Suzuki takes fuel efficiency out of the lab and onto the road with the 2026 Suzuki Fuel Economy Challenge
Twenty media participants will compete across five Suzuki models to see how efficiently they can go when the specification sheet meets the real world.
Photo credits to Ziyaad Plaatjes
With fuel price volatility continuing to affect South African motorists, fuel efficiency has become an increasingly important factor when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. But how do fuel-efficient vehicles perform when they leave the specification sheet and face the realities of everyday driving?
Suzuki Auto South Africa is seeking to answer that question when it hosts its 2026 Suzuki Fuel Economy Challenge taking place in Pretoria from 29 to 30 September.
Twenty media participants, including influencers and traditional media, will take on the challenge, competing in 10 teams across 10 Suzuki vehicles. The event will push both the vehicles and drivers as teams compete to get the lowest fuel economy figure possible.
Five models from Suzuki’s local line-up will take part, with two examples each of the Fronx, Across, Swift, Dzire and Baleno tackling the challenge.
The public will also have the opportunity to predict which Suzuki model will deliver the best fuel economy, with those who correctly identify the winning vehicle standing a chance to win a prize.
The challenge will give participants an opportunity to experience Suzuki’s vehicles under real-world driving conditions, while demonstrating the role that driving style and conditions can play in fuel consumption. In addition to the drive, it will also be complemented by a programme of competitive and entertainment-focused activities.
“Fuel consumption is a major factor in a vehicle’s overall cost of ownership, and with fuel prices having increased recently and remaining under pressure, fuel efficiency continues to be an important consideration when selecting a new vehicle. While specification-sheet figures provide an important reference point, real-world driving tells another part of the story,”
says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“The Suzuki Fuel Economy Challenge gives us an opportunity to experience our vehicles in real-world conditions and see what they can achieve in the hands of experienced drivers. It is also about having some fun along the way and showing that efficient driving doesn't have to come at the expense of an enjoyable driving experience.”
The final results will be revealed at the conclusion of the challenge, when the winning vehicle and team will be announced. The question remains: which Suzuki will go the furthest on the fuel it has been given – and which team will walk away the champions of efficiency?
*Information provided by the publicist.
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