Would you like to have a taxi ride in a Suzuki Ertiga?
The Suzuki Ertiga is one MPV that ride-hailing app drivers go for when they need a larger vehicle. But what if you could also get in one as a taxi? That’s what Suzuki Philippines showcased at the recent 2024 Philippine Commercial Vehicle Show (PCVS).
Based on the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GA, the Ertiga Taxi is modified to be a five-seater with the third row of seats removed, as opposed to the standard Ertiga’s seven-seat configuration, allowing for extra luggage space.
Features include projector halogen headlights, 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, power windows and door locks, and of course, a taxi sign on the roof.
Under the hood it gets the same 1.5-liter K15B Inline 4-cylinder paired with Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid Vehicle System or mild-hybrid system with its integrated starter generator (ISG) and 12-volt lithium-ion battery. This produces 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission for the GA variant.
Suzuki Philippines did say that the Suzuki Ertiga Taxi is not yet on sale and is merely a concept vehicle. Perhaps if the market demands it then they can begin offering it as a separate variant or option for buyers.
The Japanese automaker also showcased at the PCVS the Suzuki APV GA which is their MPV offering for those looking to use these types of vehicles for commercial uses. With a flexible layout, it can be used to transport either passengers as a shuttle or cargo as a delivery vehicle.
The Suzuki APV GA is powered by a 1.6-liter Inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 91 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Features of this vehicle include a 1DIN audio head unit with AUX and USB connectivity, and dual front airbags. It is priced at Php 743,000.
Last but not the least, Suzuki Philippines also showed-off the Suzuki Carry light commercial vehicle. This small utility vehicle competes with the likes of the Toyota LiteAce and Mitsubishi L300, and can be had in various configurations such as PUV Class 1 and Utility Van which were both showcased.
The Carry PUV Class 1 is new and designed to serve the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVM) under the Class 1 category. With its configuration, it can seat up to 10 people (including the driver) also making it suitable for passenger transport services. It will soon be made available as an addition to the current Suzuki Carry variant lineup.
