Boom in Swift sales
Suzuki says its Swift, which is New Zealand’s most popular small car, is making further market gains thanks to increased sales and heightened domination in the light sector.
While year-to-date registrations for all new passenger cars have risen by 1.5 per cent, sales of Swifts have climbed by 29 per cent.
At the same time, the model’s penetration of the light-car segment increased to a “class leading” 32.1 per cent. That was up from a 30.1 per cent share when compared to the same January to October period in 2021.
The Swift, pictured, has been the top-selling Suzuki in New Zealand since the introduction of the 2005 model.
While the iteration that’s available now is completely new from the ground up compared to the original, it continues to offer attributes that have made the model a Kiwi favourite. Its sales for the past 10 months have also been 53.5 per cent higher than the second best-selling model in the light segment.
“Consumers like the light controls, responsiveness and fun factor of the iconic and good-looking Swift,” says Gary Collins, general manager of motor-vehicle marketing for Suzuki NZ. “As with other Suzukis, they also have a reputation for reliability and they appreciate the Swift’s five-star Ancap rating across all automatic versions.”
Top versions of the Swift include, as standard, dual-sensor brake support, lane-departure warning and prevention, weaving alert, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors.
Five of the seven Swift variants available in New Zealand qualify for rebates under the clean car discount, including an eco-friendly hybrid with stop-start and electric engine assist “for outstanding fuel efficiency”. The entry-level 1.2 GL manual has a recommended retail price of $21,990 and qualifies for a $2,593.45 rebate.
The Swift Hybrid has an official combined fuel-consumption rate of 4.1l/100km on the NEDC and “remarkably” low carbon-dioxide emissions of 94g/km (NEDC), which entitles it to a clean car rebate of $3,160.52.
The trendy four-wheel-drive Jimny has also been making sales gains with high demand for this versatile and practical vehicle.
Its sales year to date are up by 11.8 per cent, while the total small SUV market has decreased by 12 per cent. The Jimny has also increased its market share of the small SUV sector by 27 per cent when compared to the same period of 2021.
While total new passenger and SUV sales have risen by just 3.8 per cent year to date, Suzuki’s car and SUV volumes jumped by 36.1 per cent in October with strong demand for all models.
Named one of the cleanest new-vehicle brands in New Zealand, the Suzuki’s line-up has also been lifted by the recent arrival of a newly made over S-Cross Turbo range, and improved supplies of the popular and well-equipped Vitara.
Going back to the Swift, the marque believes “excellent” fuel efficiency and “all-round appeal” continue to make it a hit with private new-vehicle buyers and a long-time number-one seller.
In its latest form, its previous accolades include being voted the AMI NZ Autocar Car of the Year, as well as the AA Driven’s best in class and people’s choice car of the year.
In an evaluation of the Swift GL automatic, the AA says the car “raises the safety, ups the style and maximises pure driving enjoyment” and “when it comes to safety and price it shouts value for money, and we can see why owners fall in love with this fun car”.
