Japanese Kei light Truck
The Suzuki Carry is a versatile and economical Kei (mini) truck built by Suzuki renowned for its reliability and practical design. The Carry was introduced in 1961 as a compact pickup truck and has evolved to meet various transportation needs. It has a small but practical cargo area with an exemplary and efficient engine.
A popular choice among small businesses and private users, the Carry is famous due to its durability and fuel efficiency. The DA63T model, in particular, has gained praise for its driving experience and handling, thanks to its turbocharger.
The Suzuki Carry’s blend of reliability, affordability, and practicality has cemented its reputation as a global favorite in the mini truck segment.
BE FORWARD FOB Price of the Suzuki Carry Truck starts from $570 as of August 2024”
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FAQ: how much weight can a kei truck carry?
A Kei truck, which is a small, lightweight vehicle popular in Japan, typically has a payload capacity of around 350 to 660 kilograms (770 to 1,455 pounds).
The exact capacity can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. Most Kei trucks are designed to stay under a gross vehicle weight of 1,500 kilograms (approximately 3,300 pounds) to meet the regulations for this class of vehicle.
With Japanese Quality
The Japanese have perfected the art of building reliable, durable, and practical cars, and the Suzuki Carry exemplifies that by its quality. Its compact design, and robust engines, make it ideal for various commercial and private transportation endeavors.
The Carry Truck’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its robustness and efficiency typical of Japanese engineering. For decades, it has consistently been a trendsetter for mini trucks worldwide, making it a trusted choice for consumers looking for a reliable and cost-effective mini truck.
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Safety Technologies
As safety bars in the automotive industry have been raised so is the Suzuki Carry’s.
The latest models feature several passive and active safety features that include SRS dual airbags, three-point seatbelts, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a bonnet with a crumple zone, a 4.4m turning radius, side impact bars on the front doors, and an immobilizer key for preventing theft.
The Carry also includes upgraded instrument clusters that ensure drivers have improved visibility of important vehicle information.
These improvements make the Suzuki Carry much safer for personal and commercial use.
Suzuki Carry – Japanese Kei light Truck 2013 up DA16T. In-depth review
Discover the 11th generation of the successful Suzuki Carry, launched in 2013.
Interior & Exterior
The latest Suzuki Carry truck combines functionality with durability in its interior and exterior design. Externally, the Carry features a robust build with a well-coated body to protect it against rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity even in severe conditions. Its boxy design features a large (1975mm long x 1410mm wide) flatbed with great loading capacity in a three-sided (dropsides and tailgate) access and a 70mm leap to simplify loading and unloading of cargo and improve maneuverability.
Inside, the cabin is spacious, basic, and practical, it features a straightforward dash layout that prioritizes ease of operation. The seats are comfortable and are upholstered in long-lasting vinyl fabric, and the sizeable glass on the doors and windshield provides superior outward visibility. Its electric power steering located directly in front of the driver has better response and easier steering even when loaded at the maximum capacity.
The cabin is well-appointed with handy stowage areas. Standard features include a radio/CD player, air conditioner, and a large storage tray.
Japanese electric Light Van & Kei Truck by Toyota & Daihatsu. Japan Mobility Show 2023
Engine & Performance
The latest Suzuki Carry truck is powered by either one of two high-power and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter (K15B) 4-cylinder or 0.6-liter (R06A) 3-cylinder petrol engines, known for their robust performance and enormous hauling capabilities.
These engines provide ample power and torque across the range, making them ideal for heavy-duty missions.
The engines are optimized to deliver efficient power, ensuring the Carry remains economical even under challenging conditions. With a max payload rating of 0.94 and 0.35 tonnes respectively, the Suzuki Carry combines power with practicality, making it a reliable choice for private and commercial use. Its efficient performance and robust engine make it stand out among Kei trucks.
Fuel Economy
The Suzuki Carry is known for its frugality, making it an economically viable choice for private or commercial use.
The latest Carry with a 1.5-liter or 0.6-liter engine maintains good performance even when loaded. Operated under normal conditions, the 1.5-liter and 0.6-liter typically achieve an average fuel consumption rate of 14-16 km/L and 18.6 km/L respectively without load. This efficiency makes the Carry a practical choice for those needing a reliable truck with low operational costs.
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What’s New for 2024 and 2025
The 2024 and 2025 Suzuki Carry trucks embody the Suzuki’s commitment to reliability and efficiency. These models feature a 660 or 1500cc 4WD engine, providing reliable performance and versatility for various tasks. The 2024 version, available with automatic transmission, maintains the Carry’s reputation for being a practical and durable Kei truck, ideal for urban and rural environments.
The latest release ensures the Carry truck remains a top choice for consumers seeking a dependable and economical vehicle for personal and commercial use.
Carry Truck Popularity Facts
The Carry Kei truck produced by Suzuki since 1961, has a global legendary status due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Known for its compact size and versatile use, the Carry is a go-to truck among small businesses and rural farmers.
Its robust nature and efficient engines make it a top choice among Kei trucks, offering a practical solution for transporting goods in various environments.
The Carry’s consistent performance and affordable maintenance have cemented its global reputation.
Price Range
The Suzuki Carry truck is notably popular in Japan and several Southeast Asian countries. In Indonesia, it’s frequently used as an Angkot (public transport).
Market Price Range
- USA: Typically a used Suzuki Carry ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.
- Malawi: Prices can range between $5,000 and $10,000.
- Tanzania: You might find it priced between $4,000 and $8,000.
- Australia: Expect to pay around $7,000 to $12,000.
- Philippines: The price range is generally between $4,000 and $9,000.
The price of the Suzuki Carry truck significantly varies globally due to factors like local demand, import taxes, and vehicle conditions. The above is a general overview of price ranges in different regions.
BE FORWARD FOB Price of the Suzuki Carry Truck starts from $570 as of August 2024”
SUZUKI Carry Truck Competitors
The Suzuki Carry has stiff competition among Kei trucks, with several notable rivals.
Key competitors include the Daihatsu Hijet, renowned for its fuel efficiency and maneuverability, and the Subaru Sambar appreciated for its unique 4WD system and robust design. The Honda Acty, another competitor, is known for its reliability and compact size. Additionally, the Mitsubishi Minicab offers versatility and good load capacity. Below is a list of the Suzuki Carry competitors with their pros and cons:
- Toyota Lite Ace
Pros: Known for its reliability, spacious interior, and strong after-sales service network.
Cons: Higher initial cost unlike other Kei trucks, which might be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers. - Mitsubishi L300
Pros: Robust build, excellent load capacity, and versatile configurations for various uses.
Cons: Older design, less fuel-efficient compared to newer Kei trucks. - Daihatsu Hijet
Pros: Economical, easy to maneuver, and offers good fuel efficiency.
Cons: Inferior cabin space and sluggish engine compared to some competitors. - Subaru Sambar
Pros: Unique 4WD system, durable, and has a cult following for its distinctive design.
Cons: Limited cargo space and higher maintenance costs. - Honda Acty
Pros: Compact size, and a reliable and frugal engine.
Cons: Limited availability in some markets and smaller payload capacity. - Mitsubishi Minicab
Pros: Versatile and affordable, good load capacity, and reliable performance.
Cons: Older models have basic features may lack modern amenities, and have lower resale value compared to some competitors
Each model covered here presents unique advantages and disadvantages, making the Kei truck market diverse and competitive.
Kei Truck -Tokyo Auto Salon 2024
Writer’s Perspective
I prefer to call it ‘The Mighty Suzuki Carry’ a small truck that punches above weight. The Suzuki Carry has proved time and time again its prowess among Kei trucks. Each release has solidified its leadership status and position within the Kei truck category by maintaining its reliability, efficiency, practicality, dependability, and durability.
In some parts of the world where traffic rules are not very strict, the Carry has been abused in various ways, but it kept on going, defying many odds.
For small businesses and farms, the Carry has been a reliable and trusted servant, a partner in progress, a workhorse for moving things here and there on a budget and helping businesses thrive.
Final Verdict for Different Life Styles
The Suzuki Carry truck is highly versatile, and capable of catering to various lifestyles due to its robust design and practical features.
- Commercial Use: It’s ideal for small businesses and trades, its ample cargo space and durability perfect it for transporting goods. Its low running costs and reliability boost its appeal for commercial use.
- Urban Living: In urban environments, the compact dimensions of the Carry allow for easy maneuverability and parking. Its economical fuel consumption is a plus for city driving.
- Rural and Off-road: With its sturdy build quality, 4WD, and reliability, the Carry handles tough terrains well, making it suitable for rural areas and light off-road tasks.
In conclusion, the Suzuki Carry offers flexibility and practicality, making it a valuable asset across various lifestyles.
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I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
