By Aurelia Mbokazi
Parenting, specifically motherhood, has to be recognised as a full-time job, with the school-run qualifying as a major KPI in its own right. Since becoming a mother, I’ve gained a deep respect for women who stay at home to raise their children.
Now, onto one of the most important parts of my daily routine: the school run. It comes with its own set of complexities. First, you need a reliable and decent-looking vehicle, one that meets the approval of your highly opinionated young passengers. These are the same individuals who believe they possess serious street credibility, which you, as the designated driver, are expected to protect at all costs.
Thankfully, for the past three months, I had just the right partner in crime — the stylish and dependable Suzuki Fronx. Affectionately nicknamed Pretty-Suzy, she quickly became part of the family, handling our chaotic school runs and daily errands with charm and ease.
The car:
The Fronx commanded attention wherever it went. With its bold exterior and dynamic design, it is crafted to stand out, whether parked at the schoolyard or waiting outside extramural activities. Judging by my teenagers’ reactions, it received an enthusiastic nod from Generation Z — arguably the only generation that matters when it comes to style credibility. The interior was just as impressive, with a dual-tone finish that gave it a sophisticated, premium feel. There was a daily scramble to claim the front passenger seat, mostly to control the morning playlist, which was a clear sign of approval from my discerning young passengers. The drive itself was equally enjoyable, offering comfort and confidence behind the wheel throughout the three-month test period.
The drive:
The morning school run was a daily exercise in precision timing and strategic
navigation, with me at the helm. Getting through Melville’s 9th Street during peak hours was not for the fainthearted, especially when faulty traffic lights on Rustenburg Road brought everything to a crawl.
To avoid the chaos, we’d opt for a longer but faster zigzag route through the neighbourhood, waving cheerfully at security guards in boomed-off streets while r acing towards Barry Hertzog Avenue.That road, too, came with its own set of challenges. On any given day, up to three traffic lights would be out, stretching a usual nine-minute drive to nearly twenty.
When necessary, I’d reroute through Emmarentia’s back streets, where the Fronx proved its worth, gliding comfortably over aggressive speed humps. The final obstacle was the perpetually broken traffic light on the Emmarentia–Victory Park border, which is a makeshift taxi stop. My solution? A cheeky shortcut through the Engen garage, made possible by polite waves to the petrol attendants.
The outcomes:
Over the years, I’ve learned that a car is less about the drive and more about the feeling it leaves you with. My time with Pretty-Suzy became more than a test – it was a partnership built on trust and reliability. Whether it was John Legend, Tasha Cobbs Leonard or Thandiswa Mazwai on the playlist, our mornings felt special.
Despite the daily challenges, the Fronx made a demanding part of life easier. It never let me down, and I could count on it to get us to school on time. Through it all, the Suzuki Fronx delivered smooth performance, comfort, and the kind of street appeal that even Gen Z approves of. It became a trusted companion on the school-run battlefield.
Pricing: From R298 900
