Suzuki Australia has today launched the long awaited, dynamic new Suzuki Swift following its successful preview last year at the Australian International Motor Show.

Set to shake up the light passenger car segment, the Swift, developed for the sophisticated European market, is value packed with its long list of standard features and equipment and its competitive price tag.

A well known Suzuki icon, the original Swift entered the Australian market in 1984 and fast became the benchmark in light car packaging and design. The vehicle was partly responsible for establishing the Suzuki name as a car maker in Australia, and is fondly remembered by owners, enthusiasts and Suzuki personnel alike.

The new Swift will be no exception and has already exceeded sales expectation in its domestic market of Japan.

"The new generation Swift is the perfect combination of design, assembly and attention to engineering detail, it is an exceptional car and we are confident it will be a huge success in Australia," General Manager- Automobiles, Suzuki Australia, Mr. David Le Mottee said.

Available in Australia in a five door manual and automatic hatch, and priced from just $15,990 the sleek and sporty good looks of vehicle are bound to impress.

Powered by a sports tuned 1.5 litre VVT engine, the Swift offers buyers a maximum output of 74kW at 6,000rpm.

The five speed manual transmission features an updated short stroke design with comprehensively enhanced shift linkages that give a firm, quick shift feel. While the four speed automatic transmission includes a gated shift lever that allows the driver to enjoy shifting gears for added exhilaration, a feature that is rarely seen in the super mini vehicle category.

The Swift is the first vehicle in Suzuki's new model line up to hit Australian shores, and the future direction of Suzuki is apparent in the front styling of the vehicle.

The bold front face, clear headlights and wide air dam, provide a sense of stability and solidness as do the large wheels, flared wheel arches and contoured shoulders.

The stylish and sporty feel of the vehicle is a direct response to the feedback received from the Concept S and S2 study models, and is further highlighted through the rear roof end spoiler and wraparound glass surfaces.

The value packed, value for money philosophy of Suzuki has not gone astray on the Swift, with a long list of standard features including, six speaker in dash CD stereo system, easy to operate audio system controls mounted on a leather steering wheel, air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, power steering, remote keyless entry with hazard lamp answer back, UV reducing glass, dual front SRS airbags and ABS brakes.

Careful consideration has gone into the design of every aspect of the car, with numerous little extras giving the vehicle the edge over its competition.

A major physical benefit for the driver is extensive seat adjustability, which permits comfortable, confident driving and easy pedal operation, each front seat has a fore aft slide range of 240mm making the Swift the best in its class.

The wraparound look of the glass surfaces is continued in the cabin design and helps to create a bright, airy environment in which the driver enjoys excellent all round visibility.

Sporty touches include a three spoke all leather steering wheel, a spherical shift knob and an illuminated ring around the speedometer.

In a styling cue taken from the popular Suzuki GSX R750 motorbike the dash features an easy to read instrument cluster in which the tachometer dial, has its '0' mark positioned at six o'clock, where the eye falls naturally.

A centrally located information display cell shows the time, fuel consumption, and outside temperature.

Clever use of the interior space realises exceptional people and luggage carrying flexibility, with all seats in use the compact Swift has a generous capacity of 213litres, tall enough to allow a large suitcase to be loaded vertically.

Several storage spaces for small, personal items are located around the cabin, including a compartment in the instrument panel, glove box, front and rear cup holders, seatback pocket, front door pockets and a tray under the front passenger seat.

As with all Suzuki vehicles, safety is kept at a premium, with the Swift incorporating the latest technologies for safety and security.

With the opportunity to develop the body of the vehicle from scratch, engineers were able to employ shock absorbing material structures for the bonnet, fenders, wipers and front bumper of the vehicle, assisting in the protection of pedestrians in the event of contact and lessening the severity of injuries.

Other active safety technologies include a four wheel antilock braking system, an electronic brake force distribution system, and a brake assist function. The Swift is also fitted with an immobilizer and features tamper resistant door locks.

"The total package offered by the Swift, illustrates Suzuki's strength of delivering feature packed, value for money products."

"We believe the broad appeal of the Swift we enable us to achieve a sold sales target of 300 units per month for the first year."

The base Suzuki Swift is available in a manual and automatic hatch and is priced from just $15,990, while the Swift S is only an additional $2000 with the added extras of fog lamps, alloy wheels, and side and curtain airbags.

A full range of Swift accessories are available from Suzuki dealerships to add comfort, convenience and flair.

The Suzuki Swift comes with Suzuki CustomerCare, providing customers with peace of mind via a three year/100,000km warranty and three year 24 hour roadside assistance.

To locate your nearest Suzuki dealer call Suzuki CustomerCare on 1800 777 088 or visit www.suzuki.com.au.

*** Please note product and pricing information issued by Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd may not be applicable in the state of QLD.***