Latest news with #Suzuki
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Suzuki Vitara, S-Cross axed in major Australian market
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. 'At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back,' Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. 'Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it],' he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? 'Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market,' explained Mr Dillon. 'There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve,' Mr Dillon continued. Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: 'it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up'. Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. 'They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid,' said Mr Dillon. 'We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. 'They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year.' The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples.
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Suzuki Vitara, S-Cross axed in major Australian market
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. 'At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back,' Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. 'Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it],' he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? 'Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market,' explained Mr Dillon. 'There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve,' Mr Dillon continued. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: 'it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up'. Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. 'They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid,' said Mr Dillon. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. 'They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year.' The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. Supplied Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom
IOL News
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Driving impressions: why the Suzuki Swift deserves its crown as the top hatchback
The Suzuki Swift is fitted with Suzuki's new 1.2-litre three cylinder engine that delivers 60kW and 112NM of torque. Image: Supplied Currently sitting in second place on the vehicle sales charts, it's not for nothing that Suzuki has been hitting the lights out with their refreshingly cheerful portfolio. Chief among those is the Swift that's dominating the passenger car market. Popular among first-time buyers It also helps that the brand is selling their cars in the price and categories that South African consumers are spending their money on, starting in the sub R200 000 region, with the most expensive evening out under R550 000. The B-segment hatchback Swift has also proven popular with first-time buyers, and I know of quite a few people who have bought one for their children going on to study further after school. We spent some time in the flagship 1.2 GLX, priced at R271 900, and it's easy to understand why they are proving so popular and walked away with the 2025 'Best Budget Car' title in the Consumer Awards. Engine Replacing the previous four-cylinder engine, the Swift is now fitted with Suzuki's new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol mill that delivers 60kW and 112NM of torque. The test unit was fitted with a five-speed manual transmission, although there is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available as well. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The Suzuki Swift is grippy and light on its feet with quick and direct steering. Image: Supplied Exterior It's a good-looking little car as well, with the oval radiator grille with a black finish and muscular bumper dominating the front. The blacked-out A/B pillars provide a 'floating roof' element, while the rear, with integrated hatch spoiler and 3D LED tail light clusters, has become a common sight on our roads. Fitted with 15-inch diamond-cut alloys, our test unit was a Grey Metallic, but I would opt for the blue or red, which provides a better view of the car's profile and also underscores its fun factor. Interior Inside there's a good old-fashioned analogue instrument cluster with a central colour LCD display allowing you to see consumption (instantaneous and average), range and several other helpful information. The seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and is also linked to the rearview camera. The rear seats provide a 60:40 split, while boot space is said to be 265 litres and 580 litres with the rear seats folded. Inside there's a good old fashioned analogue instrument cluster with a central colour LCD display. Image: Supplied Driving I found the manually adjustable black fabric seats to be comfortable and had no issues over longer distances, while they also provided decent support in tight and fast corners. The little three-pot motor proved to be rev-happy and responsive, albeit with some engine thrum in the cabin when pushed hard, but at the national speed limit or pottering around in the suburbs, it's hardly audible. Weighing in at less than a ton, the Suzuki Swift is grippy and light on its feet with quick and direct steering, making it easy to steer on the open road or in shopping mall parking bays. I do think, though, that loaded with four people and luggage, there's likely to be a lot of gear changing. Fortunately, the clutch is light and gear changes are slick and easy. With short bits of enthusiastic driving combined with regular runs, consumption stood at 5.1l/100km, not too far off the claimed 4.4l/100km. Safety Seeing as the Swift is likely to be many people's first car, safety is paramount, and it doesn't disappoint with six airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS brakes with EBD, Brake Assist Function, Electronic Stability Programme and rear ISOFIX anchors. After a few days, there's nothing not to like about the Suzuki Swift. It doesn't pretend to be something that it isn't. It's good looking, extremely easy to drive, has everything you need in terms of practicality and specification and with a reputation of reliability and frugalness, it deserves to be a top seller. It comes with a two-year/30,000km service plan and five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Moment hero police officer commandeers bystander's bike in relentless pursuit of car thief after high speed chase
This is the moment a quick-thinking police officer caught a suspected thief by swapping his patrol car for a passerby's bike. Footage of PC Paddy Connell chasing a stolen Range Rover in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, went viral in April last year. The suspected thief first attempted to flee in reverse before he managed to speed away and hit speeds of 80mph in a 30mph zone. The driver finally crashed the £40,000 car into a row of parked cars before scrambling out and clambering over a fence. PC Connell chased on foot before being helped by a passing cyclist. The Good Samaritan pointed PC Connell in the direction of the suspect before handing over his bicycle, telling the officer: 'Go get em'. After pedalling after the suspect, PC Connell ditched the bike and followed him on foot as he jumped over a wall and headed into a back garden. The officer finally collared the man who was hiding behind a shed and ordered him to lie on the ground before handcuffing him. After pedalling after the suspect, PC Connell ditched the bike and followed him on foot as he jumped over a wall and headed into a back garden A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. The 2.30-minute clip of the chase went viral after South Yorkshire Police released the footage. The officer was also called into action on January 28 this year when he arrested a burglar who was on the force's 'most wanted' list. PC Connell spotted a Suzuki Cross 4x4 in Penistone which failed to stop and resulted in a chase lasting almost 30 minutes. During the pursuit the suspect threw items - including a fire extinguisher - from the car. PC Connell dodged the items and was able to deploy a stinger just before a roundabout at junction 37 on the M1. The cop, who has served for 23 years, rammed the Suzuki and two men in the car were arrested. They are due in court later this year. PC Connell has now been crowned the force's Police Officer of the Year. Chief Inspector of Roads Policing Peter Spratt said: 'We are immensely proud of PC Connell, and the recognition he has received. 'He is an integral member of the team and has had so many excellent results with colleagues, bringing offenders to justice and making South Yorkshire safer as a result. 'Our officers regularly put themselves at risk to protect the public, managing these incidents to a safe conclusion through tactics that require dynamic teamwork and skilful implementation of their training. 'Well done PC Connell, you are a credit to the department.'
Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Suzuki Jimny deliveries halted in Australia
Suzuki Australia has issued a stop-delivery order for the Suzuki Jimny five-door with immediate effect, with dealers across the country instructed by the automaker to cease all deliveries of the iconic compact off-roader until further advice from the automaker's head office in Japan. Attracting a cult-like following, the Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model, more than doubling the sales of the Swift hatch, the Japanese small-car brand's next most popular model so far this year. It's also one of the more popular entrants in the light SUV segment, in which it competes with the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross and Hyundai Venue. In a dealer bulletin issued on Friday (July 25) and seen by CarExpert, Suzuki retailers were instructed to stop all deliveries of the Indian-built Jimny XL five-door – not the Japanese-made Jimny three-door – including showroom stock and warehoused vehicles, with no specific reason issued. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'We haven't told any customers to get off the road, so it's not a safety concern,' Suzuki Australia managing director Michael Pachota confirmed to CarExpert. Speaking at the launch of the Suzuki Fronx, Mr Pachota said the stop-delivery order will continue for the foreseeable future and played down the impact it may have on dealers and customers. 'We were informed by Suzuki Motor Corporation, as we have been informed in the past about other products as well, that they constantly review quality control everywhere in every plant,' he said. 'Based on an operational error, they've decided to do a hold on sales, just to review that, investigate that. They're going to let us know when we can switch back on.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert The specific reason for the stop-delivery order was not disclosed, but Mr Pachota suggesting several possibilities for it. 'We've done this from time to time with different products,' he said. 'It could be as simple as someone, you know, finding a nut on the floor in the factory and going, oh, what's this from?' The current Jimny attracted significant waiting lists – as long as 18 months – when the fourth-generation was launched in Australia in 2019. Year-to-date, local sales of the Jimny – three-door versions of which are set to bring a safety upgrade to match the five-door in early 2026 – are down 7.3 per cent, and the cessation of deliveries should see that figure grow. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Among other models in its lineup, Suzuki Australia confirmed in February 2025 that the three-door Jimny didn't meet newly introduced Australian Design Rules (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. At the time, it said investigations were underway into making the popular off-roader compliant and that its 'position on this product' had 'yet to be confirmed'. Sales of the Jimny, along with other Suzuki models that fell afoul of the new ADR, have continued as the automaker secured sufficient stock complied before March 1, 2025, when ADR 98/00 came into effect. The Jimny XL is understood to be unaffected by the new ADR because it features a stereo camera instead of a forward-facing monocular camera, allowing it to offer both adaptive cruise control and night-time pedestrian detection. MORE: Everything Suzuki Jimny
