Why is the Suzuki APV still being offered in PH?

Despite the arrival of the Ertiga/XL7, there is still a market for the Suzuki APV

It has been nearly 20 years since Suzuki Philippines first launched the APV. Originally the brand's compact MPV offering, the body-on-frame APV highlighted Suzuki's ability to offer a three-row vehicle and is one of the early pioneers in the segment. This means those looking at a budget people carrier (or business mover) can get the Suzuki APV without breaking the bank.

After almost two decades and an update several years ago, the APV is still going strong in the Philippine market. But despite the Ertiga Hybrid now serving as its modern successor, Suzuki continues to sell the APV in the country. Curious as to why the automaker is still selling it, we asked one of our contacts why the APV is still available in the local market.

According to our insider, the Suzuki APV continues to be sold in the Philippines because there is a big price gap between the APV and the Ertiga MPVs. There's also a huge difference in technology wherein the APV is simpler while the Ertiga is now available as a mild-hybrid MPV. And since the APV is body-on-frame, it can carry more cargo compared to the more passenger-oriented Ertiga.

In fact, the base model GA has a rigid axle leaf spring rear which is catered to those who wish to use the APV as a hauler or business mover. It also gives the APV a cargo-carrying capacity of 750 kg which is just shy of what the Suzuki Carry can lug around. The top-of-the-line GLX has a 3-link rigid axle with coil spring for better passenger comfort.

With its simpler construction and more robust chassis, the APV continues to be popular with fleet sales. In addition, our contact mentioned that there are still private customers who prefer the APV compared to the Ertiga Hybrid due to its more affordable price tag. Power still comes in the form of a 1.6L four-cylinder engine pushing out 92 PS with 127 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Last but not least, all variants of the APV can seat a total of 8 people.

The Suzuki APV starts at PHP 743,000 for the base GA M/T while the range-topping GLX M/T can be yours for PHP 955,000. But didn't Suzuki used to offer an automatic version via the SGX variant? Well, since the Ertiga arrived, our insider shared with us that management decided to ax the A/T version as the Ertiga already has an automatic gearbox available.

Suzuki Philippines may already have the Ertiga and XL7 Hybrid vehicles as their premier passenger MPVs. But before they came into existence, the APV paved the way for Suzuki to introduce more MPVs into the market.