Suzuki Swift takes Irish Car of the Year crown

The Suzuki Swift has been voted Irish Car of the Year 2006 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony today in the Berkeley Court Hotel attended by leading figures from the motor industry. The results were as follows:

1: Suzuki Swift 119 points
2: VW Passat 86 points
3: Range Rover Sport 75 points
4: Citroën C4 64 points
5: Toyota Aygo 61 points

The Irish Motoring Writers Association judges awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation to safety to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

Presenting the award to Niall O’Gorman, General Manager of Suzuki Ireland, Paddy Murphy of Semperit Ireland commented: “From 33 original contenders for this year’s award, the Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model that has been very well received by journalists and motorists alike. I am sure the Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a huge boost to the popularity of the Suzuki Swift in the Irish market.”

This year’s success is the first time Suzuki has won the Semperit Irish Car of the Year. The Swift succeeds the Ford Focus, which took the title last year.

The Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2006 title was awarded to the Citroën C4.