After surveying 137 vehicles, RACV has released the latest Driving Your Dollars report crowning Suzuki vehicles as the lowest cost to own and operate in every key segment they compete in.
"We are honoured to have received this recognition by one of Australia's leading independent motoring authorities," said Suzuki Australia Automobiles Director Andrew Moore.
"The cornerstone of Suzuki's philosophy has always been to provide high quality products and outstanding value for money, both of which so clearly shine through in these fantastic results."
The assessment takes in to account purchase price, fuel, depreciation, maintenance, and insurance, with calculations based on private ownership for five years and driving an average 15,000km a year.
Adding to the good news for Suzuki owners, class honours were received in a whopping three categories – Baleno owning the Light segment at $126.42 per week (also the fifth lowest overall), Vitara at $152.37 in the Small 2WD SUV category, and Celerio, not only starring in the Micro class but recognised as the overall lowest cost vehicle to own and operate, coming in at an ultra-lean $100.78.
This year's overall average has increased 1.6 per cent with thanks to a rise in on-road taxes, fuel prices, and interest rates, with the standard weekly pinch now sitting at $207.84 per week – higher than all three of Suzuki's victors.
On the topic of victors, it appears to be high after high for Baleno and Vitara. After only being released half way through 2016, Baleno was announced Australia's Best Light Car in February, with Vitara continuing its reign as Drive's Best City SUV for the second year in a row.
If that wasn't enough, March then saw Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd take pole position in sales to private buyers in the Micro/Light segments, with strong Baleno sales to thank for the reclamation of this position. Great value retail offers aiding these results have orchestrated growth of 2.6% against March 2016 for Suzuki Australia.
The cherry on the cake was Suzuki Australia taking out third place for sales to private buyers in the Small SUV segment, maintaining its strong positioning in this division led by Vitara and the new Ignis SUV.
Quite the exciting few months for Suzuki Australia and the owners of their feted vehicles. Next year's report findings will no doubt be just as exciting with the addition of the all-new Swift as a key contender in the mix.
For the full list of results, visit www.racv.com.au/drivingyourdollars