ago, and its value proposition remains unbeatable. The vehicle features a spacious loading bay – 1 620mm long and 1 300mm wide -that can comfortably fit a standard pallet. Priced at R212 900, it also offers a load-carrying capacity of 615kg, making it ideal for transporting a significant amount of cargo safely.

The Eeco is powered by Suzuki’s 1.2-litre K12N petrol engine, which delivers 59kW and 104Nm to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. This engine is also used in the Suzuki Super Carry pickup, a model that has proven itself in the South African market over the years.

Despite its affordable price, the Eeco doesn’t skimp on features. It comes equipped with air conditioning, dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and electronic stability control (ESP) with traction control (TC). There’s also pre-installed wiring for a single-DIN radio, and the vehicle includes dual sliding side doors and a large rear door for easy loading and unloading.

#VanLife

Suzuki also introduced a creative twist with its #VanLife campaign, where they transformed an Eeco into a compact camper van. This concept, inspired by the social media trend of converting large panel vans into mobile homes, showcased the Eeco’s versatility. The modified Eeco featured a convertible bed, ample storage, a small basin with washing facilities, and a collapsible veranda for outdoor living. The idea was to demonstrate that you don’t need a large budget or a special driver’s license to enjoy a mobile, adventurous lifestyle.

The Eeco #VanLife concept also drew inspiration from van conversion trends in countries like India and Japan, where budget-conscious enthusiasts turn small Suzuki vans into anything from mobile discos to off-road vehicles.