Suzuki Alto And Swift Shine in Low Running Cost Surveys

Press Release No: PRESS/AM13/11
Scheduled Release: 2 October 2013

Suzuki Alto And Swift Shine in Low Running Cost Surveys

For the fifth successive year the Suzuki Alto five door hatchback is winning accolades as the best value car with the lowest running costs in Australia.

Leading Australian independent motoring clubs have been rating the Alto the cheapest car for ownership and operating costs.

In the latest 2013 survey of 1,860 new car models, the National Roads and Motorists Association (NRMA) in New South Wales placed four versions of the Alto in four of the top ten positions in the budget-conscious light car category.

Other Suzuki models also dominated their respective classes in the NRMA survey, including New Zealand’s top selling small car, the Swift, which was tops in its class. No other small car in this category could match the 1.4-litre Swift GLX, the popular five-door hatchback with the lowest weekly running costs.

When it came to low running costs, the agile Suzuki Jimny four-wheel-drive was the best performer in the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) class for models under $40,000, while Suzuki Grand Vitara models filled five of the top ten positions in the division for medium size SUVs costing less than $50,000. The 2.4-litre Grand Vitara finished second overall in this class.

The NRMA annual running cost survey takes into consideration vehicle price, depreciation, interest, registration, comprehensive insurance, maintenance, repairs and fuel over a five year period. Costs are based on privately owned cars covering an annual distance of 15,000 kilometres.

Earlier this year the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) rated the Alto the least expensive car to run, and the smallest Suzuki model has also rated highly in surveys conducted by the RACV in Victoria, the RAA and the RACT.

“These surveys are relevant to New Zealand because the Suzuki models sold across the Tasman are identical specification to the cars marketed here,” said Tom Peck, chief executive officer for Suzuki New Zealand.

“The Alto has maintained a remarkable record in annual running cost reviews right since the introduction of the current model in 2009,” he said.

With its thrifty, variable valve 3-cylinder motor, the Alto is not only inexpensive to own and operate, but is also generously equipped.

Included as standard on the Alto GLX manual are aluminum alloy wheels, fog lamps, front electrical windows, electronic stability programme, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist and six air bags. Prices start from a highly competitive $14,990 plus on-road costs.

In the NRMA survey, which is regarded as Australia’s most authoritative, the versatile 1.3-litre three-door Jimny was the least expensive to operate small SUV.

“The NRMA running cost survey confirms Suzuki’s reputation for offering outstanding value for money, with stand-out performance across the range,” said Tom Peck.

ENDS

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