News Release
New Keenly Priced Suzuki Swift XE a Threat To Used Imports
01 February 2008
A new, lower cost version of New Zealand’s top-selling small car is set to lure buyers away from Japanese used import models.
Despite a high level of specification, the Suzuki Swift XE goes on sale at an outstandingly competitive $16,990, making it the lowest priced new 1.5-litre five-door car available.
“We believe everyone should have the chance to own a new car,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.
“To that end we have had a car specified to meet the market at a new and exciting level of value for money,” he said.
“Suzuki is effectively extending the ability of the traditional used import buyer to be able to afford a highly specified new car. The special price includes all on road costs, a full tank of fuel and the security of five year roadside assistance.”
“By comparison, most of the used import Swifts have a less powerful 1.3-litre engine and, of course, do not enjoy the brand new car benefits offered at no extra cost by Suzuki,” said Peck.
In addition to the 5-speed manual gearbox model, the XE will also be available with a four-stage electronically controlled automatic transmission at $18,500.
“We are launching the high value Swift XE as part of celebrations marking Suzuki’s 100th birthday in 2008,” said Tom Peck.
“This addition to the Suzuki range arrives just as the Swift is crowned New Zealand’s number one selling super-mini car three years in a row,” he said.
The car has been the top selling small model in the local market since its local release in early 2005.
The five-door Swift XE hatchback has a lower recommended retail price than many rival models with three-doors and smaller capacity, less powerful engines.
An efficient double overhead camshaft, variable valve timing, 1,490 cm3 engine developing 75 kW powers the XE and is identical to the Swift GLX and LTD models.
In the extra urban fuel cycle, the Swift XE manual averages 5.2 litres/100 km (54.2 miles per gallon), and 6.3 litres/100 km (44.8 miles per gallon) in the combined cycle.
Standard equipment on the new entry-level XE includes power steering, electrically operated windows front and rear, central door locking with remote control and hazard answer-back, an MP3 compatible audio and air conditioning with pollen filter.
60:40 split tumble-folding rear seat, black coloured A and B pillars, dual airbags and anti-lock brakes with EBD and brake assist are also part of the package.
Black coloured external door handles and wing mirrors denote the XE model which is available in a wide range of colours, including several metallic paints.
“Swift XE offers the best value for money you can buy in this segment of the new or used car market,” said Tom Peck.
“We expect the car will have strong appeal among younger buyers who like to fit after-market equipment, as well as entry level buyers and young families,” he said.
Suzuki predicts the model will be a big seller, spurred on by the world-wide success of Swift and the numerous independent awards chalked up by the model.
Peck said that the Swift was one of the great automotive success stories in recent years. In spite of a host of new competitors, the Swift had cemented itself as one of the benchmark small cars.
In the wake of ringing endorsements and many independent awards, the Swift is now available in 74 countries.
Not only was the Suzuki model the most popular small car in New Zealand for 2007, it was also the fourth overall best seller, beaten only by the Holden Commodore, Toyota Corolla and Ford Falcon.
The Swift’s driving manners and chic styling have won widespread praise. A pronounced bonnet line and shapely contour along the shoulders, wide air dam, large headlights and black pillars that give a floating glasshouse effect are keys to the car’s good looks.
“Our main dilemma will be high demand and limited supply due to world-wide demand for the Swift,” said Tom Peck.
