Newly released data from the Motor Industry Association (MIA) has confirmed some happy news for Suzuki New Zealand — their new Swift is on top of the passenger car sales market for February.
Released in mid-2017, the Swift recently received a kick of interest via the launch of the frothy little Sport. Having tested and loved both the 3-cylinder RS and the Sport, their rise through the passenger-car ranks doesn't surprise.
Total vehicle sales of the Swift reached 307 in February. The next best among passenger cars is Mazda CX-5 on 276 sales, then the ever present Corolla on 258.
A surprising fifth place went to the Holden Commodore. We can't necessarily assume that these are all ZB sales, and the Commodore's complete absence from the rental vehicle charts also hinders any theories on the bulk of their 216 units sold being 'fleet vehicles'.
On the overall charts, the Commodore squeaks into the top 10. Utes still dominate proceedings, as we've come to expect. Ford's Ranger is on top on 735 — a mere 32 utes ahead of the Toyota Hilux.
The Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, and Holden Colodaro ensure a ute whitewash in the top five overall slots, with the Swift lining up a (still pretty impressive) sixth in the queue.
What's also got to be considered are how the order's been affected by the stink bug dramas on car carriers from Asia. Either way, any romantic thoughts about a passenger car sales renaissance should be holstered ... for now anyway.