KEVIN RITCHIE

IGREW up thinking Suzukis were motorbikes – then again it was an era where Hondas were, too; while Yamahas were also musical instruments and boat engines.

It was only when I did a trip to the Comores in the early 1990s that I discovered Suzuki makes a very fine SUV. Today, that lives on in the Jimny, an iconic mini-jeep that 4x4 aficionados speak very highly of indeed.

But the marque also makes a very respectable range of midrange compact sedans, too, in the shape of the Ciaz, which is available with 1.4l petrol engine in manual or auto, with the manual range boasting a further two options of GL and GLX, starting at R203 900 for the GL.

It’s a nippy vehicle; the engine produces 70kW on what is a very compact frame, underscored by ABS, EBD and brake assist, too, for when you need to stop quickly. There are airbags for the driver and front passenger.

Projector headlights are standard, providing pinpoint clarity for night driving.

Moving deeper into the cabin, the air con has front and aft vents, the Radio/ CD console has USB and Bluetooth connectivity for your phone – all controllable from your steering wheel.

There’s a very useful on-board trip computer supplying trip details, outside temperature and fuel consumption. There are charging sockets in the front and back for cellphones and the like and a storage bin beneath the central armrest in the front to complement the glove compartment, as well as mug holders in the front.

The windows and side mirrors are electric, and there’s central locking. The boot is fairly generous at 495 litres.

Upgrading to the GLX, you can expect leather upholstery and a leather-clad steering wheel, front fog lights, 16” alloy wheels, keyless ignition with a start