Suzuki aims high

Suzuki has launched its new five-door version of its small car, the Ignis. The new version, powered by a new 1

Suzuki has launched its new five-door version of its small car, the Ignis. The new version, powered by a new 1.3-litre petrol VVT engine, will retail at €13,995 ex- works.

New additions to the model include ABS and side airbags as standard.

Recognising the limited potential of the new model, Niall O'Gorman, general manager of Suzuki Ireland said that it's targeted at the upper end of the small car market, given the engine size and the fact that its target market contracted last year.

However, he was upbeat about Suzuki's prospects overall. "We are pleased that despite the car market shrinking 6 per cent this year, Suzuki registrations have increased by 5 per cent and our market share has grown from 1.1 per cent to 1.3 per cent overall." He said the objective was to increase this to 1.5 per cent next year. Suzuki has signed new contracts with 21 of its 26 dealers and is actively looking to replace those lost.

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On a short trip around north Co Dublin we found the new engine proved keen, if not quite in tune with the motion of the car.

Michael McAleer

Michael McAleer

Michael McAleer is Motoring Editor, Innovation Editor and an Assistant Business Editor at The Irish Times