Suzuki announces that the worldwide success story, the Swift, has sold over 5,000,000 units.

Suzuki is pleased to announce that global sales of Swift have now passed the five million mark, just eighteen months after the celebration of four million units. First launched in the UK in May 2005, more than 118,000 Swifts have been sold and it is the most popular model in the range, accounting for 36 per cent of the UK sales mix.

Swift is a world strategic model that was first built in Japan in 2004 with production bases expanding the year after to Hungary, India and China. Production then commenced in Malaysia (2007), Pakistan (2009), Thailand (2012) and Vietnam in 2014. All European Swifts are made at Suzuki’s established Magyar plant in Hungary.

Across the globe, 11 per cent of Swift sales are in Japan, around 50 per cent in India and 19 per cent across Europe. Swift is on sale in 140 countries and has won more than 70 awards.

In the UK, Swift is available in three and five door versions; it has a 1.2-litre petrol engine which emits 116g/km CO₂ as well as a Dualjet engine equipped with twin fuel injectors that records just 99g/km of CO₂ and offers even stronger fuel economy. Swift is also one of the safest cars in its class with a five star Euro NCAP rating as well as offering a low cost of ownership proposition.

Swift is available in five clearly defined specification grades which are SZ2, SZ3, SZ-L, SZ4 with 1.2-litre petrol engine and Sport with 1.6-litre engine. All models offer seven airbags and ESP as standard, front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

It can also be specified with four wheel drive which offers added safety during the winter months, the 4x4 is available as a five door 1.2 Dualjet petrol model with manual transmission and equipped as either an SZ3 or SZ4 grade. Thanks to the use of small and lightweight components Swift 4x4 is just 65kg heavier than an equivalent 2WD petrol model.

All Swift models except 4x4 and Sport are available with a 0% PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) Finance offer until the end of June 2016. Taking SZ3 three door as an example, a deposit of £2,411 is required followed by 42 monthly payments of £99 and a final payment of £3,680 to keep the car. The three door Sport is available with an APR rate of 2.8% on PCP for £169 per month payable over 48 months with a deposit of £1,639.

The Suzuki Celerio Dualjet takes a silver at The Green Organisation Awards ceremony 2015.

SUZUKI TAKES ANOTHER BITE OF THE GREEN APPLE

Green Organisation Award for Celerio

The Celerio Dualjet has won a Silver award at the annual Green Apple Environmental Awards held at the House of Commons this week. The awards are organised by The Green Organisation and judged by the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

Chairman of the Midland Group, Ian Donaldson comments: “This is the fifth year we have saluted the greenest cars you can buy and, crucially, enjoy owning and driving. Our prize winners are chosen by our 28 members whose words are read across 400 media outlets in print and on the web all over the UK and beyond”.

Launched in the UK in February of this year, Celerio took second prize in the Supermini category, beating some strong competition by impressing the judges with its great drive and impressive real world fuel economy and with one judge commenting. “A budget priced, roomy car with an easy to drive engine which makes getting good economy simple."

Another said: "The Celerio Dualjet gave me more than 80mpg on a test drive, trying quite hard to be economical, but better than 70mpg should be easily possible without trying hard at all."

Priced at £8,499, the Celerio with its 1.0-litre Dualjet petrol engine enables it to attain 78.4mpg on the EC Combined fuel consumption cycle and achieve very low CO₂ emissions of just 84g/km. Dualjet technology positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves and allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder. 

With its high levels of standard equipment, low cost of ownership and generous interior and luggage space the Celerio is proving very popular in the UK with over 7,000 sold to date.

For new car customers looking at a low deposit and low monthly payment option, Celerio is available with a range of highly competitive PCP offers until the end of the year. As an example, the SZ2 at £6,999 is available for a deposit of £1,721 followed by 42 monthly payments of just £79 and an optional payment of £2,809 to keep the car. The SZ3 Dualjet model is available for a deposit of £1,934 and 42 monthly payments of £103 with a final optional payment of £3,271.

FRANKFURT - Suzuki returns with an old favourite, the Baleno Hatchback is back, and about time too.

When Suzuki set out to create a hatchback like none before, it first established a key guideline—hold back on nothing. The result is the Suzuki Baleno, a harmonious combination of styling that flows, superb performance achieved through ground-breaking technologies, and smart packaging.

To create a new, bar-raising hatchback that is fun to drive and engineered to meet today’s consumers’ needs, Suzuki wanted to take the compact car to the ultimate level. Baleno chief engineer Kunihiko Ito explains: “We set our sights on developing the ideal hatchback, one that makes no compromises, giving it an elegant, sophisticated and grown-up character. 

The Baleno perfectly embodies all the elements expected in a car of this size—design, utility, comfort, manoeuvrability, superior driving performance, and fuel efficiency.”

With its “Liquid Flow” design theme, compact body, spacious interior, and efficient powertrains—all on a new-generation platform- the Baleno offers style, utility, manoeuvrability, driving performance and fuel efficiency. It also offers comfort, including on long-distance journeys, with plenty of space for adults in both the front and rear, as well as generous luggage space.

Sales of the Baleno will start in Europe in the spring of 2016.

Baleno highlights:

New-generation platform, with increased rigidity and reduced weight, enhances fuel efficiency, handling and stability, while still achieving high levels of safety and NVH performance.

New 1.0 BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine with high torque output and SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki)*¹ with 1.2 DUALJET engine both provide excellent fuel economy in combination with Suzuki’s most-aerodynamic hatchback design ever.

Sporty profile that is low and wide, avant-garde front section, wraparound windows, expressive character lines and gently contoured, continuous surfaces convey elegance and power.

Innovative features on the inside include advanced multi-information colour display, active cruise control with speed limiter, and a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio compatible with Apple CarPlay*².

Seating for five people features generous shoulder room in front, and generous legroom in the rear.

Spacious and flexible boot offers best-in-class*³ luggage space.

Radar Brake Support (RBS) *2 and other comprehensive safety features add to safety and peace of mind.

*¹Only for vehicles with 1.2. DUALJET engine. *²Availability depends on vehicle configuration. *³“B-segment hatchback” as defined by Suzuki (hatchback with overall length of 3,700mm-4,100mm)

Styling that flows

The “Liquid Flow” design theme—suggestive of an energetic mass of liquid in motion—permeates throughout, articulated by curving lines and expressive surfaces. Meanwhile, a low and wide silhouette helps underline a strong and sporty look.

Exterior

Seen from the front, the body graciously flares outward from the cabin, resulting in a low, wide and sporty yet elegant profile that is complemented by a wide bumper, grille, distinctive LED positon lamps, and wraparound windows with blacked-out A-pillars. From the side, character lines that begin at the front and sweep toward the rear create flowing highlights, while a forward-sloping rear hatch suggests the moving forward of dynamic energy, and gently contoured, continuous surfaces create the impression of power amidst elegance.

Other exterior features:

High intensity discharge projector headlamps*, with a black and chrome design that emanates virility and sharpness, and LED position lamps*, which also work as daytime running lights, with inner lenses that produce an even line of light, convey a high-tech impression.

“Guide me light” headlamps* help users find their way in the dark after leaving the vehicle or when unlocking the doors by remote control.

LED rear combination lamps give an advanced impression due to an inner lens that projects an even beam*.

Nine body colours include “Premium Silver Metallic”, which emphasises the body’s curving lines, and “ Ray Blue Pearl Metallic”, which changes from a green hue to a red tinge, depending on surrounding lighting conditions.

Outer weather strips made of iridescent stainless steel and chrome door handles provide greater elegance*.

Wraparound windows with blacked-outA-pillars and black sashes* add to a sporty look.

A thin roof-spoiler integrated into the flowing body lines help improve aerodynamic performance*.

16-inch alloy wheels* or 15-inch steel wheels* have a mechanical design that contrasts with the flowing design of the body.

Interior

The instrument panel is flared at each end for a sense of breadth and is characterised by curving lines. Silver accents stand out against the restrained black of the cabin, and reddish-amber illumination for the audio, air conditioner, gear shift indicator, and other controls underline the cabin’s stylishness.

Beyond elegant styling, interior innovations that make vehicle usage informative, comfortable and easier:

A large, high-definition colour LCD display in the instrument cluster shows performance and other information through user-friendly graphics. Highlighted features include driving G-force, engine output and torque, accelerator/brake operation, and energy flow (for vehicles with SHVS), among others.*

A Smartphone Linkage Audio Display with a 7-inch touch panel screen has a USB port and SD card slot and displays the view behind the vehicle by way of a rear view camera*. It can be connected to an iPhone via a USB cable for using Apple CarPlay’s various functions, such as Maps, Phone, Messages, and Music, as well as Podcasts, Audiobooks, and third-party Apple CarPlay compatible audio apps. It can also be connected to smartphones using MirrorLink.

A unique circular display and a high-contrast LCD panel highlight the automatic air conditioner*.

An adaptive cruise control system uses millimetre wave radar to monitor following distance and automatically accelerate or decelerate the vehicle to maintain a long, medium, or short distance from any vehicle directly in front as set by the driver. It also features a speed limiter that prevents the vehicle from exceeding the maximum speed set by the driver, regardless of the extent to which the accelerator pedal is pushed.

*Availability depends on vehicle configuration.

Technology-enhanced performance

The new Baleno features three new technologies for achieving better driving performance and better fuel efficiency: a new-generation platform, the new BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine and the SHVS mild hybrid system.

New-generation platform

A new Suzuki platform was developed by radically reviewing the basic structure of the vehicle underbody in pursuit of achieving lighter weight and enhancing fundamental vehicle performance. 

Compared to the platform currently used in the same vehicle class, body rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 10 per cent and, due to the use of a continuous skeletal structure that creates a smooth form, total vehicle weight has been reduced by approximately 15 per cent. 

Additionally, by aiming for optimisation of the entire vehicle including components attached to the underbody, Suzuki has been able to keep vibration and noise in check, while maintaining riding comfort.

New 1.0 BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine

The 1.0 BOOSTERJET is a newly developed direct-injection turbo engine that achieves both good fuel economy and driving pleasure, which is made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger.

By controlling the wastegate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy-load operation and remains opened during normal driving, the BOOSTERJET reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power performance and also fuel-efficiency.

The Baleno features the 1.0 BOOSTERJET engine, which has a maximum output of 82kW and a maximum torque of 170Nm.

The Baleno is also available with a new 1.2 DUALJET, a dual-injection petrol engine with improved thermal efficiency that strikes an excellent balance between power performance and fuel efficiency.

Regarding transmissions, the 1.0 BOOSTERJET can be paired with either an optimally geared five-speed manual incorporating a specially designed convergent gear locating system that helps reduce frictional losses and improve shift feel or a six-speed automatic transmission that enables high performance at low speeds and optimum fuel-efficiency at high speeds. The 1.2 DUALJET can be paired with either the same five-speed manual transmission as the 1.0 BOOSTERJET or with a continuously variable transmission.

An intuitive suspension has been developed for direct-response handling with MacPherson struts and coil springs up front and a torsion beam and coil springs in the rear. Reduced rolling resistance tyres improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing directional stability, ride comfort, and braking performance.

Fine-tuned over repeated test runs in Europe, the Baleno offers a driving experience achieved by Suzuki’s pursuit of the best balance between nimble performance and refined riding comfort.

New mild hybrid system (SHVS)*¹

The SHVS is a mild hybrid system by Suzuki that uses an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) to assist the engine during acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking, which it does more efficiently than systems using conventional alternators.

Using the electricity stored through regenerative braking, the electric motor function of the ISG improves fuel efficiency by partially assisting the engine, which it does by making up for the additional added portion of fuel usually required during the high-fuel-consuming actions of starting from a stop and accelerating. It also allows for a smooth and quiet restart after an automatic engine stop, thanks to the use of an ISG belt-drive start, rather than restart by a conventional starter motor.

Furthermore, the SHVS uses a compact, high-charging-performance lithium ion battery, making possible frequent engine assists. In the Baleno, the system aims to lessen the footprint on the environment with a CO₂ emissions target of 93g/km*².

*¹Only for vehicles with 1.2. DUALJET engine. *²Tentative figure for vehicles with SHVS.

Smart packaging

The common difficulty of achieving both a stylish design and a spacious interior has been overcome by ensuring maximum space through repeated revisions down to a single millimetre. The result is smart packaging that not only achieves spacious comfort, but also best-in-class luggage space. A key element in achieving this within an overall body length of less than four metres is a new-generation platform that enables efficient use of space plus a more-compact engine design with a less-tilted mounting position that also frees up more interior room.

Seating considerations

The front seats come with ample shoulder room due a wide space between the driver and passenger seat positions. Both seats feature an optimised shape and spring position for ride comfort and high-tensile materials for lightness and strength.

The rear seats feature ample legroom, due to a substantial front-rear-seat tandem distance of 805mm. They can be easily folded by a single action and come in various bench or split configurations with three separate-type head restraints. Also, ingress and egress in the rear is facilitated by generous rear door apertures.

Luggage space

The luggage space boasts 355 litres, making it the largest among B-segment hatchbacks*. To accommodate long or wide items, the shape of the suspension has been optimised to free up space on both sides at the back of the boot.

Flexibility is another key asset of the luggage space. The space can be enlarged by folding down the rear seatbacks, sliding the front seats forward, and using the luggage board in either its upper or lower position.

*According to a Suzuki survey of B-segment hatchbacks as defined by Suzuki (a hatchback model with an overall length of 3,700mm-4,100mm) and measured using the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) method.

Safety and security

Safety performance for assisting the driver and mitigating injury in accidents is enhanced by a number of safety technologies, chief among which is Radar Brake Support*¹ (RBS). With RBS, when the vehicle is travelling at a speed greater than approximately 5 km/h, millimetre wave radar detects any vehicle that might be directly in front. Upon detecting a potential collision, depending on the situation, the vehicle 1) alerts the driver, 2) increases braking force, or 3) automatically applies the brakes.

Other safety features include ESP®*², six SRS airbags and an impact absorbent body. Various components have also been designed to lessen injuries sustained by pedestrians in vehicle-to-person collisions.

After a Hiccup at launch, the new Suzuki Celerio gets updates and upgrades.

• New Dualjet engine with 84g/km CO₂ emissions is the cleanest and most fuel efficient new car on sale for less than £10,000.
• SZ3 Dualjet priced at £8,499 includes air conditioning, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and alloy wheels as standard.
• Auto Gear Shift (AGS) now available on SZ4 model as an £800 option.
• “A+ compact” car that exceeds ‘A’ segment standards gives class leading interior space.
• Six airbags and ESP fitted as standard safety equipment for all UK models.
• Class leading luggage capacity of 254 litres.

The Celerio, Suzuki’s all-new global compact city car, went on sale in the UK in February and more than 2,000 have been delivered to date. Suzuki has now introduced two new derivatives to the range which are the Dualjet and Auto Gear Shift models.

The new ultra clean Dualjet engine emits 84g/km of CO₂ and attains 78.4mpg on the EC Combined fuel cycle making it the most fuel efficient new car on sale for less than £10,000. Dualjet is a lot less in fact, as it is on sale for £8,499 which is just £500 more than the 99g/km SZ3 model.

The new engine incorporates twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy; Dualjet technology positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves and allows for a finer fuel mixture which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the engine. This engine also incorporates a stop start facility when stationary.

Also now on sale is Suzuki’s new development in automated manual gearbox technology. Known as Auto Gear Shift (AGS), this system features an Intelligent Shift Control Actuator positioned at the top of the transmission that operates the gearshift and clutch automatically.

With AGS, the driver can enjoy the effortless driving of an automatic, particularly in city traffic, but without any loss in fuel efficiency or increase in CO₂ that would normally be the case with a conventional torque converter equipped automatic transmission. CO₂ emissions are only 99g/km and Celerio with AGS is therefore VED exempt.  A unique feature of the Suzuki AGS is a low speed ‘creep’ facility which allows the car to move in gear without the accelerator being applied, ideal in slow traffic and when parking.   

AGS is offered on the top SZ4 grade for £9,799 representing an additional £800 over the manual transmission model.

Standard specification highlights for all Celerio models is comprehensive and includes six airbags (Driver, passenger, side and curtain), ESP*, air conditioning, alloy wheels, DAB Radio, CD Tuner, USB, Bluetooth connectivity and remote central locking.

The even higher equipped SZ4 model adds polished alloy wheels, rear electric windows, front fog lamps, body coloured door mirrors and chrome front grille.

Lower CO2 and better MPG on offer with the new Swift SZ4 4X4.

• Swift SZ4 4X4 5 door with Dualjet technology now available at £14,199 offers CO₂ emissions of just 111g/km, improved fuel economy and a lower VED Band.
• Latest Headline PCP offers on 1.2-litre Swift two wheel drive models – Nil deposit / 0% APR.

Suzuki GB PLC announces some minor changes to the Swift and S-Cross ranges for the Spring as well as the introduction of a new Swift derivative; the SZ4 five door 4x4 with Dualjet engine.

This new model replaces the outgoing SZ4 4x4 and offers improved fuel economy, lower CO₂ emissions and a lower VED band too, moving from Band D (£110) to Band C (£30), helping to lower cost of ownership by £80 per year. 

The SZ4 Dualjet 4x4 has CO₂ emissions of just 111g/km and an EC Combined fuel consumption figure of 58.8mpg, representing a 15g/km reduction and 7.5 mpg improvement versus the outgoing SZ4 4x4 model.

The 1.2-litre Dualjet engine (K12C) incorporates Suzuki’s latest technology that utilises twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy.  Utilising Dualjet technology that positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the engine.

Available until the end of March, Suzuki Financial Services is now offering zero per cent PCP deals on two-wheel drive derivatives of SZ3, SZ-L (Special Edition) and SZ4 Swift models. All PCP agreements are spread over 42 months with an APR of 0% and, as an example the SZ3 three-door is available for just £169 per month with zero deposit. 

Swift is available in five clearly defined specification grades, SZ2, SZ3, SZ-L, SZ4 and Sport with 1.6-litre engine. All models offer seven airbags and ESP as standard, front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric front windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

As part of the latest Swift range updates, all five door models now have electric rear windows as standard equipment and Amethyst Grey metallic has been discontinued due to lower demand. The highly acclaimed Sport model is now available in Galactic Grey metallic which replaces Silky Silver metallic and Bright Red has now been discontinued from the S-Cross range.

The spare wheel / tyre is now deleted from the Swift and S-Cross ranges and both include a temporary repair kit in line with Celerio and soon to be launched Vitara models. For customers that prefer, a spare wheel is offered as an accessory and will be available from the dealer network or online. 

Pricing for the Swift range is as follows:

Model	OTR Price
3-door 1.2 SZ2 manual 3-door 1.2 SZ3 manual	£8,999 £10,599
3-door 1.2 SZ-L manual 3-door 1.2 SZ4 manual	£11,099 £11,699
5-door 1.2 SZ2 manual 5-door 1.2 SZ3 manual	£9,499 £11,099
5-door 1.2 SZ-L manual 5-door 1.2 SZ4 manual	£11,599 £12,199
5-door 1.2 SZ4  auto	£13,099
5-door 1.2 SZ4 Dualjet	£12,699
5-door 1.2 SZ3  manual 4x4	£12,099
5-door 1.2 SZ4 Dualjet manual 4x4 3-door 1.6-litre Sport 5-door 1.6-litre Sport	£14,199 £13,999 £14,499