Keeping it real with new energy vehicles for a diverse world

TOKYO is a city that evokes endless fascination. It's vibrant and energetic, cutting-edge modern, yet traditional and everything works with the greatest of efficiency.

- JASON WOOSEY

THE Suzuki Victoras is likely to reach South Africa in the coming year.

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Its cars are another source of intrigue, showcased in spectacular fashion every second year by the Japan Mobility Show, which IOL attended this year as a guest of Suzuki Auto South Africa.

The brand once again demonstrated its ability to produce compact cars that are relevant and accessible to the greater populace. But this year, there was a focus on cleaner power sources that go beyond the battery-powered format, which is inaccessible for many.

These comprised everything from a Fuel-Flex Suzuki that runs on a mixture of ethanol to the methane gas-powered Victorus, a battery-powered Vision eSky Kei car and even hydrogen-powered motorcycles.

The Suzuki Victorus is perhaps the most relevant to South Africa, as there is a decent chance that this new crossover SUV will be launched in South Africa in 2026.

Suzuki Auto SA would not confirm nor deny that this new model is destined for our shores, but we do know that a new SUV in this category is planned for the local market, so it seems like a logical choice.

Like almost all Suzukis sold in South Africa, the Victorus is a product of Maruti Suzuki of India, but local models won't be powered by biomethane gas like the concept model on display in Tokyo.