YEAR

News Release

Plush New Suzuki Swift Adds Luxury

The plushest version of New Zealand’s favourite supermini has gone on sale at a remarkable price.

For a limited period, Suzuki New Zealand is offering a specially equipped Swift five door hatchback model as part of the celebrations of 100 years of innovation by Suzuki.

Designated Swift1, the new variant adds more luxury and convenience items plus stunning unique alloy wheels and a distinctive grille.

Sitting between the entry level Swift XE and the high spec Ltd Swift; the well equipped Swift1 is priced at $21,800 in manual transmission form and $23,300 with automatic transmission.  These prices include all on-road costs.

Swift1 is easily distinguished by a special edition grille with two horizontal chrome bars and eight-spoke 17” aluminum alloy wheels.

Low profile tyres enhance the car’s already fine reputation for good handling and sharp road holding.

New to this latest version of Suzuki’s best-selling car are turn indicators integrated into the electrically operated door mirrors.

A new colour - Maroon Brown - adds a touch of exclusitivity to this special edition model.

Swift1 drivers are also spoilt by Suzuki’s keyless door entry and engine starting, a feature usually only found on larger, more expensive cars.

Unique Alcantarar suede finish upholstery enhances the interior, along with a leather-bound steering wheel with remote steering wheel controls for the Swift’s six-speaker radio/CD and MP3 audio system.

The specification also includes climate air conditioning, front fog lights, anti-lock brakes with EBD and brake assist, and a fuel consumption/outside air temperature display.

Dual front, airbags with pretension front seatbelts are part of the car’s comprehensive safety package.

“Not only has the Swift been New Zealand’s best selling supermini for four consecutive years, it is also one of the safest small cars available in our market,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand Ltd.

The 1.5-litre Swift scored four stars out of five in EuroNCAP frontal impact safety crash tests and notched up a three star pedestrian ranking.

Last year Swift sales in New Zealand reached record levels, scooping almost one quarter of the growing light car class. In the process, the car finished well ahead of its rivals, and was the third best selling new car.

“It’s entirely appropriate we should launch this up-market Swift which is still the one to buy, according to market demand,” said Tom Peck.

“The enduring success of the model is clear indication Suzuki got the Swift design right from its inception,” he said.

“As one of the most significant cars ever conceived by the company, it is also a fine recognition of Suzuki’s celebration of 100 years since the company was formed.”

Swift has recorded sales well above forecasts in most markets and has been a runaway success in Japan, Europe and India.

In Denmark the model has been in the top three for more than two years, and its strong sales in India have defied recent mediocre sales for most car makers. Swift sales in India for the first quarter of 2009 have reached record levels.

They also increased in Japan and Australia in 2008 and in New Zealand surged ahead by more than 40 per cent compared to the previous year.

“Swift is the first product of Suzuki’s radical innovation programme and the car’s style and substance has given it universal appeal,” said Tom Peck.

“Like the other versions, the new Swift1 captures the essence of Suzuki’s philosophy of providing quality products at outstanding value for money.”

With its low emissions and frugal fuel consumption, the Swift is totally in tune with our times. The car’s variable valve engine emits a modest CO2 emissions level of 150 grams/km in manual form and averages 6.3 litres/100 km (44.8 miles per gallon) in the combined fuel cycle.

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