- Attainable personal transport solutions crucial for South Africa’s youth
- Suzuki offers a range of products to suit all budgets
- Everything from motorcycles to capable crossovers
June marks Youth Month in South Africa — a time to reflect on the needs of the country’s rising generations. Shaped by a courageous past, it offers an opportunity to celebrate the future while renewing our commitment to empowering those moving up through the ranks.
As in previous years, Youth Month again carries a government-appointed theme. For 2025, it’s “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.” A timely call to action that highlights the importance of equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic, competitive and ever-changing world.
One of the most crucial is access to reliable, affordable transportation. Because if students and young professionals can’t get to class or work, achieving their goals and aspirations is a lot harder.
“This is where Suzuki steps in,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “With a wide range of feature- and value-packed motorcycles and cars on offer, young South Africans have many options to consider within our stable.”
Mobility that moves you
For those shopping on a tight budget, the lightweight (135kg) and beginner-friendly Suzuki GSX 150 is one of the most affordable ways to navigate South African city streets. Priced at just R38,600, it features a modern fuel-injected engine that delivers zippy performance and excellent fuel economy. Styled after larger Suzuki sport bikes such as the GSX-8S, it stands out with LED lighting, bold side graphics and large-diameter forks that increase front-end rigidity.
Younger buyers seeking more versatility and the freedom to venture off the beaten path will delight in the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX that muscles up with a more potent engine, six-speed transmission, all-terrain tyres and ABS brakes for enhanced safety. Priced at R61,800 and available in two head-turning hues (Champion Yellow No.2 and Glass Sparkle Black), this rugged sport adventure tourer also features a practical luggage rack — perfect for carrying anything from laptop bags and textbooks to getaway essentials.
Your first car, and the next one too
Taking the leap from two wheels to four, the Suzuki S-Presso is the perfect introduction to new car ownership as it combines fashionable SUV-inspired styling cues with perky performance and low running costs. The secret lies in the vehicle’s low kerb weight and 49kW/89Nm 1.0l three-cylinder Dualjet K10C engine. Equipped with an automatic stop-start system, it can return a fuel consumption figure as low as 4.4l/100km.
First-time drivers will appreciate the ability to pair it with an automated manual transmission while features like electric windows, air conditioning and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance the ownership experience. The best part is pricing starts from just R178,900.
Another top choice for young buyers seeking maximum value for money is the stylish Suzuki Celerio distinguishable by its sculpted body, deep oval radiator grille with integrated S-emblem and chrome highlights that stretch out to its teardrop headlamps.
Built on the marque’s renowned ‘HEARTECT’ platform, it’s a small car with a big cabin offering plenty of practicality. While a 295l boot swallows up groceries and gear, standard 60:40 folding rear seats add an extra element of versatility. Powering the Celerio is the same lightweight Dualjet K10C engine found in the S-Presso, although thanks to its slippier aerodynamics it achieves even better fuel consumption at 4.2l/100km. Retailing from R188,900, the Celerio is one of the smartest ways to move from point A to B.
Ready to level up?
Voted Best Budget Car at 2025 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, the new fourth-generation Suzuki Swift is available from R224,900 and offers best-in-class safety features, a sporty interior with a wrap-around dashboard design and — in flagship GLX guise — a long list of standard niceties including LED projector headlamps, cruise control, automatic climate control, a leather multifunction steering wheel (with paddle shifters on CVT variants) and a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system that syncs with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Finished off with racy exterior styling and a lightweight but extremely rigid ‘HEARTECT’ platform delivering class-leading dynamics, the Swift is an enjoyable all rounder that adds excitement to even the most mundane drive to the shops.
Next in line is the Suzuki Fronx — a compact crossover SUV with no shortage of kerbside appeal. With its coupé-inspired silhouette, it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and features must-have styling options such as roof rails and daytime running lights.
Guaranteed to turn heads in the city, 170mm of ground clearance and protective black cladding on the wheel arches and door sills give you the confidence to explore when you leave it behind. Equally at home nipping to business meetings as it is venturing off to faraway destinations, the sleek and practical Fronx utilises Suzuki’s proven 1.5l four-cylinder 77kW/138Nm K15B petrol engine that can be paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. Packed with an impressive amount of standard amenities and available in an array eye-catching colours, it retails from R298,900.
“It’s no secret that mobility opens doors to education, employment and financial independence,” says Carpenter. “That’s what Suzuki is here to provide with quality, Japanese-engineered products that cater to practically all first-time buyers and budgets. Youth Month is about building futures, and we are proud to be part of that journey.”
