Check out the Suzuki Carry's perks, drawbacks

When Suzuki Philippines Incorporated launched the Carry for the local market, it gained a strong contender in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. 

For starters, the model is currently offered with a highly accessible price ranging from P614,000-P798,000, making it a good value buy even for small businesses. 

It is likewise very versatile, because like many of its competitors, the Suzuki Carry can be configured with a variety of body types. For reference, the official list of variants for the Suzuki-made LCV includes the Cab and Chassis, Dropside, Cargo van, Utility van, and the Lineman. 

But the question now is: what are the strengths and weaknesses of the Suzuki Carry? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Heavy duty

While relatively smaller compared to the Isuzu Traviz and Kia K2500, the Suzuki Carry is as tough as its larger competitors. 

Specifically, it utilizes a ladder frame chassis, which ensures durability, as well as a higher load capacity. It is also one of the reasons why the Carry can accommodate a wide variety of body types.

When it comes to weight capacity, the Carry can load up to 940 kilograms, which is comparable to many other LCV nameplates and even some locally available pickup trucks. The aforementioned is thanks to its rear leaf spring suspension system. For the front, meanwhile, the model uses MacPherson strut-type suspension systems equipped with coil springs. 

Reinforcing the model’s durability is its set of 13-inch steel wheels, which are simple-looking but are certainly more durable compared to an alloy set. 

Moreover, the model comes with a heavy-duty rear differential and a total of 160 millimeters of ground clearance. It may lack a 4x4 drivetrain, but the Suzuki Carry has no problems when it comes to travelling over unpaved roads and dealing with speed bumps, even when laden with cargo. 

Additional equipment available to the Suzuki Carry includes the following:

• Body rust protection
• Rope hooks (Dropside)
• Halogen headlamps
• Rack and pinion steering with electric assist
• Front disc and rear drum brakes
• Manual hand-operated parking brake
• Mudguards

No-nonsense powertrain

Propelling the Philippine-spec Suzuki Carry is a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. It might be fancy, but it has all the basics covered since it comes with variable valve timing technology and dual overhead cams. 

At maximum, the said engine can generate up to 95 horsepower and 135 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Power is sent to its rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. 

Sufficiently comfy interior

Apart from boasting a tough and capable body, the Suzuki Carry also comes standard with a decently comfortable interior. Sure, it will look simpler compared to passenger cars, but its lineup of amenities is touted by the Japanese marque’s local arm to make driving and work a bit more comfortable. 

On its mostly plastic dashboard, the Carry provides an ample amount of storage cubby holes and even a cupholder for the driver. The one piloting the vehicle also has access to sliding seats, a turn-key ignition system, and an analog gauge cluster. 

To stave off the heat, especially on hot days, the model was kitted out with an air-conditioning system with manual dials. 

Cons

Lack of safety gear

It isn’t specific to the Suzuki Carry per se, but like most LCV models on the market right now, the Suzuki-made nameplate is somewhat lacking in terms of safety features. 

Sure, the model already comes with dual front airbags, but basic safety gear such as stability control and anti-lock braking. 

One can argue that the aforementioned are not present on the Philippine-spec Carry as a means to lower complexity and cost. Still, some buyers may feel that they are a necessity, considering prevailing traffic conditions. 

Suzuki Carry: specifications

Model	Suzuki Carry Dropside
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,195x1,765x1910
Wheelbase (mm)	2,205
Ground clearance (mm)	160
Wheel size	13-inch
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Polyurethane
Amenities	Manual air-conditioning Manual hand brake Analog gauge cluster 12-volt accessory outlet Driver’s cupholder Sliding driver’s seat Headunit dashboard provision
Seating capacity	Two
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Five-speed manual
Horsepower	95
Torque	135 Nm
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Engine immobilizer
Price	P642,000

Final thoughts

As mentioned above, the Suzuki Carry, while spartan, provides good value for buyers looking for a straightforward utility ride that will reliably support their businesses. For that matter, the Suzuki LCV nameplate has also risen up to become a reliable chariot for local government units in some parts of the country - a testament to its durability, especially when considering the variety of conditions in most of our cities. 

So, for those who like what they see in the Suzuki Carry, we urge you to visit your nearest Suzuki dealership to check it out in person. Who knows, the Suzuki-made LCV could just be the ideal logistics solution that you need. 

Also read: 

Here are the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid's main rivals

Here are the Suzuki APV's 4 available hues

Suzuki Jimny 5-Door: strengths and weaknesses

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