World Auto News & Reviews

Suzuki is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the launch of the original rugged compact 4×4 – the evergreen Jimny Sierra.

The Jimny (originally named the LJ10 in overseas markets) was launched in 1970 as the world’s first affordable, but fully capable, compact 4×4.

“Few vehicles can lay claim to creating history, but the rugged little Jimny Sierra has earned its place in the history books,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Other car companies build campaigns based around ill-informed marketing assertions. With 40 years of history and legions of dedicated fans, the Jimny backs up its claim as the original compact SUV with substance rather than semantics.”

2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE Review

If you’re looking at sporty small cars, at this point in time you’re probably not thinking “Suzuki”. Doesn’t Suzuki make motorcycles and SUVs? Aren’t their cars merely re-badged Daewoos?

There have been some major changes at Suzuki recently. Yes, the company still makes motorcycles, of all varieties from off-road to MotoGP. And they still make SUVs like the Grand Vitara. But the long-standing agreement with General Motors that saw Suzukis sold by GM and GM products by Suzuki is history. Suzuki is on its own.

Suzuki Australia has continued its strong start to 2010 with a record sales result for March.

A total of 2305 Suzukis were sold in March, surpassing the 2009 figure by 50.5 per cent. It made the March 2010 sales result the third best ever recorded by the company.

“The March result confirms that Suzuki is back on track as one of the country’s fastest growing brands,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“More and more customers are waking up to the quality and outstanding value for money on offer at Suzuki dealers.

Suzuki’s all-new Kizashi sedan has just hit the market and to further emphasize the automaker’s commitment to producing a genuine sports sedan, Suzuki unveiled a new Kizashi Sport trim level today in New York.

Although the Kizashi Sport trim package doesn’t include the power upgrade that was widely expected, it offers a lowered sport suspension that the Japanese automaker says improves skidpad performance by up to 0.04g. Sitting 10 mm lower than a standard Kizashi, the Sport rides on unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.

Suzuki Australia has applauded the FCAI call for government support for low emission vehicles.

“It’s about time our peak motoring body put some pressure on the government to reward consumers looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Even more encouraging was the news that the FCAI is of the opinion any government incentive scheme should encourage customers to consider all kinds of green technology.

“It is critical we provide incentives to make green technology attractive to all customers, not just those who can afford $70,000 electric cars or $50,000 hybrid cars.”