Suzuki Tops in Reliability as New Zealand Sales Forge Ahead

Suzuki has been voted overall top car make for reliability in a major independent British survey just as the brand achieves record sales in New Zealand.

Last month Suzuki posted its best-ever August with 599 sales in the local market - a 15.9 percent increase on the same month last year. Conversely, total new vehicle sales for all brands was only up 1.2 percent.

For the first eight months of this year Suzuki achieved 9.4 percent of the New Zealand passenger car market, up from 7.6 percent penetration for the January-August period in 2017.

The Swift hatchback, Suzuki’s most popular model, rose to 264 sales in August, a 38.2 percent increase on the same month in 2017. Year to date sales of new Swifts in New Zealand surged ahead by 26.8 percent compared to the same eight month period last year.

Demand for the small, practical and thrifty Suzuki Jimmy four-wheel-drive continues to be strong, with sales up 5.5 percent year to date.

Meanwhile, observers are labelling Suzuki the perennial reliability champion following another winning result in the British “What Car?” annual reliability survey for cars up to four years of age. Suzuki was declared overall top brand in the survey that reviewed 159 models, 31 car brands and data from 18,000 motor vehicle owners.

Covering all its models, Suzuki achieved a 97.7 percent result to edge out luxury Lexus brand with 97.5 percent.

The five-door Suzuki S-Cross hatchback achieved a perfect 100 percent score for reliability.

Judges said cars were likely to be the biggest monthly expense behind only mortgage repayments or rent. Because of this, reliability was a priority for most car buyers.

The UK result follows the 2018 vehicle running cost survey in Australia where the Swift was the cheapest car to own and operate in the light car class and the Vitara the least expensive model to own and run in the small SUV category. Research and ratings agency Canstar Blue again rated Suzuki top automotive brand in New Zealand for customer satisfaction.

“The latest British survey results substantiate a long-time Suzuki reputation for strong reliability,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Vehicle Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. “And the buoyant demand for Suzuki automobiles in the local market is testament to the confidence New Zealand motorists have in the brand.”

“Suzuki’s reliability allows us to offer one of New Zealand’s most comprehensive five-year roadside assistance programmes, regardless of how many kilometres are travelled,” he said.