Top-Selling Suzuki Swift Continues to make New Zealand Market Gains

The class-leading Suzuki Swift continues to race ahead in the New Zealand market and was the top-selling new passenger car in March.

In addition to the Swift taking 22 percent of total new passenger car sales demand was up 120 percent compared to the same month last year.

Swift sales increased each month in the first quarter of this year exceeding 500 units in March. More spectacularly, year to date sales of new Swifts in New Zealand are up a massive 70 percent on the same period in 2022.

A long time small and compact car favourite, March registrations of new Swifts were 88 percent higher than the model’s nearest rival.

“After 2022 showed an 8 percent increase in Swift sales compared to 2021, demand for Suzuki’s most popular model is still on the rise,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Motor Vehicle for Suzuki New Zealand.

“The Swift is selling at its best-ever levels with the thrifty Hybrid versions proving very popular variants,” he said. Year to date the highly affordable Hybrid Swift comprised 34.2 percent of all Swift sales.

“There is a continuing move to compact vehicles, with consumers conscious of rising costs and fuel consumption. Of all Suzuki sales in New Zealand 92.5 percent are in the sub-$35,000 bracket,” said Collins.

The wide range of Swift model variants with five grade levels includes two that are available with manual transmissions. The 1.2 GL can be specified with either a five-speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic transmission.

Not only is the 1.2 GL manual extremely well priced at $22,990 it is also eligible for a $2,593.45 Government Clean Car rebate. In the CO2 emissions rating, the 1.2 GL emits a low 106 grams/km while achieving an official combined fuel economy of 4.6 litres/100 km (NEDC test cycle).

The 1,242 cm3 displacement multi-point injection K12C engine in the GL provides an ideal balance between performance and economy. Thermal efficiency is boosted by the dual injectors for each cylinder and a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation system and compact combustion chamber enhance both power and fuel efficiency.

The well equipped Swift Hybrid GLX employs Suzuki’s K12D 1.2 litre four-cylinder engine matched to the hybrid system comprising an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) electric motor that charges as the car decelerates and brakes. Registering an excellent 4.1 litres/100 km fuel consumption in the combined fuel cycle test, the Hybrid GLX emits a low 94 grams/km CO2 emissions and is the most popular of the Swift Hybrid models (NEDC test cycle).

Powering the range-topping Swift Sport is the proven K14C direct injection BoosterJet turbo engine with 103 kW of power and 230 Nm of torque between 2,500 and 3,500 revs. With a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating and high level of standard equipment, buyers have the choice of specifying the Swift Sport with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-stage automatic transmission.

The lively Swift 1.0T RS has the responsive three-cylinder turbocharged K10C producing 82 kW and 160 Nm of torque, offering excellent performance matched with low fuel consumption.

With the exception of the two 1.4 litre turbo Sport models, all Swift versions are eligible for rebates under the Clean Car Discount programme.

“The Swift range is one of the most recognisable ‘big’ small cars in New Zealand, packing in real style, function and performance while also hiding an army of advanced safety features,” said Gary Collins.