Suzuki debuts new entry-level Swift, special Vitara
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 10th Sep 2018
SUZUKI Australia has confirmed a $16,990 driveaway pricetag for its new entry-level Swift GL Navigator manual light hatchback, as well as a 350-unit limited-run Vitara 30th Year Anniversary Edition for $24,990, both set to arrive Down Under in October.
Replacing the old Swift GL grade, the new GL Navigator manual variant substitutes the former’s 15-inch steel wheels and basic monochrome headunit for 16-inch alloys and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new base Swift light car also sports an upgrade in standard equipment, with a reversing camera, daytime running lights (DRLs), front foglights and hill-start assist now included as standard.
Sharing the same drivetrain, the GL Navigator is powered by a 1.2-litre Dualjet naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 66kW of power at 6000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4400rpm.
Sending drive to the front wheels via a five-speed manual, the new Swift variant returns a fuel consumption figure of 4.6 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions are rated at 106 grams per kilometre.
The three-pedal GL Navigator is priced $1000 cheaper than its continuously variable automatic transmission-equipped sibling.
Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota said the new Swift variant further increases the model’s sharp value equation.
“The introduction of a manual transmission Swift GL Navigator is certainly an outstanding opportunity to showcase the superb value offered throughout the Suzuki product range for Australian customers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Suzuki will also commemorate 30 years of the Vitara nameplate with a special-edition vehicle based on the entry-level RT-S grade.
However, to distinguish it from the standard car, Suzuki has added a chrome finish to the DRL surrounds and door guards, a polished rear boot lip protector, 30th Year Anniversary Edition badging and a centre armrest console inside.
The additions add $1000 to the driveaway pricing, but carry-over equipment includes a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat nav and smartphone connectivity, cruise control, climate control, power windows and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Powered by a 1.6-litre atmo petrol four-pot, the 30th Year Anniversary Edition produces 86kW of power at 6000rpm and 156Nm of torque at 4400rpm, but Suzuki has yet to confirm if the limited-run variant is available with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Mr Pachota said: “The Vitara has been an excellent competitor within the Australia SUV market for its outstanding reliability, low running costs and sleek design.
“The introduction of the 30th Year Anniversary Edition will suit those seeking a city SUV with exceptional value for money,” he said.
Suzuki Australia’s best-selling model this year is the Swift, which has recorded 5495 new registrations in the first eight months of the year, a sharp 39.7 per cent increase over the same period last year due to the launch of the new-generation model in June 2017.
In the sub-$25,000 light-car segment, the Swift is placed fourth behind the Hyundai Accent (10,842), Mazda2 (7748) and Toyota Yaris (6473), but it is ahead of the Honda Jazz (4916), Kia Rio (4675) and Volkswagen Polo (3051).
As for the Vitara, Suzuki Australia has sold 3308 units of its small SUV to the end of August, a 19.9 per cent dip year on year, but still enough to secure it as the brand’s second-best selling model.
The Vitara, however, is well off the pace of the sub-$40,000 small-SUV leaders including the Mitsubishi ASX (12,596), Mazda CX-3 (11,435) and Nissan Qashqai (9421).
