New Suzuki Swift Plus and Baleno add value to small car sector

Two new Special Edition versions of the Suzuki Swift and Baleno hatchbacks add extra equipment into good value cars that boast an individual touch.

A cult compact car and long time strong seller in New Zealand, the Swift Plus is distinguished by side body mouldings, body coloured rear upper spoiler and unique badging.

With the reassurance of a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating, this new Swift variant comes with 16-inch silver factory alloy wheels and packs the high level of standard equipment from the Swift GL model that it’s based on. This includes the Bosch entertainment system with satellite navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and reverse camera.

It is being offered in five colours comprising Burning Red Pearl, Speedy Blue Metallic, Pure White Metallic, Premium Silver Metallic and Super Black Pearl. Available only with CVT automatic transmission, the recommended retail price of $22,600 plus on-road charges for the Swift Plus is only marginally higher than the Swift GL model on which the Plus is based.

Powered by Suzuki’s efficient 1,242 cm3, four cylinder Dualjet variable valve technology engine, the Swift boasts a factory combined fuel test cycle of 4.8 litres/100 km. A lengthy independent test of this Swift run over New Zealand roads last year proved even more frugal with an average of 4.5 litres/100 km.

A long-time number one seller in its class, the Swift continues to dominate the light car segment this year. In 2019 the Swift captured 37.7 percent of the segment, well ahead of its nearest competitor with just 23.6 percent of the class.

The Swift is New Zealand’s highest selling passenger vehicle in 2020 year-to-date sales, bolstered by its wide appeal and low cost of ownership.

“With its smart looks, spacious cabin, great economy and engaging drive, the Swift is something of an everyday champion,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the new Special Edition Baleno automatic arrives with very attractive pricing of $23,990 plus on-road costs, and will appeal to owners seeking a well equipped compact hatchback. While based on the more costly Baleno RS, the SE is equipped with the 1,373 cm VVT engine and four-speed automatic transmission from the GLX model.

The car offers outstanding value with keyless entry and push button start, climate control air conditioning, telescopic adjustable steering wheel and multi-function information display detailing engine performance, G-force and economy data.

Standard equipment also includes LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps incorporated into the headlights, fog lamps, side mirror indicators, chrome door handles and window strips and 16-inch polished face alloy wheels.

In spite of no price increase over the Baleno GLX model, the Baleno SE braking system is also upgraded to four wheel discs. The package includes reverse camera, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, “guide me” convenience lights and rear upper body spoiler.

Unique to this latest Baleno is a black smoked finish bonnet protector, black side body mouldings and front and rear weather shields. The SE is available in Phoenix Red Pearl, Stargaze Blue Pearl, Arctic White Pearl and Magma Grey Metallic which is unique to the Baleno SE.

Collins said, “This is a premium Baleno variant that stands out from the crowd and is full of innovative features at a highly affordable price point. However, there will only be a strictly limited run of these models for our market.”

Slightly larger than the Swift, the Baleno has a super light but strong platform, good interior space, direct and communicative steering and thrifty fuel consumption. Both the Swift Plus and Baleno SE are available on attractive no deposit finance at a 3.9 percent rate.

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