KEY POINTS:
A new, lower cost version of New Zealand's top-selling small car is intended to lure buyers away from Japanese used import models. The Suzuki Swift XE has gone on sale at $16,990, making it the lowest priced brand-new 1.5-litre five-door car available.
The price still includes Suzuki New Zealand's standard deal of all on-road costs, a full tank of fuel and five-year roadside assistance. In addition to the entry five-speed manual gearbox model, the XE will be available with a four-stage automatic transmission at $18,500. The Swift has been the top-selling small model in the local market since its release in early-2005.
The 1.5-litre engine in the XE is identical to that used in the more expensive GLX and Limited models. Standard equipment on the new entry-level XE includes power steering, electric windows, central door locking with remote control and hazard answer-back, an MP3-compatible audio and air conditioning with pollen filter.
It also has dual airbags and anti-lock brakes. The model was also the fourth best seller here last year.
