Suzuki Swift global compact supermimi moves 1m units
click to enlarge
In the four years since its debut, Suzuki has made over a million units of the compact supermini vehicle seen above, the Swift. In that time, Suzuki has been able to establish a customer base for these small cars that can only become more pleased with their high mpg rides as gas prices climb. In the UK, the Swift is available with either a 1.3 or 1.5-litre petrol engine (which get 38mpg U.S. and 36mpg, respectively) and a 1.3 DDiS diesel engine version that'll go 51mpg with CO2 emissions low enough (119g/km) to fit into the lower tax level.
A third of those million Swifts were built Hungary (for the European market) and the rest in various Asian countries. Suzuki's press release (after the jump) says the "Swift is global in outlook and production" but don't look for it here in the U.S. We're not part of the globe, apparently.
Gallery: 2008 Suzuki Swift
Press Release:
Continued Success for the Swift – Suzuki's Compact Supermini
Global Production Exceeds One Million Units
When Suzuki launched the Swift less than four years ago, it brought a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics to the compact car segment.
Those attributes are still as strong today and Suzuki is pleased to announce that global production has recently passed the one million mark. Vehicles sold in Europe are built at Suzuki's plant in Hungary which has so far contributed more than 306,000 to the total. Since launch in the UK, over 36,500 Swifts have been sold and it accounts for around 50 per cent of the sales mix.
Swift is global in outlook and production – it was first built in Japan, followed by Hungary, China, India and more recently Indonesia and Malaysia – but its development was focused firmly on the demands and tastes of the European market in terms of design and driving characteristics. The design team established a base in Europe, where it was able to gain a valuable insight into the European mindset and carry out extensive testing across the continent.
Swift was the first product of Suzuki's radical innovation programme to strengthen its position as both a leading compact car manufacturer as well as one of the world's foremost motorcycle brands. It introduced new ideas and design thinking that are defined in more recently launched Suzuki models including SX4, Grand Vitara and Splash.
This strategy will continue to be applied to new models in the future including the Alto next year and Kizashi in 2010.
Swift is available from just £8,260 and offers a choice of 1.3 or 1.5-litre petrol engines in three and five-door body styles, and a 1.3 DDiS diesel engine in five-door guise. The 1.3-litre petrol models are available in GL grade, while the larger petrol engine and the diesel models are offered in GLX grade.
The distinctive styling and spacious interior are complemented by a comprehensive specification. All models feature front, side and curtain airbags, radio/CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and tinted glass, while 1.5 GLX models and the 1.3 DDiS gain air conditioning, alloy wheels, front fog lamps and keyless entry and start.
Topping the range is the 1.6-litre Sport which builds on feedback from Suzuki's motor sport programme; it combines a sports-tuned version of the capable Swift chassis with a competition-honed, high-revving 1.6-litre VVT engine to deliver an intoxicating mixture of responsive performance and agile handling that has instant driver appeal.
[Source: Suzuki]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Geoff Gibson 5:16PM (6/19/2008)
I actually saw a red one of these in Orange County, CA a few months ago. I was flabbergasted by what I saw and immediately went home to confirm what it actually was...
No pics though. :(
Still, it's an incredibly cool looking car, especially considering the size. I'd seriously consider buying one of these if it ever made it's way state-side.
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Tim 5:27PM (6/19/2008)
Cute little car.
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Rick 7:25PM (6/19/2008)
When the Dodge Hornet comes out, there will be comparisons.
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Randy 12:06AM (6/20/2008)
Again, why don't they sale it here/
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Peekoyle 10:38AM (6/20/2008)
These cars are insanely popular down here in Australia. They are literally everywhere!
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Tio 10:35AM (6/20/2008)
Awesome car.we looked at one in a parking lot while in the UK. The only low point is lack of rear seat room. I guess the good handling and fun make up for that. It's bascially Japan's answer to the Mini Cooper. I love the lower grill fog light area. It is not just one bland molded piece. I hope the next one is just as nice. Maybe the USA will get it.
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Tagbert 11:29AM (6/20/2008)
I just got back from Bangalore and these are all over the place. They actually seem mid-size there.
They look really attractive. Much more character than most of the other cars in the class. They look better than the larger SX4 we get here.
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Manu Sharma 5:26PM (6/20/2008)
Yep. Quite popular here in India. It's my favorite car (even though I'm not a car person). Looks best in Red, as Geoff attested, and in Black.
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