AUTOMOBILE
Media Gets Behind the Wheel of the Playful New Swift at Pan-European Joint Press Test Drive Event
from France
The weather was fine as journalists gathered in Bordeaux in the picturesque south of France for the New Swift Pan-European Joint Press Test Drive event. Held from 19th to 22nd March in anticipation of the new Swift’s market launch, the event attracted 329 journalists from 27 European countries. During the event, participants got behind the wheel of the Swift to evaluate its impressive driving performance, enhanced safety features, upbeat new styling, and more. Media representatives were able to disseminate feedback on the web, social media, broadcast and print media. Provided with videos, photos and footage, they also were able to use these tools to promote the exciting features of the new model.
All the Swifts gathered at the lunch point of test drive event
After enjoying a welcome reception and dinner, the following morning Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) held a press conference which began with a presentation by Managing Officer Koichi Suzuki who introduced SMC’s corporate business and sales. Next, Chief Engineer Masao Kobori explained the new Swift’s advancements in lightness, design, drivability and safety. Finally, Christiano Zanot from the Suzuki Italia Design Centre discussed design features with particular emphasis on the “Breathtaking design" of interior and exterior with new blue and yellow colours. The presentations were well received by journalists and distributors and were an excellent preparation for the test drive portions of the program.
In front of the hotel where press conference was held
Presentations of (from left) managing officer Koichi Suzuki, chief engineer Masao Kobori and designer Christiano Zanot at the press conference
Presentations of (from top) managing officer Koichi Suzuki, chief engineer Masao Kobori and designer Christiano Zanot at the press conference
Later putting the new Swift through its paces on the streets of Bordeaux and the charming surrounding countryside, journalists overwhelmingly expressed positive feedback in print and digital media. The praise for new model included comments such as: “the outstanding power and performance of the newly developed engine”, “modern interior with safety features”, “excellent fuel economy, exceptional visibility and NVH”, “playful new look of the design and the spaciousness of the interior”, “Swift’s sportiness, compactness, and excellent Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)” and so on.
Journalists enjoying test drive in the countryside of Bordeaux
New front look
New rear look
Modern interior
In the end, the test drive event proved that on city streets or cruising country roads, the new Swift brings fun-to-drive playfulness to the next level, breaking free from the daily routine to go out to play and enjoy life to the fullest.
