Suzuki’s popular compact car, the Swift has taken out top honours at the prestigious Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC), 2006 Car of the Year awards.

The award, decided by a panel of 72 jurors, critiqued 21 vehicles before deciding on a shortlist of six finalists, which included the Suzuki Swift, Nissan Note, Mazda Roadstar, Honda Civic, Lexus IS and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Recognised for its bold European style and dynamic drive performance, the Swift was awarded the 2006 RJC Car of the Year, marking the second prize of this type for Suzuki following the success of the Wagon R in 1993.

Since being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2004, the Suzuki Swift has experienced phenomenal worldwide success with production in Japan, Hungry, India and China producing almost 168,000 units in the last 12 months.

The Swift was recently awarded the “Most Fun to Drive” at the annual Car Of The Year Japan awards for 2005- 2006 and also received ‘Car Of The Year 2006’ in Iceland and the Small Car of the Year Award in National Business Review Car of the Year for 2005 in New Zealand.

In Australia, the Swift has far exceeded Suzuki’s expected target for each month of 350 units, selling a total of 894 vehicles for the month of October and again outselling the Mazda 2, Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta and Holden Barina.

The Swift is priced from just $15,990 and comes standard with a six speaker in dash CD stereo system, easy to operate audio system controls mounted on leather steering wheel, air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, power steering, remote keyless entry with hazard lamp answer back, a centrally located information display showing time, fuel consumption and temperature, UV reducing glass, dual front SRS airbags and ABS brakes.

An S model Swift is also available and includes alloy wheels, fog lamps and side and curtain airbags for an additional $2,000.

The Suzuki Swift comes with Suzuki CustomerCare, providing customers with peace of mind via a three year/100,000km warranty and three year 24 hour roadside assistance.

To locate your nearest Suzuki dealer call Suzuki CustomerCare on 1800 777 088 or visit www.suzuki.com.au