China Car Times

Chang’an Suzuki make some great little cars, currently limited to the SX4 and the Swift, but we do like their abilities to re-invent the same car and keep it on sale no matter what! Truly ingenious!

Swift:

The Suzuki Swift has been on the market in China for roughly 4 years, in that time the engine has been increased from a 1.3 to a 1.5, various sports editions (note: two tone paint job) and now a summer special edition. The summer special edition is a 1.5l engined model, the Chinese motoring press said that the car has undegone some changes, but fails to list exactly what. Perhaps a new range of color schemes?

The Suzuki Swift has always been a China Car Times favorite, its cheap, it goes reasonbly quick, and its cute. We just wish the GT version would be introduced into China as well!

SX4:

The SX4 was introduced into China a year ago, it came as a small car with rugged looks, a decent interior all at the reasonable price of 120,000rmb, or $16,000USD at the time. If you look beyond China’s vast borders, especially to the USA where the SX4 could be had brand new for $14k with all wheel drive technology its no small wonder China Car Times didnt buy one. For 2008, Suzuki have installed a sunroof on the SX4, both on the hatchback and the saloon variant.

Suzuki SplashThe Suzuki Splash is the only new car from Suzuki this year, although we have to ask why they are planning to introduce another small car into China - perhaps it would be wiser to see some domestic production of their SUV range instead.  The Splash is expected to go into production at the end of 2008, and will be on sale in early 2009. The Splash is expected to be cheaper than the current Swift (thus in the 50,000rmb range) and may well be a replacement for the WagonR, unless Suzuki plan to bring out the new WagonR via their Changhe joint venture. The Splash is expected to be packed full of safety equipment that is only usually located on mid range sedans, which Suzuki hope will attract more people to this model.