CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR SWIFT – SUZUKI’S COMPACT SUPERMINI GLOBAL SALES EXCEED TWO MILLION UNITS

When Suzuki launched the Swift six years ago; it brought a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European - inspired driving dynamics to the compact car segment.

Those attributes are still as strong today and Suzuki are pleased to announce that global sales have recently passed the two million mark. Since launch in the UK in May 2005; over 60,000 Swifts have been sold and it accounts for around 38 per cent of the UK sales mix. The all new Swift was launched in September of last year and is even safer with a Five star Euro NCAP rating; it is also lighter, more powerful and more economical than before.

Swift is global in outlook and production – it was first built in Japan, followed by Hungary, China, India and more recently Indonesia and Malaysia – but its development was focused firmly on the demands and tastes of the European market in terms of design and driving characteristics. Vehicles sold in Europe are built at Suzuki’s Magyar plant in Hungary.

Swift was the first product of Suzuki’s radical innovation programme to strengthen its position as both a leading compact car manufacturer as well as one of the world’s foremost motorcycle brands.

Globally, around 15 per cent of Swift sales are in Japan, 39 per cent in India and 27 per cent in Europe with the remainder from other world markets; Swift is driven in 124 Countries and regions of the world and has won 67 awards in 26 Countries.

Swift is available from £10,210 for SZ2 three door with a 1.2-litre Dual VVT (Variable Valve Timing) engine offering 56.5mpg on the combined fuel consumption cycle and emissions of just 116g/km. Three ‘SZ’ model grades are available with three or five doors. A low emissions 1.3 DDiS diesel (109g/km) will be available this Summer.

The distinctive styling and spacious interior are complemented by a comprehensive specification. As standard equipment, all models feature seven airbags, ESP, radio/CD player with USB port, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.