New Suzuki Swift Has World-Wide Appeal

Suzuki’s sixth generation Swift arrives in New Zealand as the popular car celebrates more than 12 years of class-leading local sales.

The Swift is a landmark model and a significant element in the fast growing Suzuki sales story. Demand for new Suzuki cars in New Zealand has increased 49 percent year to date.

Swift has been the top selling new car in the light segment since 2005 and the number one selling new car to private buyers in New Zealand since launch.

Four variations of the new five-door Swift hatchback are launched locally, including a highly specified RS powered by a spirited BoosterJet engine.

Prices start from a highly competitive $19,990 for the GL manual, with the top specification RS automatic retailing at $25,990 plus on road costs.

Slightly shorter than before, but with more interior and boot space, the new Swift is lighter, safer and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. GL manual and CVT automatic versions and the higher specification GLX automatic are powered by the 66 kW 1.2 litre variable valve engine, while the RS with six-stage automatic transmission uses the all new 82 kW 1-litre BoosterJet turbo charged power plant.

The first Swift arrived in 1983, but the model really took off when the fourth generation version broke cover in Japan in 2004 and was introduced to the New Zealand market early in 2005. International appeal of the good looking car soon saw sales exceeding the Japanese home market.

The outgoing Swift arrived in New Zealand early in 2011 when more than 20,000 new Swifts had been retailed in the local market. Since 2005 a total of 32,338 new Swifts have been sold here, making it the third highest selling passenger or SUV model cumulatively.

“Swift is still the top seller to private new car buyers, and a solid 42 percent higher than the Toyota Corolla, the second most popular choice for private motorists,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

“Buyers have long perceived Swift to be an extremely good value package,” said Collins. “They love the look of the car and the way it drives.”

In 2004 the Swift was Suzuki’s first world strategic model and its body style and driving characteristics immediately attracted a wider audience to the Suzuki brand. The original charm and DNA have been carried through with the latest 2017 model.

Engineers spent months in Europe working on styling and handling, producing a car that is agile and fun to drive, with good body control and fine grip. Chassis testing began in January 2016 in Britain and Germany with local evaluation drivers covering more than 10,000 kilometres with 90 different suspension prototypes.

Global Swift sales have topped 5.4 million since 2005, and 25 percent of all Swifts are sold in Europe. The car is now built in seven territories and sold in 140 countries.

“The new Swift, especially with its European flair and strong specification seems, is sure to follow in the successful wheel tracks of its predecessor,” said Gary Collins.