Suzuki News

Tokyo, Nov 6, 2007 (Jiji Press) - Suzuki Motor Corp.’s <7269> Wagon R minivehicle was the best-selling automobile in Japan in October, retaining the top position for nine months in a row, according to industry data compiled Tuesday.

Wagon R’s sales totalled 17,904 units in October, up 4.6 pct from a year earlier.

Daihatsu Motor Co.’s <7262> Move, another 660-c.c. minivehicle, came in second, followed by Toyota Motor Corp.’s <7203> larger Corolla passenger car.

Sales of the Move increased 13.7 pct to 16,480 units, while those of the Corolla were up 4.3 pct to total 13,569 units.

The top three models were unchanged from the previous month.

Toyota’s Mark X series, including the Mark X Zio minivan model launched in September, posted a year-on-year rise of 110 pct in sales to 7,929 units in October, to come straight in at No. 6

Toyota’s Voxy and Noah minivans, both of which were fully remodeled in June, enjoyed solid year-on-year gains in October.

Following are the 10 best-selling models in October with sales volume in units:

Model Maker Sales
1.*Wagon R Suzuki 17,904
2.*Move Daihatsu 16,480
3. Corolla Toyota 13,569
4. Vitz Toyota 11,369
5. Fit Honda 8,336 6. Mark X Toyota 7,929
7. Voxy Toyota 7,885
8. Noah Toyota 7,392
9.*Tanto Daihatsu 7,080
10.*Mira Daihatsu 6,633

Note: Sales figures for minivehicles were announced by the Japan Mini Vehicles Association and larger models by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association. “*” indicates minivehicles with engine displacements of up to 660 c.c.

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Suzuki’s SX4 sport crossover range, which blends the character of a sporty compact with that of a lightweight SUV, is now being offered with a second diesel option.

The new 1.6 DDiS engine – supplied by Peugeot – complements the existing 120 PS 1.9 DDiS unit and its 90 PS output and 215 Nm of torque ensure lively, flexible performance characteristics matched by strong fuel economy. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and driving through the front wheels, the combined cycle figure is a frugal 53.3 mpg and CO₂ emissions are 139 g/km, yet the latest SX4 clocks up 0-62 mph in 12.2 seconds and has a potential top speed of 109 mph.

Equipment levels are similar to the SX4 1.6 GL but adds manual air conditioning, heated door mirrors, 16 inch alloys, roof rails, front fogs and wheelarch extensions. The on-the-road price is £11,999 and, in common with petrol-engined models, the new model qualifies for a 6D insurance grouping.

Like the rest of the SX4 range, the 1.6 DDiS offers an exciting small car alternative, combining responsive driving dynamics, high levels of practicality and styling that suggests a freestyle approach to life. 

The roomy interior includes 60:40 split rear seats which tumble to create an almost flat floor and a boot capacity of 625 litres. An extensive array of safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, plus front seat pre-tensioners.

As well as the larger 120 PS diesel, the SX4 also offers a 107 PS 1.6 VVT petrol engine with either two-wheel drive or – in the 4GRIP model – intelligent All Wheel Drive.

Notes to editors:

• All Suzuki models are covered by Suzuki Shield, a 3 year/60,000 mile new vehicle warranty, by Suzuki Assistance, providing 24 hour UK and European roadside assistance, recovery and associated service for 36 months and by a 12 year perforation warranty on the Grand Vitara, Swift, SX4 and Ignis.
• On the road prices include VAT, delivery to dealer, number plates, 6 months’ VED and First Registration Fee.

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