Suzuki News

Suzuki is introducing an attractive finance offer on its Grand Vitara 1.6 3-door models. Offering low cost entry into the attractive SUV range, the 4.9 % APR PCP scheme requires an initial deposit of £4,208 (£4,400 for VVT+) followed by 36 monthly payments of just £136 (£144 for VVT+).

Suzuki’s recently introduced, all-new Grand Vitara is longer, wider and more spacious than its predecessor, and boasts sleek new styling. Its permanent four-wheel drive system provides added on-road safety plus useful levels of traction in muddy fields, while the unitary body with its ‘built-in ladder frame’ provides levels of rigidity to match the most traditional of off-roaders.

Drive-by-wire throttle management and variable valve timing help the 106PS 1.6-litre engine to deliver 32.5mpg on the Combined cycle.

In true Suzuki fashion, the 3-door model comes exceptionally well equipped and standard are climate control air conditioning, front electric windows, an integrated radio/CD player, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, tinted glass, tilt adjustable steering column, remote central locking, reclining rear seats, folding exterior door mirrors, driver and front passenger front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags and an immobiliser.

The 1.6 16v VVT+ model adds heated electric mirrors, alloy wheels, and front fog lamps.

The Grand Vitara finance offer runs until 30 June.

Leg 3

30 April 2006

Leg information:

Stages: 4 (2 repeated) 41.30 km

Surface: Soft gravel

Weather: Cloudy, moderate temperatures

Suzuki summary:

Suzuki Swift driver Guy Wilks has won the Junior World Championship category of the Rally Argentina, having led from start to finish. The Englishman enjoyed a trouble-free final day in order to claim Suzuki’s second win of the season. P-G Andersson finished third despite retiring from the opening leg of the rally after hitting a rock. The result means that Andersson maintains the lead of the Junior World Rally Championship. Both Swifts had no mechanical problems whatsoever throughout the gruelling three-day event, which marked Suzuki’s first visit to Argentina.

News from the leading Suzuki driver:

Guy Wilks (1^st in JWRC): “It’s been a fantastic event. I came here with the firm aim of taking 10 points for a win, and we’ve remained concentrated in order to do that. We’ve not had a single problem with the car: only a puncture on SS13. There’s been a bit of pressure on as we could only lose the rally here, but our result has put us right back into contention for the championship. I’ve learnt a lot from this event and my confidence is high heading into the next gravel rally, in Sardinia.”

Other news from Suzuki:

P-G Andersson finished third in the JWRC standings, having concentrated on getting his car to the end and scoring points. Like Guy, he was impressed by his first visit to the challenging Argentina stages. “It’s a very demanding rally, and I’m pleased to have salvaged third place and kept the lead of the championship,” he said. “Although the stages have been extremely rough, the car has stood up very well.”

News from ‘Monster’ Tajima:

“Congratulations to Guy, who drove perfectly from start to finish without making a single mistake. He was able to defend his lead without pushing too hard, which is exactly what we asked of him. I’m also very pleased with both the speed and the reliability of the Swift. Conditions were even more challenging than we expected, but neither car had a single problem. Now we have to keep up this momentum on our next event, in Italy, where we are sure to encounter some very strong rivals.”

Junior World Rally Championship classification at end of Rally Argentina:

1 Guy Wilks (Suzuki Swift) 4h44m46.9s

2 Patrick Sandell (Renault Clio) +9m19.5s

3 P-G Andersson (Suzuki Swift) +29m01.0s

4 Jaan Molder (Ford Fiesta) +55m39.6vs