Published
on 14
Oct 2021
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All rights reserved.
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Suzuki's
mini-SUV has entered the second generation, and just as successful as
the Mk1.
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Even though
SUVs are not my cup of tea, I like Suzuki Jimny. However, although the
tiny SUV ran a 660c.c. engine, it is a lot thirstier than a regular
K-car, unlike Hustler. While the Jimny is built on a dedicated
offroader platform with body-on-frame construction, live axle
suspension and a mechanical transfer case, the Hustler is built on the
same monocoque platform and component set of Suzuki’s passenger K-cars.
That’s why it is just as fuel efficient as Wagon R or Spacia. Its
driving dynamics and refinement are also in the same ballpark of
regular K-cars. In addition to a funky look, no wonder the first
generation Hustler was a hit, selling an average 80,000 units a year
over its
6-years lifespan. That surprised even its maker.
In 2020, the Hustler was renewed. Frankly, I am a little disappointed
with its new styling, which gets squarer, flatter, tougher and more
SUV-like. While the old car had some subtle curves at its fenders and
shoulder line, the new car is strictly a box, pushing its volume to the
limits of K-car specifications. This enables a wider cabin on the
positive side, but hurts aesthetic on the negative side. Moreover, the
sense of lightness is replaced with a heavy-duty perception by
converting the black pillars to body-colored ones, and by adding an
extra window. Overall, it looks like a mini-Jeep Wrangler rather than
an original design.
That said, I think the new Hustler is still slightly prettier than its
new rival, Daihatsu Taft, thanks in part to its trademark round
headlamps.
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Stiffer
suspension lends it respectable body control for a car so tall and
narrow.
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Like all Suzuki K-cars launched since the 2014 Alto, the Hustler is
built on the “Heartect” platform with 2460mm wheelbase. Its floorpan is
relatively light, and in the case of Hustler the entire monocoque is
sufficiently rigid to take on occasional offroad duties, which is made
possible by its 180mm ground clearance and larger approach/departure
angles. You may opt for 4WD system, which uses a viscous-coupling to
transfer torque to the rear axle when the front loses traction.
Predictably, the suspension setup is stiffer than those of its
siblings. This results in pretty good control of body roll. The ride is
inevitably a bit hard for urban driving, especially when riding on big
bumps, but it damps well over extension joints on highway. The steering
is a bit heavier than the norm of K-cars, but a quicker ratio won’t go
amiss for a sport utility.
It goes without saying the Hustler employs the usual 3-cylinder engines
in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged form. The new R06D engine
produces only 49 horsepower as it emphasizes fuel efficiency. Thanks to
the integrated starter generator of mild hybrid system, it feels not as
slow as the number suggested, at least at very low speed. Press
deeper the throttle and the electric push fades out as the small
battery dries
out, then the engine struggles. Driven leisurely in urban area, the
Hustler has sufficient sound insulation to maintain a quiet cruise.
Drive it on highway and keep up with flowing traffic, you will be
troubled by a lot of engine noise. Again, the older R06A turbocharged
engine is a better workhorse for highway cruising.
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Funky
interior and rugged load bay meet the demand for both desirability and
practicality.
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Cabin space is remarkable, thanks to not only the extra width afforded
by its boxy bodyshell but also the 1680mm height, which is 50mm taller
than Daihatsu Taft. You sit high in the cabin as in a full-size SUV.
Visibility is excellent, while the individual front seats are more
comfortable than the bench seat of the old car. The dashboard is funky,
with 3 identical color-coded bezels housing the instrument, 9-inch
infotainment touchscreen and a storage compartment – the latter is
great for placing takeaway sandwiches or hamburgers. Seating
arrangement is just as versatile as the best Suzukis. The rear seat can
split, slide or fold flat in a single action easily. When it folds, its
cushion drops automatically so to align with the boot floor. The load
bay is covered with scratch-proof resin plates, so it is great for
placing your outdoor gears. Dirty stuffs can be placed at the storage
area under the false floor. The Hustler feels rugged.
Suzuki has not forgotten safety either. The Hustler is offered with the
latest adaptive cruise control and collision prevention technology. In
many ways, this is an all-round machine. It is just as easy to drive
and fuel-efficient as other K-cars while offering extra offroad
capability and better loading facility for luggage or dirty outdoor
gears. The SUV look is fashionable, too. No wonder it was able to
capture 80,000 orders last year, even under the threat of pandemic and
the new competition from Daihatsu Taft. In the first 8 months of this
year, it sales continues to lead Daihatsu by almost 50 percent, and set
to finish the year at around 90,000 units, trailing only Spacia in the
K-cars lineup of Suzuki.
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Verdict:  |
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