Photo: Supplied
The Eeco is the spiritual successor to Suzuki’s iconic Carry van, many of which found their way to South Africa via private importers in the 1980s.
Affectionately dubbed the ‘half-loaf’, the Carry van was a mini-minibus with a second-row bench seat and a decent amount of boot space.
The Suzuki Eeco is only offered as a panel van and, like its Super Carry pick-up sibling, prides itself at offering fuel-efficient, point-to-point transport of goods at a low price.
But don’t be fooled by its size. While its dimensions of 3 675mm in length and 1 475mm in width are hardly bigger than Mr Bean’s Mini, its cargo space is no laughing matter.
The loadbed is 1 620mm long, 1 300mm wide, and offers 1 070mm from the floor to the roof, which is large enough to accommodate a full pallet.
Easy access
The loadbed, which is separated from the cabin with a foldable steel grid partition, can be accessed through two sliding doors and a roof-to-bumper opening rear door. Unlike standard panel vans, the glass rear window enables rear-view mirror vision behind the Eeco – a welcome feature in the absence of a rear-view camera.
The cabin is a humble affair with highlights being standard air conditioning and seats clad in perforated polyurethane leather.
The small and simplistic instrument cluster does not have a rev counter, but then again, neither does my Kawasaki cruiser. I’ve come to the realisation that my hearing can be just as effective as a needle and a gauge.
Frugal sipper
A digital speedometer has a tiny LCD screen below it, displaying the fuel level and the option to toggle between the odometer and two trip meters, and that’s it!
As there was no indication of fuel consumption, we’ll just have to take Suzuki’s word that the Eeco only sips 5,1ℓ per 100km. This will ensure a range of over 600km on its 32ℓ fuel tank.
A radio is not included, but the Suzuki Eeco comes prepped for one, along with two speakers and antenna, and a 12V socket.
Adjusting the side mirrors requires some elbow grease by winding down the windows and tilting the mirrors with your hand.
There is no such thing as remote or central locking and the driver’s door, rear door and fuel flap open with the key. The sliding doors and passenger door are locked manually with the fob on the top of the door.
Electronic stability control comes standard alongside two airbags and ABS with EBD.
Old-school experience
The Suzuki Eeco is powered by a 1,2ℓ, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that sends 59kW of power and 104Nm of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Spark plugs, engine oil and filters can easily be accessed through the driver’s seat, which folds up and forward to expose the engine.
The petrol mill is perfectly capable of fulfilling its intended purpose and works a charm along with an easy clutch and old school manual box.
The rack and pinion steering system is reminiscent of pre-power steering, but a turning circle of only 4,5m makes it ridiculously easy to manoeuvre.
What’s the verdict?
You can poke fun at the ‘half-loaf’ all day long, but you can’t beat its brutal honesty and unmatched capabilities, especially with a very attractive price tag.
Vehicle Fast Facts
Price: R227 900
Engine: 1,2ℓ NA petrol
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Power: 59kW at 6 000rpm
Torque: 104Nm at 3 000rpm
Fuel consumption (claimed): 5,1ℓ/100km
Licensing mass: 935kg
Towing capacity: 3 500kg
Payload: 550kg
