Suzuki is pleased to announce that global sales of Swift have now passed the four million mark – eighteen months after the celebration of three million units. Launched in the UK in May 2005; more than 90,000 Swifts have been sold and now account for around 30 per cent of the UK sales mix.
Swift is a world strategic model – first built in Japan in 2004, then expanding production to Hungary, India and China in 2005, Malaysia (2007), Pakistan (2009), Thailand (2012) and most recently, Vietnam at the start of the year. All European Swifts are made at Suzuki’s established Magyar plant in Hungary.
Across the globe, 11 per cent of sales are in Japan, around 50 per cent in India and 19 per cent across Europe. Swift is driven across 140 countries, and has won around 70 awards.
In the UK, Swift is available in three and five door versions; with a 1.2 petrol engine which emits 116g/km CO2, and a five star Euro NCAP rating offering a safe, and low cost ownership proposition. For those who fancy a sportier experience, there is also the 1.6 Swift Sport – the performance flagship of the Swift range offering higher levels of tuning, steering and braking performance than the standard Swift.
Recent developments to the range include the addition of DAB digital radio and Satellite Navigation as standard equipment on SZ4 and Swift Sport models, along with a gear shift indicator and Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). All models except Sport are also now equipped with LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) and front fog lights.
Swift SZ-L was recently re-introduced following a strong initial production run earlier in the year. Based on the 1.2 litre SZ3, the SZ-L adds two-tone metallic paint in either Boost Blue or Cosmic Black with contrasting Cool White roof, rear spoiler and door mirrors.
All Swift models excluding the 1.6 Sport are available VAT free until the end of September, with the range starting at £8,999 for the 1.2 SZ2 three door, representing a saving of £1,800.