With its good looks, and long list of standard features and equipment the Suzuki Swift has taken the light passenger car market by storm, both in Australia and internationally.

The highly acclaimed hatchback has been a key factor in the rising number of new Suzuki cars sold in Australia.

An impressive 2,078 units have been sold since its release in February, with Suzuki achieving an increase in new car sales in Australia of over 63 per cent compared with results issued at the same time last year.

Each month the Swift has far exceeded Suzuki’s expected target of 350 units, selling a total of 610 vehicles for the month of May and again outselling the Mazda 2, Ford Fiesta and Mitsubishi Colt.

The car is also proving a sensation in the burgeoning Indian car market where 9,000 orders were placed for the new Swift prior to it going on sale on 6th June, 2005.

India’s major car manufacturer, Maruti Udyog, which is 54.2 per cent owned by the Suzuki Motor Corporation, sold an amazing 15,000 new Swifts in the first week- a first in the automotive history of India.

The company’s initial plans were to sell between 4,000 and 5,000 Swifts a month but demand suggests sales in the first year for India may now top 50,000 units.

A special version of the Swift has been developed specifically for the Indian market, featuring a 1.3 litre engine. The car is manufactured in India with a high local content of 86 per cent.

The Swift is one of the most technically advanced cars to be introduced in India, and comes standard with anti lock brakes and air bags, features that are unheard of in small cars in India.

The roll out of the Swift marks the shortest gap between the launch of a new vehicle in Japan and in emerging markets.

When production starts soon in the fast expanding Chinese economy, the Swift will be manufactured in four countries. Swifts sold in Australia will continue to be sourced from Japan.

The Swift is priced from just $15,990 and comes standard with a six speaker in dash CD stereo system, easy to operate audio system controls mounted on leather steering wheel, air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, power steering, remote keyless entry with hazard lamp answer back, a centrally located information display showing time, fuel consumption and temperature, UV reducing glass, dual front SRS airbags and ABS brakes.

An S model Swift is also available and includes alloy wheels, fog lamps and side and curtain airbags for an additional $2,000.

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.

With new models on the horizon, including a new Grand Vitara for later this year, and the popularity of the Swift growing, Suzuki expects its successful sales to continue through the year.

*** Please note product and pricing information issued by Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd may not be applicable in the state of QLD and in areas of Northern NSW (all areas north of the mouth of the Clarence River to Mungindi).***