Virginia Suckling and her Ignis

Confidence is feeling sure of yourself, and in Virginia's case, her new Suzuki Ignis is the reason she has confidence on the road. The reverse camera, compact size and height of the vehicle make her life that little bit easier. Let's find out what her and 'Shuggie' get up to. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live in Napier and am now retired. This is my first new car, as I inherited my Mum's car, a Suzuki Alto, ten years ago and loved driving that. 

Why did you choose Suzuki over other brands?

I chose a Suzuki car because my Mum’s car was a Suzuki. Her car was compact and easy to drive, so I chose to look at Suzuki when I wanted to replace it. A friend of mine also had a Suzuki and he suggested an Ignis might be the best one for me.

What do you love about your Suzuki?

I have arthritis in both knees so I find getting in and out of the Ignis very easy. I find I use the reversing monitor on the dashboard all the time. The lines showing me where my car is when I'm backing are extremely helpful. I haven't had to be towed (thank goodness) but the idea of fixing the tow rope to the front of the car is a wonderful idea as I'm in my sixties. 

How would you describe your Suzuki to a friend?

It's compact but a comfortable car to drive. It’s easy to park in town and is economical to run. 

How has owning your Ignis made a difference in your life?

I certainly enjoy travelling around in it and have more confidence driving the Ignis than my husband’s bigger car. 

Describe the experience you had buying your car?

My friend helped me with the buying process and the staff at Hawkes Bay Suzuki were excellent. I went on a test drive with my sister and we both decided it was the car that suited me and she could drive it as well when necessary.

Have you got a nickname for your Suzuki and why?

I call the car Shug or Shuggie. It’s Scottish for Hugh and our family had a special friend of that name when we arrived in New Zealand in 1980. He left us his car when he died and that was Shuggie too.

How do you use the car day to day?

If I have to go out anywhere, I take my car. If it’s my husband and I, or my sister and I heading out, we take my car. We use my husband’s car for towing the caravan and walking the dogs.

What will you be doing and where will you be going when you next pick up your car keys?

I am taking a couple of friends and my sister to Hastings for lunch.

What's some advice you would give to someone looking to buy a car?

I would have to say if you see a car you like the look of, ask people that you see driving that car. If I saw someone driving an Ignis I would ask them what they thought about it, and then my friend pointed me in the right direction so I went to Suzuki to ask them about it and did a test drive.