Suzuki Auto South Africa will conduct a real-world fuel economy test in Pretoria on 29 and 30 September, featuring five models from its local line-up. The event, called the 2026 Suzuki Fuel Economy Challenge, aims to give buyers insight into how the cars perform beyond their specification sheets. With fuel price volatility affecting South African motorists, fuel efficiency has become a crucial factor in new vehicle purchases.
The challenge will involve 20 media participants, including influencers and traditional media, competing in 10 teams across 10 Suzuki vehicles. Each team will aim to record the lowest fuel consumption figure possible, with the event pushing both the vehicles and the drivers. The drive will be complemented by competitive and entertainment-focused activities. According to Suzuki, the challenge is intended to let participants experience the vehicles under real-world driving conditions.
Five Suzuki models will participate in the challenge: two examples each of the Fronx, Across, Swift, Dzire, and Baleno. The final results will be revealed at the conclusion of the challenge, when the winning vehicle and the winning team will be announced. Suzuki's Brand Marketing Manager, Brendon Carpenter, emphasized that fuel consumption is a major factor in a vehicle's overall cost of ownership, especially with recent fuel price increases.
The event is not only about fuel efficiency but also about showcasing that efficient driving can be enjoyable. Carpenter noted that while specification-sheet figures provide an important reference point, real-world driving tells another part of the story. The challenge aims to demonstrate the impact of driving style and conditions on fuel consumption.
Members of the public can participate in a prediction competition, guessing which Suzuki model will deliver the best fuel economy. Those who correctly identify the winning vehicle stand a chance to win a prize. Predictions can be made and the challenge followed through Suzuki Auto South Africa's social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.
The Suzuki Fuel Economy Challenge comes as fuel price volatility continues to affect South African motorists. With fuel efficiency becoming increasingly important, this event provides valuable insights for buyers weighing up running costs. The challenge will provide a unique opportunity for participants to experience the vehicles under real-world driving conditions.
The event is a collaborative effort between Suzuki Auto South Africa and various media participants. By working together, they aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vehicles' performance in real-world conditions. The challenge will conclude with the announcement of the winning vehicle and team, providing a engaging and informative experience for all involved.
Key points
- Suzuki Auto South Africa is conducting a real-world fuel economy test in Pretoria, featuring five models from its local line-up.
- The challenge aims to demonstrate the role of driving style and conditions in fuel consumption.
- Members of the public can participate in a prediction competition, guessing which Suzuki model will deliver the best fuel economy.