Swift hits 10 million global sales
Suzuki’s Swift, a top-selling and longtime Kiwi favourite, has now accumulated global sales of 10 million in two decades.
The most successful model in its history, the marque describes the hatchback as “an iconic small car that continues to sell well above expectations”.
Except for one year, the Swift has been the number-one model in New Zealand’s light segment every year since 2005.
“Based on collective volumes during the past 20 years, the Swift is the highest-selling model to private customers in this country – ahead of the Toyota Hilux, Corolla, Ford Ranger and others,” says Gary Collins, general manager of automobile sales for Suzuki NZ.
The first Suzuki car to wear the Swift badge was in 1983, but the arrival of the first-generation world strategic model in 2005 was a real landmark.
Designed by Yasukazu Yuki and Hirohito Matsumoto, it struck an enviable accord when it broke cover at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004.
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off its marketing campaign at the global launch and initial sales in Japan were twice the forecasted volumes.
While the model is now in its fourth generation, it retains the styling inspiration of the 2005 Swift. At the same time, owners soon appreciated its “fun-to-drive characteristics, low-cost running and outstanding value for money”.
Buyers warmed to the design and driving qualities that were focused on the European market. The chassis was refined following pre-launch road tests on European roads and, as a result, the Swift has become popular with motorists there.
It quickly became the most recognisable “big” small car in New Zealand and a consistent award-winner. Typical of the Swift’s success was in 2018 when it received a double accolade in the NZ Car of the Year awards.
The Swift has also won awards in Japan, Australia and the UK. This year, the latest iteration has scooped honours here, across the Tasman, and in the UK and Japan.
Australians have acclaimed it to be the best-value hybrid on the market. It was also recognised by RACQ in Australia as the most inexpensive car to own and operate in 2024.
Shortly after production began in Japan in 2005, the Swift was also manufactured in Hungary, India and China. Today, it is produced in seven countries and sold in more than 170 markets worldwide.
Of 10 million units sold worldwide, 60 per cent have been in India, 14 per cent in Europe, eight per cent in Japan and 18 per cent in other countries.
The second-generation model was introduced in 2010 and generation three arrived seven years later.
The first million units were reached in 2008 and more than five million Swifts had been sold by April 2016. Since the model’s 2005 launch, 53,686 had been sold in New Zealand by September 10.
The latest generation made its debut last year and the Swift Plus 1.2-litre Smart Hybrid manual is priced from $25,990 plus on-road costs.
In GLS automatic format, it retails for $27,990 while the RSC automatic is $29,990.
The higher specification RSC Smart Hybrid includes blind-spot monitor, heated front seats and 16-inch polished face alloys as standard.
Collins says: “We are quite humbled by the ongoing success of the Swift in New Zealand.
“It is constantly evolving with global market needs and remains the number-one choice for compact cars building on a long history of providing Kiwis with a car that offers low emissions levels, fuel efficiency, comfort, performance and affordability.”
