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| Stick shifts are going the way of the buggy whip and right now, no-one sells a cheaper auto than Suzuki. |
SUZUKI’S dealer network broke all existing records in June with sales numbers that returned to pre-lockdown levels.
The affordable Suzuki S-Presso led the charge, with 555 new units sold in June — the first full month of sales after Suzuki launched the model digitally shortly before the start of SA’s lockdown.
“With a starting price of only R139 900, including a service plan and 5-year warranty, the S-Presso seems to be the perfect vehicle for cash-strapped South Africans looking for a reliable new car,” said André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa
“Its design as a compact SUV, with more interior space and high ground clearance, certainly helps,” said Venter. Other popular Suzuki models were the Swift (297 units), the Ignis (86 units) and the Jimny 4x4 (249 units).
Duncan Parsons, dealer principal at Fury Motors in Pietermaritzburg, said the waiting list for the S-Presso will soon be over, as a big shipment is on its way from Maruti Suzuki in India.
The S-Presso competes with the Renault Kwid and Datsun Go, neither of which has a standard service plan. The lighter Kwid does have insurance, a longer warranty and the lowest fuel use.
The proven Go, launched in 2014, has the longest warranty and 14 more Newtons, which helps when driving up steep hills.
