The Suzuki Carry is a kei truck produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The microvan version was originally called the Carry van until 1982 when the van was renamed as the Suzuki Every (Japanese: スズã‚・エブリイ). In Japan, the Carry and Every are Kei cars but the Suzuki Every Landy, the bigger version of Every, had a longer hood for safety purposes and a larger 1.3-liter 86 hp (63 kW) four-cylinder engine. They have been sold under a myriad different names in several countries, and was the only car offered with Chevrolet and Ford badges.
Introduction
In their home market, the Carry truck and van (and Every van) compete with a number of similarly sized vehicles, such as the Kurogane Baby, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, Mitsubishi Minicab, and the Daihatsu Hijet. Some of these are also competitors in export markets, mainly the Carry and the Hijet.
The first two generations of Carrys were sold with the Suzulight badge rather than the company name Suzuki, emphasizing their focus on "Light Cars" (better known as Kei jidosha).
Suzulight FB/FBD
The Carry series was born in October 1961 with the FB Suzulight Carry, a pickup truck with the engine underneath the front seat but with a short bonnet. The layout has been referred to as a "semi-cabover". The FB Carry underwent some light modifications in October 1963, for the 1964 model year. A glassed FBD Carry Van was added in September 1964. The engine too was called the FB, a 359 cc (21.9 cu in) air-cooled, two-stroke two-cylinder with 21 hp (16 kW). This engine remained in use, in three-cylinder form, until late 1987 in the Suzuki Jimny (as the LJ50). Top speed was no more than 76 km/h (47 mph). FB suspension was rigid with leaf springs, front and rear. A panel van (FBC) was also available from July 1962.
Second generation (L20)
In June 1965 the rebodied L20 Suzulight Carry replaced the FB. The ladder-frame chassis was modified, now with independently sprung front wheels (by torsion bars). While output remained 21Â hp, the engine benefitted from Suzuki's patented CCI (Cylinder Crank Injection) lubrication system. The Carry Van was replaced by the new L20V in January 1966, and there was also a dropside pickup (L21). Finally, there was the L20H, a pickup with a canvas canopy and a rear-facing seat placed in the bed, providing seating for four. Top speed for the second generation was down to 75Â km/h. The Carry Van had a horizontally divided two-piece tailgate, and sliding rear windows.
Production of this more traditional version continued in parallel with the cab-over L30 Carry, ending only with the 1969 introduction of the L40.
Third generation (L30)
The new '30 Suzuki Carry (the "Suzulight" label was being retired) was a full cab-over design, with the same FB engine mounted horizontally underneath the load area. The starter and generator were combined and mounted directly on the front of the crankshaft. Introduced in February 1966, the L30 was built alongside its more traditional predecessor until they were both replaced by the L40. A canopied L30H, similar to the L20H but with the seats in the bed facing each other, was available right from the start. There was also an L31, with a drop-side bed. Performance and mechanics were very similar to its bonneted sister, but the load area was considerably larger. Maximum load capacity was still 350Â kg (770Â lb).
A short-lived Carry Van version of the L30 (L30V') was not introduced until March 1968, but offered four doors and a two-piece tailgate (top and bottom). Bodywork was the same ahead of the B-pillar.
Fourth generation (L40)
In July 1969 the Giugiaro designed L40 Carry was introduced. In November of the same year, a van version with two opening side doors and a top-hinged rear gate was added. Giugiaro's design was more obvious in the Carry Van iteration, very symmetrical with similar looks to the front and rear. The L40's design was not overly utilitarian, limiting interior space and being a bit too modern for the usually very orthodox Japanese commercial customer base. On the other hand, the L40 did benefit from an updated, 25 PS (18 kW) reed valve version of the now venerable FB engine. Dimensions, dictated by kei jidosha regulations, remained 2,990 mm × 1,295 mm (117.7 in × 51.0 in) and 359 cc (21.9 cu in). Max load was 350 kg (770 lb) for the truck, and 300 kg (660 lb) for the van versions. Top speed increased considerably to 95 kilometres per hour (59 mph).
As part of a minor facelift in April 1971, the Carry received a 27 PS (still at 6,000 rpm) version of the well-known FB engine, featuring Suzuki's CCIS (Cylinder Crank Injection and Selmix) lubrication system. This engine also found its way into to the recently introduced LJ10 Jimny. Torque was 3.7 kg·m (36 N·m; 27 lb·ft) at 5,000 rpm. There was also a Panel Van version, with a boxy unit mounted on the rear of a Carry truck chassis. In 1971, a V40FC Camper version of the Van was also added.
While the truck versions were replaced in May 1972, the L40V continued for another three months before an L50 Van took its place.
Fifth generation (L50/60)
The fifth generation L50 Carry debuted in May 1972, followed by a new Carry Van in August. The new model echoes Giugiaro's design, but without ventilation windows in the front doors and with a more traditional appearance. Headlights are now round, while the van version receives a more square rear body and with a sliding rear side door. The engine is a water-cooled design (L50), otherwise similar to the previous engine but now with 28Â hp (21Â kW). Max load was back up to 350Â kg (770Â lb).
In December 1972, a five-door van (L50VF, with sliding side doors) was added. Three months later, the dropside L51 went on sale. In November 1973 the Carry underwent a minor facelift, receiving a new grille and modified front bumper. The interior was also updated, with a new dashboard and finally hanging gas and clutch pedals. The fifth generation Carry led Suzuki to great market success, with Suzuki selling more kei trucks than all others during 1973 and 1974.
In September 1975 a special export version was introduced, aimed at customers who wanted more loading ability. The new L60 series received a larger, 446Â cc (also L60) version of the L50 two-cylinder. 29Â PS (as opposed to 26 for export market 360Â cc models), a stronger differential "to transmit the generous torque" and sturdier springs meant load capacity increased to 550Â kg (1,210Â lb). For 1975, the Carry received minor changes allowing for the fitment of new larger license plates. In December 1975, the domestic market L50s' engine lost two horsepower (down to 26) in the effort of fulfilling new, stricter emissions standards.
Sixth generation (ST10/20/80)
In May 1976, responding to changed standards for the Kei class, Suzuki released the Carry 55, chassis code ST10/ST10V. It had the larger, water-cooled but still two-stroke three-cylinder LJ50 engine of 539Â cc but was otherwise hard to distinguish from the preceding L50 series. The only two differences in appearance were bigger (albeit slimmer) bumpers which no longer enveloped the bottom of the front, as well as slightly altered doors with a slight bump in the swage line to accommodate the door handle. There was also an ST11 version with a drop-side bed. The ST10 (along with the LC20 Fronte) was the first Suzuki to enter CKD production in Indonesia, in 1976. In 1977 it was replaced by the larger ST20.
Soon thereafter, in September 1976, the interim ST10 (only built for four months) was gradually replaced by the widened and lengthened ST20 pickup version which also has a longer wheelbase. Marketed as the Suzuki Carry Wide 550, it now reached the maximum dimensions set for the Kei class. In November, the ST20 Van took its bow - this version was 4Â cm (1.6Â in) shorter than the truck as it reused the shorter rear side bodypanels of the L50 and ST10 versions. Some special variants of the ST10 (such as refrigerated versions, panel vans, etcetera) remained on sale alongside the ST20 for a little while longer until new versions could be developed. There was also an ST20K model available. The "K" referred to the "trucklike" nature of the vehicle in that it had three drop-sides as opposed to the utility version which had only a tailgate and formed sides. The ST20 range retained the three-cylinder 539Â cc two-stroke engine of the ST10 and has a carrying capacity of 350Â kg (772Â lb). Maximum power remained 26Â PS (19Â kW) at 4500Â rpm. In October 1977, after about 187,000 had been built, the ST20 underwent a light facelift, with increased equipment and all versions (excepting the base truck) now featuring a front grille.
Equipment levels were base, Standard, and Super Deluxe. The base version has no front grille, the Standard has a black grille, while the Super Deluxe features chrome trim on the grille as well as chromed hubcaps.
By 1977, the export only ST80 appeared - this version was the first Carry to be equipped with a four-stroke engine, the inline-four 797Â cc F8A as recently introduced in the LJ80 Jimny. In the Carry, however, the engine only developed 37Â hp (28Â kW; 38Â PS) at 5500Â rpm. The ST20 Carry was also produced in Indonesia from 1978 until at least 1983, where it was nicknamed "Turungtung". This is an onomatopoetic word for the sound made by the Carry's two-stroke engine. The ST20 Carry was the first Suzuki product to be built in Indonesia, where it saw extensive use as an Angkot.
Also by October 1977, the Custom Van was available. Well equipped, with metallic paint, reclining fabric-covered seats, and chrome bumpers, this was aimed squarely at use as a private car. This heralded the development of the future "Every" range of passenger microvans.
Seventh generation (ST30/40/90)
In March 1979, the new ST30 series arrived. The dimensions remained the same as before, as did the two-stroke engine, although it was moved forward and now resided underneath the front seat. At the time of the ST30's introduction, the Carry had been the bestselling Kei truck in the Japanese domestic market for eight straight years. For export markets, the ST90 version was equipped with the larger four-stroke F8A engine of 797Â cc, entering production in August 1979. In October 1980, the domestic market Carry became available with the new 543Â cc four-stroke F5A engine (ST40), although the torquey two-stroke engine remained popular. Later, export models were also fitted with the 970Â cc four-cylinder engine; they received the ST100 chassis codes.
In December 1982, the Van portion of the Carry range became separated in the Japanese domestic market and was now sold as the Suzuki Every. The Every was only available with the four-stroke engine, as the two-stroke could not pass the tighter emissions standards for passenger cars. New for May 1981 was a four-wheel drive version, originally only available as a pickup. This received the ST31/41 chassis code. A four-wheel drive van version was added in November 1982.
Suzuki Bolan
In Pakistan, Pak Suzuki Motors, a small affiliate of the Suzuki Motor Corporation, still assembles and distributes the Suzuki Bolan, based on the ST90V version of the Carry (also known as Hi-Roof) with the three-cylinder F8B 796Â cc carburetor engine with output of 37Â hp (28Â kW). The four-speed manual transmission allows for a top speed of 120Â km/h (75Â mph). As of today it is available in two different versions VX and VXR, the better equipped VXR has got factory fitted air conditioning. The Bolan is widely used as an ambulance all over Pakistan and as a taxi in parts of the country. There is also a pickup version, called Ravi.
Ford Pronto
The Ford Pronto is a rebadged Suzuki Carry ST, which was manufactured between 1985 and 2007 by Ford Lio Ho, a joint venture between Ford and Lio Ho in Taiwan. The Pronto was only available in the Taiwanese market, where it was introduced specifically to compete with China Motor Corporation's Mitsubishi Minicab and Sanfu's Subaru Sambar in the local minivan market. In 2007 Ford Lio Ho ceased to produce the Pronto because the engine couldn't be made to meet revised local environmental regulations.
Indonesia
In Indonesia the Suzuki Carry and Super Carry were assembled by Suzuki Indomobil Motor beginning in 1983, fitted with the well-known 970Â cc F10A engine with 50Â PS (37Â kW). This carried the ST100 model code, and was also available as a minivan. Thanks to a locally developed rear body with a longer overhang and a wheelbase extended by 10Â cm (3.9Â in), it was about 20Â cm (7.9Â in) longer than the Carrys sold elsewhere, which allowed a third row of seats to be fitted. In 1986 it was updated with a new front and larger bumpers; this model was originally sold as the "Super Carry Extra." This model, available as a van or truck, reached 3,530Â mm (139.0Â in) in overall length and is 1,465Â mm (57.7Â in) wide. In 1989 the Super Carry received a five-speed transmission, as well as a tachometer. Although removed from the regular price lists in 2006, this version of the Carry was still built to special order until 2009, alongside the larger Carry Futura (based on the Eight generation Suzuki Carry). Until 1987, when surpassed by the Daihatsu Zebra and Toyota Kijang, the Carry was Indonesia's best selling vehicle.
Eighth generation (1985â€"1991)
The eighth generation Carry (and second generation Every) appeared in March 1985. It was modernized and the range again expanded, with a more powerful fuel injected engine available on top. The chassis codes became quite confusing, with DA/DB71 used for the F5A engined model (DB signifying four-wheel drive) and DA81 for the two-stroke truck which remained available until the Carry underwent a facelift in July 1986. T, B, and V suffixes were used to denote trucks, trucks with tip decks, and vans. Beginning in late 1987, a 52Â PS (38Â kW) turbocharged engine was available in the Every, while the Carry truck received a three-valve, supercharged version of the F5A engine with 48Â PS (35Â kW). There was also a short-lived nine-valve version with 32Â PS (24Â kW) available for better equipped versions of the Every; the regular six-valve version had to make do with 30Â PS (22Â kW). In May 1989 the more modern multi-valve F5B engine entered the lineup; it received the DA/DB41 chassis code and replaced most of the F5A engines. This new engine also became available in the badge-engineered Autozam Scrum, sold by Mazda (DG/DH41).
Facelift
With the rules regarding the size and engines of kei-cars being altered for March 1990, Suzuki had to update the Carry/Every which now carried the DA/DB51 chassis code. A larger 657Â cc engine provided somewhat more power, ranging from 38 to 58Â PS (28 to 43Â kW), and new more rounded bodywork provided a more modern look. The smallest engine received an upgrade in March 1991, increasing power to 42Â PS (31Â kW), but only six months later the DA/DB51 was replaced by the re-shelled ninth generation Carry and Every.
Export models
Post-1985 European market Suzuki Carrys still used the 797Â cc four-cylinder F8A familiar from the ST90 Carry, while Super Carrys were equipped with the F10A 970Â cc four. Chassis codes are SK408 and SK410, while power outputs are 37 and 45Â PS respectively (27.5 and 33Â kW), top speeds 110 and 115Â km/h. Heftier bumpers meant overall length was up 10Â cm, for a total of 3295Â mm. Production of export models began in July 1985. The SK408 (sometimes called the DA11) was discontinued in October 1989. Later Super Carrys received the same 1.3 liter inline-four as fitted to the Samurai. In much of Europe this generation of the Carry was also sold as the Bedford, Vauxhall, or GME Rascal. These were built at the GM plant in Luton, to circumvent JAMA's voluntary export restrictions.
In Australia this model was sold as both the Super Carry (in ute, van, or wagon form) and as the Holden Scurry, which was not available as a "ute". In Australia, the Scurry was designated as the NB series.
The Super Carry continues in production in Vietnam for local markets, as a truck or panel van, with a Euro 2 emissions compliant engine. The 970 cc engine has electronic fuel injection and develops 31 kW (42 PS) at 5500 rpm. The 3,240 mm (128 in) long truck is the biggest selling truck in Vietnam and the engine was updated to meet the Euro 4 emissions standards in 2017.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the Suzuki Carry received a redesign around 1991 following the introduction of the 1.3 liter Daihatsu Zebra; somewhat larger it was now 3,700Â mm (146Â in) and also ten centimeters wider. This has a wheelbase of 1,970Â mm (78Â in), length 3,875Â mm (153Â in), and width 1,570Â mm (62Â in)). It has a 1360Â cc engine, later enlarged to 1493 (around 1994) and then 1590Â cc. Internal codenames for these models are ST130, ST150, and ST160.
For the Indonesian market, The Carry Futura is also offered as the Colt T120SS. The name is a continuation of the first generation Mitsubishi Delica, which was marketed as the "Colt T120" in many countries including Indonesia. When production began in 1991 it replaced the Minicab-based "Jetstar". The T120SS is based on the locally developed Suzuki Carry Futura (later just Futura), with which it shares everything aside from the engines. Overall length is 3720Â mm (3940Â mm for the "3-way wide deck" version).
The Colt T120SS is available as either a bare chassis, a fixed-side pickup truck, or one where all three sides fold down, called "3-way wide deck". The engine used is either Mitsubishi's 1.3Â L (1,343Â cc) carburetted 4G17 or the bigger 1.5Â L (1,468Â cc) fuel injected 4G15. The smaller engine puts out 78Â PS (57Â kW) at 6,000Â rpm, while the larger unit (to Euro 2 emissions standards) produces 86Â PS (63Â kW) at 5,750Â rpm. Both engines feature three valves per cylinder. The bare chassis version is usually converted into a microbus by local bodybuilders, for use as an Angkot, or share taxi.
The Indonesian Carry was facelifted several times, in 1997, 2005 and 2010, and was facelifted again in February 2017, with a redesigned grille and bumper.
- Philippines
The larger, Indonesian-developed Super Carry is also assembled in the Philippines. The locally developed turbodiesel version appeared in late October 2016, with a 793 cc (48.4 cu in) two-cylinder engine with 32 metric horsepower (24 kW) at 3500 rpm. It is available as a flat-bed truck, utility van, cargo van, or prepared to be fitted with Jeepney bodywork. It is 3,800 mm (149.6 in) long, with a wheelbase of 2,110 mm (83.1 in), a cargo bed of 2,384 mm (93.9 in), and can take a load of 625 kg (1,378 lb) as well as two occupants.
Bedford Rascal
The Bedford Rascal (later Vauxhall Rascal), also built as the Suzuki Super Carry is a microvan that was developed as a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and Suzuki. It was sold under GM's British-based Bedford marque as well as in Suzuki form. Other names were used in a few international markets, such as GME (General Motors Europe) for those continental European markets where Suzukis were generally not marketed and where the "Bedford" and "Vauxhall" brands were largely unknown.
The van was produced at the IBC Vehicles plant in Luton, England, adjacent to the main Vauxhall factory (GM's British-based passenger car marque). Alongside the Bedford, the Suzuki-branded twin was manufactured for the European market (where Bedford is a less established brand).
Sold from 1986 to 1994, the Rascal, like the Super Carry, was a small and economical van intended for many purposes. The vehicle's strengths were its diminutive size and maximum payload weight; 550Â kg for the van and 575Â kg for the pickup. The principal visible difference between Bedford and Suzuki versions is the front trim: the Super Carry has two separate plastic headlamp surrounds and the Rascal has a single full width one with "Bedford" moulded in the middle.
Timeline:
- 1986: launched
- 1990: re-badged as the Vauxhall Rascal, as the Bedford marque was being retired
- 1993: production moved to Japan, where it was made until 1999
Mostly sold as vans; pickup and camper versions were also made.
Ninth generation (1991â€"1999)
The ninth generation Carry (and third generation Every) appeared in September 1991. The 657Â cc F6A engine remained from the previous generation, but an all-new bodywork was much smoother, originally with slim, small rectangular headlights. The chassis was largely unchanged for the truck (albeit with a somewhat longer wheelbase), but the vans had a considerably longer wheelbase and an engine mounted midships, just ahead of the rear axle. Chassis codes changed accordingly, and were now different for the Carry and the Every. The trucks are DC/DD51T and the vans are DE/DF51V ("DD" and "DF" for four-wheel drive versions).
The ninth-generation Carry received a facelift with modish round headlights in 1993 and continued to be built until 1999. Most export markets continued to receive the previous generation Carry, with bigger engines and most commonly with van bodywork. The older Super Carry is generally more rugged than the DE/DF51, which was fitted with a coil sprung De Dion rear axle not as suitable for carrying heavy loads. In those rather few foreign markets where the ninth-generation Carry was available, it was sold as the SK306. In late 1997 the retro-styled Suzuki Every C arrived.
Tenth generation (1999-2013)
The tenth generation Carry was introduced in January 1999. It retained the F6A engine (albeit modernized) and was sold as the DA/DB52 T and V (Carry truck or Every van, "DB" signifying four-wheel drive). This marked the end of using "Carry" badging on vans in the Japanese domestic market. In June 1999 the DA52W (Every Wagon, only with two-wheel drive) appeared, along with the bigger Every Plus. In 2001 a version with the more powerful timing chain equipped K6A (still of 660Â cc displacement) appeared, as the DA62T/V/W. This model has also been built by Chang'an (Chana) in China, as the "Star" (Zhixing) bus and truck (originally SC6350, SC1015). These have undergone countless revisions and enlargements and still form the basis for much of Chang'an's light truck production,
The Carry truck was completely rebodied in May 2002, but the existing Every Van and Wagon continued to be produced until replaced in May 2005, as the two lines continued a process of divergence begun with the introduction of the Every in 1982.
Suzuki Every Landy
The Every Landy, originally sold as the Every Plus, was an enlarged seven-seater version of the Every (passenger version of the Carry). With chassis code DA32W It was fitted with the considerably larger 1.3 litre G13 engine. The image to the right is of the original Every Plus, introduced in June 1999. The name was changed in May 2001, accompanied by a facelift introducing a large chromed grille.
With Carry 1.3 badging (chassis DA32) Truck and Van versions of the Every Plus were sold in various right hand drive export markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia. The truck version was available with constant four-wheel drive. The Wagon model was also sold as the Suzuki E-RV in Malaysia. It was also sold in certain other markets, such as Chile, as the Carry SK413 (truck) or as the Mastervan (van).
- Weight:
- 2WD: 1,010â€"1,040 kg (2,230â€"2,290 lb)
- 4WD: 1,050â€"1,080 kg (2,310â€"2,380 lb)
- Maximum output: 82Â PS (60Â kW) at 6,000Â rpm
- Maruti Versa
The Maruti Versa was a clone of the Suzuki Every Plus for the Indian subcontinent and was built by Maruti Suzuki from October 2001. It is the second van released by Maruti Suzuki since the Maruti Omni was released in 1984. About seventy percent of the vehicle components are made within India. The Versa was discontinued in late 2009, after only having been built to order in small numbers for some time.
There are two basic versions of this car in production; the two 8-seater DX/DX2 versions and the 5-seater STD version. The DX2 version of the Versa is equipped with twin air conditioners for front and rear. The Versa has the same 16-valve, 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 82Â hp (61Â kW) at 6000Â rpm as does the Every Landy. It is controlled by a 16-bit engine management system.
The initial target audience for this vehicle were customers who planned to buy a sedan like the Maruti Esteem or a utility vehicle like Tata Sumo. The 82 bhp (61 kW) engine is located under the front seat. The Versa can reach from 0â€"60 mph in 13.5 seconds.
- Maruti Eeco
Maruti Eeco was introduced in India by Maruti Suzuki in January 2010. This car is a refresh of the Versa, but equipped with a new 1196Â cc 4four-cylinder in-line engine. The Eeco makes 55 kW (73 bhp) at 6000Â rpm, 101 Nm (74 ft lb ) at 3000Â rpm. It is delivered in either 5-seater or 7-seater versions.
Suzuki Mega Carry
Suzuki Every Fifth generation (2005-2015)
The fifth generation Suzuki Every was introduced in Japan in May 2005.
Eleventh generation (2013-present)
The eleventh generation Suzuki Carry was introduced in Japan in August 2013, followed with the sixth generation Suzuki Every in February 2015.
Export versions
Interestingly, early Suzuki Carrys are popularly called "Half Loafs" in South Africa, referring to "half a loaf of bread" (still a staple of many South Africans). In Cape Town and Durban, many of these little vans are seen painted in bright yellow with green artwork and a chopped-off open rear end. These are part of large fleets of privately owned public transport vehicles which fit between normal taxis and city buses. Customers literally hop on the back, and pass the driver a Rand or two, and simply jump off at their destination.
- Alternative badges
The Suzuki Carry has been marketed under several different badges around the world: Bedford Rascal (UK), GME Rascal (France), Daewoo Damas (Worldwide), Chevrolet Super Carry (Colombia and Venezuela), Chevrolet CMV/CMP (Central America), Holden Scurry (Australia), Maruti Omni, Maruti Versa (India), Ford Pronto, Mazda Scrum, and Mitsubishi Colt T120SS.
Daewoo Damas
The Daewoo Damas is a rebadged version of the Suzuki Carry produced by South Korean automaker Daewoo since 1991. It is currently in its second generation and is available in van and pickup body styles, the latter of which is marketed as the Daewoo Labo.
In some export markets, the Daewoo Damas was known as the Daewoo Attivo and since General Motors' takeover of Daewoo it has been known in some markets, such as Central America and Tunisia, as Chevrolet CMV for the passenger van (Damas) and Chevrolet CMP for the pickup truck (Labo).
The Damas and Labo both come with the three-cylinder SOHC 796Â cc F8C engine rather than the smaller 660Â cc units originally used in Japan, to provide more power and comfort. The engine was originally made for petrol but is recently only available in South Korea as an LPG-powered unit.
The Damas microvan is available as a 7-seat coach, 5-seat coach, or 2-seat cargo van styles and comes with various options based on DLX (deluxe) and SUPER models. The Labo is also available in STD (standard), DLX (deluxe) and SUPER models. Two main choices of the Labo body type are the cube van and the drop-side pickup truck. The pickup has an optional electric tailgate lift.
The Damas is the predominant form of public transport in Uzbekistan â€" so much so that other busses, such as Mercedes microbuses, are called "Big Damas". In Damas Marshrutkas, generally far more than 7 passengers are crammed.
Both the Damas and Labos are only available with a manual transmission. Air conditioning is optional. But the 0.8-litre engine hasn't got sufficient power to both carry cargo swiftly and deliver cold air from the aircon unit at the same time without struggling. The engine struggles and shakes (potentially leading to a stall) if you try both. However, for its purpose, the car is excellent, reliable, durable and nippy around town and outskirts, as long as speeds over 100Â km/h (62Â mph) are not required - beyond which the car becomes uncomfortable.
VIDAMCO of Vietnam produces the Damas in complete knock-down kit.
Maruti Omni
The Maruti Omni is a microvan manufactured by Suzuki's Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki. The first version of Maruti Omni had a 796 cc (49 cu in) inline-three engine, same as the Maruti 800 city car. Sold simply as the Maruti Van, this was the second vehicle to be launched by Maruti. It arrived one year after the 800, in 1984. The name was changed to "Omni" in 1988. It received a facelift in 1998, and further minor revisions in 2005, when improvements were made to the exterior and the interior, and new colours became available. Later version of the Omni includes the:
- Omni (E), released in 1996, an 8-seater microbus version
- Omni XL - 1999, as the Omni E but with a higher roof.
- Omni Cargo LPG - 2004, created to answer the growing popularity of this car being used as an inter-city cargo vehicle.
- Omni LPG - 2003, same 796 cc engine, added with a factory fitted LPG Kit, authorised by the Indian RTOs (Regional Transport Offices). This makes it the most economic four-wheeler in India, as far as driving costs are concerned.
- Omni Ambulance - A Omni E, designed for ambulance usage. This is the most common type of ambulances found in Indian cities.
The Omni could be divided into two categories: the family version and the cargo version. The newer family version has two extra seats directly behind the front seating and facing away towards the rear of the van making it an eight seater. Older versions are modified by individual owners to add additional capacity this way. The cargo version is completely devoid of back seats. Both versions have sliding back doors and hatchbacks.
The Omni (E) has the following official specifications (2010):
The initial versions were so basic that the interior dashboard even lacked a fan blower opening as a standard.
Images
References
- Ozeki, Kazuo (2007). Suzuki Story: Small Cars, Big Ambitions. Tokyo: Miki Press. pp. 94â€"95. ISBN 978-4-89522-503-8.Â
External links
Media related to Suzuki Carry at Wikimedia Commons
Media related to Suzuki Every at Wikimedia Commons