Suzuki is an automaker recognized for producing small vehicles positioned in direction of the sharp finish of the value spectrum, however the Japanese model isn’t about to be drawn into discounting to match the inflow of latest rivals from China and India.
Because it stands, Suzuki’s most cost-effective mannequin is at the moment the Swift Hybrid hatch at $24,490 earlier than on-road prices, however it additionally gives the Ignis from $24,490 drive-away and the Vitara from $28,335 drive-away, even when solely seller inventory is obtainable for the latter two fashions after new security laws led to their axing.
A number of new fashions from rival producers have undercut Suzuki in latest occasions, together with the second-generation MG 3 gentle hatch (from $21,990 drive-away), the Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV (from $23,990 drive-away), and the Mahindra XUV 3XO small SUV (from $23,990 drive-away), however Suzuki says competing on value isn’t a priority.
“We provide merchandise which can be good worth for cash that may be relevant to most purchaser sorts all over the world. And that’s a part of Suzuki’s philosophy: to supply a automobile for everyone,” Suzuki Australia normal supervisor Michael Pachota informed CarExpert.
“With that mentioned, there’s no compromise ever on high quality, so that you get what you pay for.
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ABOVE: Chery Tiggo 4 (left) and Mahindra XUV 3XO
“With respect to that, I don’t assume it’s a race to the bottom value if a competitor is down there. It’s based mostly on producing a car that’s proper for the buyer, and it’s a top quality product with none compromise.”
Certainly, Suzuki is within the strategy of updating its present lineup and rolling out new fashions. The most recent automobile in its lineup is the Fronx Hybrid gentle SUV, accessible in a single specification for $28,990 earlier than on-roads, and it’s been confirmed that the at the moment defunct Vitara shall be reborn with hybrid and electrical energy in early 2026.
It is going to be tough for the brand new Vitara Hybrid to compete with equal fashions from China, because the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid is at the moment Australia’s most cost-effective hybrid car at $29,990 drive-away. The GWM Haval Jolion hybrid additionally begins at $32,990 drive-away, and each fashions pack a complete suite of normal tools.
Nonetheless, Mr Pachota says Suzuki’s “plain reality” is that “reliability and high quality are paramount”, and it’s this focus that he believes will set the model other than its present and upcoming rivals.
“It’s crucial factor to us. We’re going to cost vehicles successfully to that high quality, {that a} Suzuki buyer expects,” he informed CarExpert.
“We personal our lane. We’re good in it. We’re the small-car specialists, and we ship – and I hold saying it – undeniably dependable, high quality product.
“It’s environment friendly for the buyer, we all the time have low working prices, and it’s simple to personal, preserve, and function a Suzuki for an Australian client. It’s the Australian client’s choice based mostly on the competitor pool.”
The Fronx Hybrid is Suzuki’s first try at competing with the budget-minded SUVs listed above, however they received’t be simple to out-sell given year-to-date gross sales figures of 7996 for the Tiggo 4 and 9029 for the Haval Jolion.
For context, Suzuki’s best-selling mannequin is the enduring Jimny off-roader with 4365 deliveries in the identical interval – greater than double that of the second-placed Swift hatch.
“It doesn’t matter what the origin is of that competitor, and it’s as much as [consumers] to outline what the worth is. We appear to return out on prime within the final decade when it comes to worth for shoppers, and our gross sales mirror that. So, we’re okay,” Mr Pachota informed CarExpert.
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