Suzuki has started the year in style, scooping not one but two prizes at the 2016 WhatCar? awards.
Another Award For Vitara[spacer space=”10px”]
The all-new Vitara has come away with the “Best Buy at Less Than £15,000” award in the Small SUV class at this year’s ceremony, while the Swift Sport made it 5 years in a row with the prize for “Best Buy Hot Hatch at Less Than £15,000”.
It’s the second award already this year for the new Vitara, which was also named as the Best Compact Crossover to buy in the Sunday Times Top 100 Cars.
Respected automotive journalist Jim Holder, who is the Editorial Director of WhatCar?, commented of the Vitara:
“In SZ4 trim the Vitara doesn’t just sneak into this price category; it’s more than £1000 beneath it. Even then it comes complete with niceties such as climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio. The 1.6 litre engine might not have a turbocharger but is smooth and more than capable in the Vitara. It’s also economical; our True MPG testers managed to get within 3.9mpg of the official figure. The Vitara drives well, too; the suspension is firm enough to resist roll without ever becoming uncomfortable and the controls inspire plenty of confidence. The five-speed gearbox is enjoyable to use, too. Practicality is a real strong point inside, with plenty of leg room front and back. Cargo space is impressive in its size and also accessibility; the boot opening is wide with a low loading lip. The interior is also solidly put together, with piano black trim to add a little class. To top it all, there are also plenty of customisation options. It really is a complete package for very little outlay.”
A wonderful endorsement of the Suzuki Vitara’s capabilities around the quality of drive, level of equipment and amount of space singles it out in the small SUV class as the best value for money proposition on the market. It was given the award thanks to:
- Suzuki’s small SUV is competitively priced in SZ4 trim and well equipped
- 1.6-litre petrol engine is smooth and more capable
- Suspension is firm enough and more than capable
- Cabin offers plenty of leg room in both front and rear seats
- Very practicaly – the big boot has a wide opening and low loading lip
The Suzuki Vitara is available to order from Ron Brooks Suzuki in Mansfield from just £13,999 OTR. View our latest Suzuki Vitara offers.
Swift Sport Makes it 5 on the Bounce[spacer space=”10px”]
The Swift Sport wins a WhatCar? award for the fifth year in a row, being marked out as the “Best Buy Hot Hatch at Less than £15,000”. It was up against some tough competition again this year, but the performance flagship of the Swift range came out on top once again thanks to its wonderful mix of performance, economy, specification and driving fun.
Jim Holder commented of the Swift Sport:
“The Swift Sport is the epitome of the ‘junior’ hot hatch, and has had an enduring spot among our winners for many years. Ignore the relatively low 134bhp power output, because it’s actually the high-revving, grippy nature of this energetic little car that is its greatest achievement. This, after all, is a car that you can wring 100 per cent from on plenty of British roads and in all sorts of depressing weather, and just have masses of fun without fearing for your life or your bank balance. It’s full of unintimidating hilarity, and that’s the biggest thing you want in a hot hatch at this level. Not only that, but it’s also one of the cheapest of its kind to insure, has respectable real-world fuel economy, and is widely available with low monthly finance payments, so is ideally suited to younger drivers who want something with a bit of pizzazz. Maybe the interior is more durable than classy, and long-legged occupants might not be all that sold on the rear leg room, but frankly you’ll forget all of that as soon as you sling it through the first corner.”
The Swift Sport won the award for the following reasons:
- Suzuki’s hot Swift is the epitome of the junior hot hatch
- High-revving grippy nature of this car makes it immensely fun to drive
- You can wring 100% from the Sport on most roads in all kinds of weather
- One of the cheapest of its kind to insure so perfect for younger drivers
- Manages to achieve respectable real-world fuel economy
The Suzuki Swift is available to view, purchase and test drive at Ron Brooks Suzuki in Mansfield. View our latest Suzuki Swift Sport Offers.
