New Suzuki Model Makes A Splash

New Suzuki Model Makes A Splash In The Local Marketplace

The latest small car from Suzuki is making an impressive splash in the New Zealand marketplace only weeks after its introduction.

Customer and dealer response to the 1.2-litre five-door Suzuki Splash GLX hatchback has been so positive that initial supplies are struggling to meet demand.

“Splash is getting interest from a wider customer demographic than we anticipated, perhaps due to its versatility and interior space,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

He also said the distributor’s real value pricing which included all on road costs seemed to help Suzuki cars hold their resale value so they were perceived to be good value for money.

Gary Collins, Automobile Sales Manager for Suzuki, said the franchise was highly excited about the initial sales of Splash. “Sales are outstripping our supply on some colours already and the model was only launched in early September,” he said.

“Customers are appreciating the tall seating position and roomy interior of Splash. The ability to adjust the seat height on both the driver’s and front passenger’s side is seen as a real plus,” said Collins. “The versatile luggage space of the car is also winning the hearts of many customers.”

Half of all sub 1.4 litre cars sold in New Zealand are purchased and driven by people aged over 60 years, with the next largest group being 50 to 59 year-olds. They comprise just over 20 per cent of small car owners.

Unlike most other countries, younger buyers in New Zealand do not usually favor smaller cars, with only 5 per cent of buyers being aged under 30, and 7.8 per cent being aged between 30 and 39 years.

“We had expected that the Splash would appeal predominantly to our older customer base but we are pleased to see a number of young customers opting for the model,” said Gary Collins.

“The model is larger than its key competitors and offers a driving experience similar to our top-selling Swift,” he said. “These factors set Splash apart from other sub-$20,000 vehicles on the market today.”

“The car has strong appeal for 60-plus motorists and the private car market, but its low price point allows an opportunity for younger buyers who might otherwise purchase a second-hand vehicle,” said Collins.

Tom Peck said forward orders from dealers reflected their confidence in the Splash. “Our shipments of the model are fully allocated out to February 2012 production,” he said.

“We are very pleased with initial reaction to the new model and it seems demand will justify us adding the Splash to the current Suzuki line-up, although we are yet to see if the new arrival will take sales from our other models,” said Peck.

Suzuki predicts the Splash will further increase the brand’s presence in the light car segment which has shown the best growth in the New Zealand new car market this year.

With its compact, practical dimensions, distinctive styling and thrifty fuel consumption the Splash is an ideal car for today’s urban families. Although it was developed from scratch for European customers, it carries the mini-MPV genes of Suzuki’s hugely successful Japanese model, the Wagon R.

“The Splash lives up to its name with a surprising blend of youthfulness and freshness, clean urban mobility and economic advantages that include limited parking space requirements, generous warranty terms and low maintenance costs,” said Tom Peck.

Recommended retail price for the Splash manual is $17,990, with the automatic priced at $19,500. These are drive away prices including 12 months registration, Warrant of Fitness, a Full tank of Fuel, Manufacturers Warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

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