The Suzuki Spacia Custom puts a mature and masculine touch on the brand's endearing Kei hatchback
And with fuel-saving hybrid technology and a turbocharged engine – it's quite surprising to drive too
Suzuki are building really cool cars at the moment.
Cars like the Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Swift Sport come to mind as two locally-available options, but overseas – they offer even more.
Especially in its native country of Japan; where cars like this endearing Suzuki Spacia comes from. It’s an upright hatchback that’s surprisingly compact externally; yet incredibly spacious internally.
This example – as a top spec XS Turbo Hybrid – is also loaded with safety features, splashes of luxury (like heated seats) and fuel-saving hybrid technology. It also has a colour heads-up display, too.
The clever product packaging allows for a spacious first row of seating, a pair of sliding second row seats big enough for adults, and enough room to a fit bicycle with two guests up-front. There’s also ISOFIX mounting points for child seats in the back, with forward- and rearward-facing seats fitting with ease.
If you look underneath the front passenger seat, you’ll find a small plastic shopping basket to use! Another trick is to pull on the silver dashboard trims, as cup holders and storage trays will magically appear, too.
Aside from such pragmatics, there are little luxuries and safety systems too: electric sliding doors, automatic emergency braking (low speed forward and rearward), a heated driver’s seat, lane departure warning plus keyless entry and start.
It’s powered by a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid system. The Suzuki Spacia Custom hybrid features a small lithium-ion battery and combined starter motor / alternator / e-motor that sits attached to the engine to assist drive and reduce fuel use.
The result is a seamless way to save fuel whilst unlocking more low-down torque from its turbocharged engine. Combined with its low kerb weight, the Suzuki Spacia Custom has plenty of power for the freeway, and also features a comfort-led suspension tune with good high-speed stability.
It’s cosy, easy to drive and the ideal candidate for a second car in a multi-car household.
The car pictured – 2017 Suzuki Spacia Custom Hybrid ZS Turbo (MK53S)
Our Suzuki Spacia Gear was built in December 2017 and is a ‘XS Turbo Hybrid’ trim level. That makes it the flagship model in the range.
It’s powered by a steadfast ‘R06A’ 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 47kW/100Nm and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT automatic.
Standard equipment includes sports seats with red stitching, keyless entry and start, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking (low speed – forward), electric sliding doors, LED headlights, a heated driver’s seat and climate control.
This car was also factory-optioned with a colour heads-up display. Optional extras like an Australian stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available in-store.
This one-owner car comes with a Suzuki service history, original owner’s manual, two keys, and Japanese export certificate confirming its mileage.
What made this one special
Quick facts of the Suzuki Spacia Custom can be found here:
- 2017 Suzuki Spacia Custom Hybrid ZS Turbo Hybrid
- 52,510 km
- 660cc ‘R06A’ three-cylinder Turbo
- Mild hybrid technology (48-volt alternator / starter / generator / e-motor)
- CVT auto / Front-wheel drive
- Factory specification includes sports seats with a heated driver’s seat, red stitching throughout the cabin, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, electric sliding doors, automatic LED headlights, LED foglights plus keyless entry + start.
- Optional extras include a colour heads-up display
- Japanese de-registration paperwork, auction paperwork and service history available
- Includes SEVS compliance, a NSW roadworthy and three months NSW rego.
With its mature and squared-off styling, the Suzuki Spacia Custom offers grown-ups the chance to enjoy kei motoring
