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Suzuki might not be the first name that comes to mind when you're thinking of commercial makers, but many small company users - florists, couriers and caterers - will tell you that they wouldn't go anywhere else. The manufacturers versatile Carry van is an ideal solution to the problem of carrying light loads around urban areas.



Its compact exterior dimensions make it ideal for business users who spend most of their time in and around town. Slightly shorter and narrower than your average Supermini, it`s able to squeeze through gaps and into parking spaces that other van users can only dream about (while they`re stuck in traffic jams).

History
The Rascal/Supercarry range was introduced in April 1986, as a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. British-built and available in both Van and Pickup derivatives, the vehicle strengths were its small size and maximum payload weight; 550kg for the Van and 575kg for the Pickup. When the Bedford name ceased to exist in June 1990, General Motors vehicles were rebadged as Vauxhalls. UK production ceased in July 1993 and was resumed in Japan.

Under the Bedford Brand see - Wikipedia
The Bedford Rascal is a microvan of the Bedford brand, based on an existing Japanese Suzuki vehicle, the Suzuki Carry. It was sold as the Vauxhall Rascal after 1990, and as the Holden Scurry in Australia. The van was produced (along with its Suzuki twin for the European market), at the IBC Vehicles plant in Luton, adjacent to Vauxhall's main factory.

Typical specifications

* Engine : 4 cylinder in-line OHC, 970 cc (Suzuki)
* Power : 44 bhp (33 kW) @ 5300 rpm
* Torque : 75 N·m (55 ft·lbf) @ 3200 rpm
* Acceleration (0-30 mph) : 9.5 seconds:
* Gearbox : 5 speed
* Brakes : discs front /drums rear
* Length : 3.29 metres (129.5 in)
* Height : 1.70 metres (66.9 in)
* Width : 1.49 metres (58.7 in)
* Wheelbase : 1.84 metres (72.4 in)
* Turning Circle : 8.8 metres (28.9 ft)
* Gross weight : 1410 kg (3109 lb)
* Kerb weight : 785 kg (1731 lb)
* Total payload : 625 kg (1378 lb)
* Loadspace volume : 2.62 cu m
* Length : 1.89 metres (74.4 in)
* Width : 1.11 metres (43.7 in)
* Height : 1.23 metres (48.4 in)
* Loadfloor height : 0.56 metres (22.0 in)
* Width between rear wheel arches : 0.96 metres (37.8 in)

Sold from 1986 to 1993, the Rascal was a small and economical van, intended for many purposes. Aside from the van, pick-up and camper versions were also made.

It is still sold in Ecuador by General Motors (who owned Bedford when the Rascal was designed), as the Chevrolet Supercarry.

It is sold in India as the Maruti Omni.

All vehicles are fitted with a 970cc Suzuki engine of four-cylinder overhead camshaft design, mounted longitudinally and inclined to the left, with the transmission mounted at the rear of the engine. All models are rear-wheel-drive, and have either a four or five-speed manual transmission.

Throughout the range, the suspension layout is coil- over-damper struts at the front, and leaf springs with dampers at the rear.



There is a range of optional equipment, including tailgate wash/wipe, front fog lights, nudge bars and heated rear window.

The newer model is the 1.3 version which has been in production since 1999. Again its strength is in its size and shape. It`s easy to park and nippy enough across town. The engine is a 77bhp 1.3 engine which is ample for carrying light loads.
Where's the engine?
It's between the front wheels, tilted at 45 degrees to the left to reduce the height. You can get to it by hinging the seats backwards (passenger seat for coolant, windscreen wash fluid, oil and sparkplugs, driver seat for air filter) and a bolted down 'hump' behind the seats, in the load space - sounds awkward but engine access is better than on some larger vans.

So, what`s so good about the rascal van or the now called Suzuki Carry? Well I`ll give you three main selling points.

Firstly, at a time when fuel is going up about as often as you go to the toilet then the small engine with superb fuel economy is a key point. You can easily get 45 to 50 mpg out of it if you drive sensibly, remembering you`re not Lewis Hamilton in a Maclaren. Actually you`ll remember that you`re not in a Formula 1 car as you will never have to retire with engine failure because as stated you'll have that ultra reliable Suzuki engine.

Another great point is the fact that this van is so easy to drive and maneuver. How often do you drive in traffic or look for somewhere to park in a big clumsy van and wish that you had something easier to handle? Well that is just the case with this little star.

And finally but not least is the point that you can join the elite sooty club driving round in the modern day Dr Whos tardis. Yes you'll find it hard to believe just how much you can actually get in the back of one of these vans.

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So for all you florists, decorators, gardeners and fishermen then don't look anywhere else but have some fun in one of these vans! In fact at some football stadiums they`ve actually used these vans for getting around the perimeter because of their small size. Ideal for sporting venues

If you are thinking of a van why not consider buying 2nd hand? Savings can be considerable. Too often people think of buying new, rather than repairing, or buying 2nd hand. This applies to other things in life too, like within the home.

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