Garry's yellow Suzuki Swift Sport fits perfectly into his life of golf, photography and volunteering. Continue reading to find out how this sporty hot hatch brightens up Garry's life.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in the UK but emigrated to New Zealand with my parents & sister in the 60’s to Dunedin, where I have lived to this day. I really enjoy how laid back life is in Otago. By trade, I am an Aluminum Fabricator since leaving school, and in my spare time I enjoy playing golf at the Otago Golf Club, getting my camera out to take some pictures and volunteering as much as possible.
Is this your first new car?
Have to say my Suzuki Swift Sport was as new to my first ever new car that I have ever owned, as it only had 4,500kms on the odometer and was in fantastic condition.
Why did you choose Suzuki over other brands?
Having previously owned a 2010 Suzuki Swift Sport (which I had for nine years) I rated it one of the best ever cars I had owned, so was keen to purchase another when it came time to update my vehicle.
What do you love about your Suzuki?
Everything about my Suzuki Swift Sport makes me so proud to own such a sporty hot hatch. From the bright yellow paintwork, flash mag wheels (which catch the eye), the tidy interior, black seats, as well as taking my golf clubs and gear easily too! Plus, after a good wash & polish I get so much enjoyment seeing it parked up when I go back to drive it again.
How would you describe your Suzuki to a friend?
A bright yellow hot hatch which is so much fun to drive and looks a million dollars!
Have you got a nickname or pet name for your Suzuki?
Actually, it was my sister who nicknamed my Suzuki Swift Sport “TWEETY”, after I took it out to show it off to her. And the name has stuck. I even bought a ‘TWEETY’ which now sits in the centre console.
Was your Suzuki Swift Sport the right fit?
Definitely. Still enjoying the single life. I get to enjoy driving such a sporty car, which is easy to park and performs like a dream on the road, especially when the turbo cuts in on the open road.
How has owning your Suzuki made a difference in your life?
Having had two health issues back in 2020, including being diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic at the age of 59, my life was turned completely upside down. I was overjoyed to purchase my current yellow Suzuki Swift Sport as it completely brightened up my life.
How do you use your car day to day?
Mainly to and from work but on weekends I take it up to the golf course or around town. Longest journey in the two years I have owned it was out to Dunedin Airport. Since being so new to diabetes, I am still learning to control my blood sugar levels and driving too.
What will you be doing/where will you be going when you next pick up your car keys?
Keen to sample the excellent sunshine over the weekend in Dunedin. I went for a drive out to St Clair Beach and enjoyed walking round to Second Beach whilst taking quite a few photos.
Describe the experience you had buying the car?
Having previously owned manual vehicles, I was unsure about purchasing my yellow Suzuki Swift Sport as it was an automatic. Then a long term friend and ex car-salesperson volunteered to take me out to test drive the car one night. Although I was apprehensive about driving a $30,000 car, I fell in love with just how easy it was to drive an automatic and shook hands on the deal that night.
What are the first steps or advice you would recommend to someone looking to buy a car?
I always look out for a low mileage vehicle when selecting a new car, but there are so many other aspects to consider, such as looking at the tyres, paintwork & bodywork condition.