"HAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS ON US"



WE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE MR COLIN WARD ON BEING THE
LUCKY WINNER OF OUR "HAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS ON US" PROMOTION
HE WINS A $5,000 WESTFIELD XS GIFT CARD 

"SWIFT WINS GOLD STAR AWARD"

The Suzuki Swift’s outstanding value has been recognised by leading car magazine Wheels in its annual ‘Gold Star’ awards. The Swift GL swept the field for light cars under $20K, scoring top points ahead of the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent for its gold-winning value. The awards were judged across several criteria including purchase price, warranty terms, service intervals, fuel use, retained value and insurance premiums.

In awarding the Swift top honours, Wheels recognised its outstanding value for money in the highly competitive light-car class. “Sipping fuel like a featherweight, clutching on its value credentials with grim determination, and offered at a competitive entry price, Suzuki’s mainstay model is an impressive combination of five-door hatch practicality, good build quality and a generous standard equipment list” The magazine also drew attention to the Swift’s renowned driving dynamics. “Accurate steering, well-tuned suspension and a willing 1.4-litre VVT petrol four make it an engaging drive as well.”

This accolade by one of Australia’s leading magazines is further proof that no vehicle in the light car class comes close to matching the Swift on outstanding value for money. Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers said the all-new Swift range opens the door for more customers to afford the value, safety and outstanding driving dynamics of Suzuki’s world beating light car. “This is a car offering better economy than many smaller-engined city cars, returning outstanding fuel economy of 5.5 litres per 100 km. “There are no compromises on safety either with all models in the range coming complete with seven airbags and stability control as standard. “It features creature comforts including electric windows and mirrors, a four-speaker stereo system with USB connectivity and air conditioning as standard. “And of course, it comes standard with Swift’s legendary road handling ability and fun to drive performance. ”

A full overview of all ‘Gold Star’ recipients is available to view in the October 2011 edition of Wheels magazine.

"NEW SWIFT SPORT MAKES WORLD DEBUT IN EUROPE"



Suzuki Europe has taken the wraps off the new generation Swift Sport before it makes its official world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Drawing styling cues from the Swift S Concept from which it was based, the new Swift Sport is a refined sport compact and the first full model change since its original launch in 2006.

It features a more aggressive exterior thanks to a low-slung form that offers a sense of stability and tension, and a big front grille that evokes a sporty performance feel. Increased power and better fuel economy are delivered by the 1.6-litre M16A engine, developed exclusively by Suzuki for the Swift Sport. The engine is mated to a specially developed six-speed manual transmission, resulting in an exhilarating drive in line with Suzuki’s brand philosophy of delivering excitement in every drive.

The new Swift Sport offers superior cornering stability and responsive handling thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design. Like its standard sibling, the new Swift Sport delivers on safety with a light, stiff, impact absorbing body plus seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag) and ESC.

We are very excited about the preliminary release of the new Swift Sport, but we are still some way off finalising the Australian version,” said Suzuki Australian General Manager Tony Devers. “The Swift Sport will not go on sale here until next year, so we still have some time to work through the specification level suitable for the Australian market.” “What we do know is the Swift Sport will offer better performance, handling, economy and style than ever before. We can’t wait to launch the ultimate pocket rocket to our customers.”

"SUZUKI JOINS ANCAP'S 5-STAR SAFETY CLUB" 

Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has welcomed Suzuki's efforts to improve vehicle safety with the announcement of 5-star ratings for the all-new Swift and 2011 model Kizashi.

The ratings are based on crash tests conducted by ANCAP or its sister program, EuroNCAP, based on international crash testing protocols.

Launched in February to critical acclaim, the all new Swift boasts class-leading safety with seven airbags including driver knee airbag and Electronic Stability Control as standard.

“The all new Swift is the epitome of Suzuki’s philosophy that driving a compact car does not mean having to settle for less,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.  

“Safety remained a top priority for Suzuki engineers when designing the new Swift package. And thanks to its renowned sporty handling, the new Swift also leads the pack when it comes to fun, exhilarating driving.”

The mid-size Kizashi also advances to the 5-star club following a minor upgrade to the 2011 range including the introduction of a driver knee airbag and audible front seatbelt reminders. The upgrade sees seven airbags and ESC now standard across the Kizashi model range.

ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, congratulated Suzuki for focussing on safety in its 2011 models and said it was pleasing to see more manufacturers stepping up to the 5-star mark.

“ANCAP works well with all sectors of the automotive industry in identifying important safety features, advocating for their incorporation into production processes, and then testing the new vehicles to see if they are up to the 5-star mark,” Mr McIntosh said.

“Crash tests showed the Swift and the Kizashi held the shape of the passenger compartment well. Occupants were well protected with seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

"RECORD YEAR FOR SUZUKI" 

Suzuki Australia has confirmed its position as one of the fastest growing automotive companies, recording its best ever sales year after another strong sales result in December. A total of 1996 Suzukis were sold in the final month of 2010, just 10 units short of notching another record month for the company. The strong December result meant Suzuki finished the year on 24,789 sales, easily eclipsing its best ever sales record.

It meant Suzuki finished the year up 22 per cent, against a market that rose 10.5 per cent over 2009. Suzuki smashed numerous records in 2010, with best ever sales results in nine of the 12 months. It continued the company’s meteoric rise, with sales more than doubling since 2004.

Importantly, Suzuki not only increased volume but also its market share, up to 2.4 per cent. The company is looking forward to another strong year in 2011, with the launch next month of an all-new version of its top selling Swift light car range.

Every model in the new range will come standard with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, and class leading fuel economy of just 5.5 litres per 100 km

"KIZASHI WINS 'BEST BUY' AWARD IN USA"
   
Suzuki’s critically acclaimed mid-size Kizashi has been recognised with a ‘Best Buy’ award from Consumers Digest, one of the United States leading magazines. Based on criteria covering a range of areas including drive performance, style, comfort, value for money, safety and whole ownership costs, the award adds to the growing collection of accolades for the Kizashi since its Australian launch earlier in the year.

More than 250 vehicles across 12 categories underwent the magazine’s assessment with only a select group meeting the quality standards and exceptional value required by the editors to be awarded an Automotive Best Buy award. The Kizashi received top honours in the ‘Family Car’ category and was described by judges as a ”home run” and “a family car for the sports-car addict.”

Suzuki Australia General Manager, Tony Devers, said the award reaffirmed the Kizashi had raised the bar for mid-size sedans. "From the outset Suzuki engineers set about designing a family sedan that delivered an unparalleled combination of design, performance, driving dynamics. “And in line with Suzuki’s core philosophy of value for money in all its products, the Kizashi offers a level of refinement and affordability that even surpasses more top-end competitors.”  “It is a prestigious honour and we are extremely pleased with the recognition by Consumers Digest.”

Available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, the stunning Kizashi range delivers an outstanding package for buyers with current pricing starting from just $29,990 drive away for the XL model at a price you can afford.”

"SUZUKI ALTO TOPS NRMA COSTS SURVEY"

Australia has a new budget beating champion with the Suzuki Alto judged the least expensive car to own and operate in the annual survey conducted by NRMA Motoring & Services. Based on average car operating costs over a five year period, the Alto GL ranked first amongst all vehicles with a weekly outlay of just $88.82 – almost ten dollars clear of its nearest rival.

With a drive away price of only $12,490, outstanding fuel efficiency of just 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres and low servicing costs, the NRMA survey confirms Suzuki Alto as one of the best value cars on the market.  Its average weekly fuel bill was calculated at $21.14 per week and its overall cost per kilometre a mere 31 cents – taking into account purchase price, depreciation, petrol prices, maintenance and service.

The iconic Suzuki Jimny Sierra also took out top honours in the competitive Compact SUV segment, with an average cost of $127.40 a week to run.

In comparison, the state average for motorists was $183 a week. “The Suzuki mantra of providing quality, reliable and value-packed products couldn’t be more evident than in these two award-winning vehicles. We are extremely proud of this recognition by NRMA,” said Suzuki Australia general manager, Tony Devers. “Alto offers consumers the right choice. It was engineered on the basis that people could choose a practical, quality, low-running cost vehicle that also offers great performance, high levels of safety and outstanding fuel economy. “And Jimny Sierra – the original rugged 4x4 – remains the most affordable four-wheel drive in the country.”

The NRMA survey is Australia’s most authoritative, comparing more than 600 cars on all key cost factors. A full listing of Australia’s most economical to run cars car be seen at www.mynrma.com.au.