Meet the man behind The Block, Julian Cress
Meet the man behind The Block, Julian Cress
Updated
As the latest series of The Block gets underway, we chat to the show’s co-creator and Executive Producer, Julian Cress (pictured at left with co-creator David Barbour), about keeping things interesting nine series on.
The format for The Block keeps changing: where do you continue to get your inspiration?
We get our inspiration from the audience. Our job is to always find new ways to entertain them. With so many fans of The Block returning each season and new fans coming on board, we don’t want to let them down. As each new season evolves, we continue to find amazing talent, and that gives us the chance to mix up the format by bringing back former teams to compete in new and interesting ways.
What is it about Melbourne that prompts you to keep filming there?
Melbourne has some of the most interesting architectural features in the country – they are very much at the leading edge worldwide. And the city is also home to world-class design stores, which gives the contestants amazing opportunities to do new and interesting things. The city also gets right behind the show and gives us a very warm welcome wherever we go.
You’ve had a lot of faces pass through The Block over the years. Is there one couple that’s been particularly memorable for you?
So many of the teams have been memorable and many of them have gone on to become close friends since being on the show. So, for that reason, I don’t want to single anybody out as a favourite. But really memorable couples for me would include Dan and Dani, Alisa and Lysandra, and Gav and Waz.
What kind of building/renovating knowledge did you have when you first came up with the concept for The Block?
Not very much, except growing up watching my parents do it. It’s been a steep learning curve over the past decade of producing the show, getting my head around property development. I’d like to think I’m starting to get the hang of it now!
We understand you bought a new family home earlier this year. What lessons did you apply from The Block when looking for your own home?
Location, location, location. That is the single most important element in real estate. Everything else can be changed.
What’s one thing viewers would be surprised to learn about The Block host Scott Cam?
I’m often asked if Scott’s as nice a bloke in real life as he is on the set of The Block. It may not be surprising to learn that the answer is yes; he’s exactly like he appears on the show.
The Block is reality TV at its best, but have you ever been tempted to change the format to start eliminating contestants?
No, we only ever do eliminations at the beginning of the series. With the amount of effort required to do The Block, it would be too mean to chuck someone out halfway through.
What do you look for when auditioning people for the show?
Enthusiasm is the most important quality. And the relationships have to be solid to start with, because otherwise a couple is never going to get through it.
How would you describe your relationship with co-creator and fellow Executive Producer David Barbour?
We have the perfect TV relationship because David is the most gifted editor in Australia. So, I shoot the show in Melbourne and send the tapes to David every day and he does the harder job of putting it all together.
Do you and David ever disagree about the show?
No, we came up with this idea together and we always enjoy letting it take us in interesting new directions. So if either of us has an idea for moving the show down a different path, the other one always supports it. We like to see where it will go.
What’s been the single biggest change you’ve made to The Block as the seasons have progressed?
We always try to keep the essence of the show intact. It is always set in one location with couples renovating for profit. Other than that, everything is open to new ideas as far as we are concerned. The biggest single change for us was when Channel Nine wanted us to go on five nights a week. That was the biggest challenge we have ever faced, but it has also proved to be the best decision for the show. Now the audience gets to see pretty much everything that goes on throughout the entire renovation.
Catch all the action from the latest series of The Block on Sundays at 6.30pm and from Monday to Thursdays at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.Read more
The Swarm 2024 New South Wales
The Swarm 2024 New South Wales
The Swarm 2024 NSW brought together three of our favourite things: Suzuki cars, Suzuki fans, and a road trippin’ convoy taking in some of NSW’s most stunning bush and coastline scenery.
NSW kicked off The Swarm 2024 nationwide series with a glorious day at the Cataract Activity Centre just north of Wollongong, set in 163 hectares of gorgeous Australian bushland.
The crew of Suzuki fans and their wheels met at the Event Village at Camp Cataract, then hit the road on a group drive around 84km of the region’s bush and coastline, including crossing the visually stunning landmark Sea Cliff Bridge.
Back at Event Village, we put on a day of Suzuki fun and entertainment, with lawn games, food, prizes, Red Bull to keep the energy levels up, and plenty of opportunity to get to know fellow Suzuki drivers while checking out their rigs.
And what a turnout! From the latest Jimny XL to beautifully preserved 1st-generation vintage Jimny from the 1970s, the Suzuki vehicle line up covered every era and it was just incredible to see so many Suzuki vehicles and fans celebrating together.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read more
The Swarm 2024 South Australia
The Swarm 2024 South Australia
The picturesque Adelaide Hills are known for their cool climate pinot noirs, but they’ll also be remembered as the place a swarm of Suzuki fans and their sweet Suzuki rides made history.
The Swarm 2024 South Australian event was hosted amongst the picturesque vineyards at Barristers Block Winery. Suzuki drivers and their ride-alongs met here to say ‘hi’ and grab a coffee before we hit the road on a 39km scenic group drive around the local area.
Highlights of the road trip included the historic town of Hahndorf – where you can be sure plenty of pics were snapped by drivers and onlookers alike! An unforgettable sight, as a stream of Suzuki vehicles from the 1st Gen Jimny of the 1970’s through to the latest model Jimny XL passed through the quaint village. And every Suzuki model in between, including Vitara, Swift, Baleno and more.
Back at Barristers Block, we unwound with some tunes, food, lawn games, Red Bull and prizes, while Suzuki fans got to chat and check out each other’s Suzuki rides up close and personal. Smiles were shared, pics were snapped, and energy drinks were consumed in great quantities. Sounds like the perfect day to us!
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read more
The Swarm 2024 Western Australia
The Swarm 2024 Western Australia
The last weekend of summer saw hundreds of Suzuki drivers gather at Hall Park in Halls Head, Mandurah for a day of Suzuki celebration in a spectacular waterside spot.
The sun on the water sparkled almost as much as the freshly detailed paintwork of the beloved Suzuki vehicles driven by fans whose passion borders on obsession… and we are here for it!
Adventure called – and we answered, hitting the road on a group drive winding along the Mandurah coast and over bridges, through the beachy vibes of Halls Head Beach, Port Bouvard and Point Morfitt.
Back at Hall Park, it was time for fun, Suzuki-style, with games, music, prizes, great food and Red Bull on tap.
The vehicle line-up was like a classic hits playlist featuring the Suzuki chart-toppers from every era, including the 70s, 80s & 90s right through to the latest Vitara and Jimny models on sale today. Yet the music played by the Red Bull DJ was anything but old-school.
Our like-minded Suzuki fans popped their bonnets and boots to show off or be inspired by the range of mods, custom paintwork and perfectly preserved vintage rides. A perfectly pink Barbie Jimny? Of course!
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day in WA right here!Read more
The Swarm 2024 Tasmania
The Swarm 2024 Tasmania
Tasmanian Suzuki fans blew off some steam with a day of Suzuki fun and entertainment by the sea. On a morning in early Autumn, a passionate group of local Suzuki fans met up for a day of Suzuki fun and entertainment by the sea.
Drivers swarmed to at the Event Village at the Royal Hobart Regatta Grounds. After a warm welcome, we jumped back behind the wheel to stretch our wheels and spread the Suzuki love on a group drive. The motley Suzuki crew convoyed over a picturesque 77km figure-8 course across the Sorrell Causeway, up to Richmond then down to Lauderdale. The only thing better than the scenery was the company!
Back at the Event Village, the fun kicked up a gear with activities, lawn games and prizes, plus a free supply of Red Bull and tasty food for Suzuki fans, all with epic Tassie views across to the Tasman Bridge. Here, our Suzuki Carmunity got to hang out and shoot the breeze on everyone’s favourite subject – their Suzuki!
Despite grey skies, the Suzuki vehicle line-up shone, with a wide range of Suzuki vehicles on show from every era.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read more
The Swarm 2024 Victoria
The Swarm 2024 Victoria
We welcomed Autumn with The Swarm 2024 for Victoria held in the breathtaking Marysville region. Saladin Lodge, surrounded by lush forest and postcard-worthy views, was the Event Village for the day.
Driving the iconic Black Spur on the way to the venue gave our cameras a warm-up for the day ahead.
From the Event Village, we hopped in our Suzuki wheels of all makes and models and stretched our legs (or tyres) on the winding forest roads on a group drive through the quaint towns of Buxton, Maryville and Narbethong. Back at the Lodge, we turned up the fun with our Red Bull DJ (and free Red Bull, of course), games including giant Suzuki Jenga, prizes, food, and those epic views. Those who fancy themselves off-road masters got the chance to prove it on our miniature 4×4 course featuring adorable remote control Jimnys!
But the real hero of the day – the Suzuki vehicle line up. Our Suzuki Carmunity got to hang out and shoot the breeze on everyone’s favourite subject – their Suzuki!
Every model from old-school 1st gen Jimnys to the Carry truck, the latest Vitara, Swift, Ignis and S-CROSS models and even a line-up of Suzuki motorcycles was represented. Proof the Suzuki range really does have something for every type of driver.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read more
The Swarm 2024 Queensland
The Swarm 2024 Queensland
The final Suzuki Swarm event of 2024 took place at the picturesque Samford Showgrounds, in Highvale, Queensland. This site proved to be the perfect recipe, both in terms of being an absolutely stunning location, but also its capacity, as the numbers were huge!
There was a swarm of owners, passengers, event sponsors and vendors, each of whom enjoyed a day together celebrating all things Suzuki in the great State of Queensland.
Guests enjoyed entertainment and refreshments from Red Bull, along with tasty tucker from our event catering vendors the King of Wings, Otto Cucina pizzas and great coffee from The Powerstation Co.
The event included a charity raffle, which raised $3K towards the Leukemia Foundation, while guests soaked up an opportunity to purchase authentic Suzuki merchandise, with over $2.5K in sales.
Whilst having time to meet and greet like-minded owners, the crowd scanned the swarm of cars on display – some new, some old, and a sprinkling of models very old! A large contingent of the guests also took the chance to go on the convoy road trip, through Samford Valley, on towards Cashmere and looping back via Mount Samson. With some fantastic views and plenty of picture postcard opportunities.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read more
Swift Hybrid Wins Money Magazine’s Best of the Best 2025 Award for Best-Value Small Car
Swift Hybrid Wins Money Magazine’s Best of the Best 2025 Award for Best-Value Small Car
Updated
Money Magazine’s Best of the Best awards celebrate best value purchase options in Australia
Swift Hybrid tops Small Car category with low price-point, excellent fuel economy and advanced hybrid technology
Recognition a triumph of fun and function at a low cost
Suzuki Australia is thrilled to announce that the Suzuki Swift Hybrid has been named Money Magazine’s Best-Value Small Car of 2025.
Designed to showcase good value products and promote informed purchasing power, Money Magazine’s Best of the Best Awards evaluate products and services in terms of two key considerations: value and performance. In the Best Value Small Car category, the awards assess the car market according to such factors as price, fuel economy, safety, reliability, and overall performance.
Having landed in Australia mid-2024, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid, now in its fourth generation, bested the Skoda Scala Select and Kia Picanto Sport auto for first place with its low ownership costs, impressive fuel efficiency and advanced eco-friendly hybrid technology.
“Naturally, we’re chuffed to bits with this accolade,” said Michael Pachota, General Manager of Automobiles at Suzuki Australia. “The Swift has always been designed with value in mind, and this award, coming so soon after the car’s launch here in Australia, reinforces our commitment to making cars that don’t just deliver on performance but on efficiency, sustainability, and, of course, fun.”
What makes the Swift Hybrid an award-winning small car?
Form meets fun
Inside and out, fun, Suzuki’s driving purpose, is on full display in the Swift Hybrid. The car is available in seven different colour options, including a zesty Flame Orange, Burning Red Metallic, and a Frontier Blue Metallic and Super Black Pearl dual tone. Compact and aerodynamic, with its flared fenders, playful curves and signature ‘floating’ roof, the Swift’s body is iconically playful, while a 9-inch high-definition touchscreen and Wireless Apple CarPlay ensure that the good times keep rolling indoors. As an added bonus, the wide-angle rear camera and parking sensors make the not-always-so-fun task of reverse parking easy-breezy.
Easy on the wallet, kinder to the climate
On-road, the Swift Hybrid is zippy and nimble, making it fun – and affordable – to drive. The next-gen Swift Hybrid powertrain – a hybrid system that combines a 3-cylinder, 1.2L petrol engine with a self-charging electric motor and 12V lithium-ion battery – uses regenerative energy to assist the petrol engine when required. This reduces fuel consumption to 3.8L/100km and CO2 emissions to 85g/km, equating to fewer trips to the pump, none to charging stations, and a better result for the environment all around.
All the extras
The Swift Hybrid is currently available in three trim levels in Australia. The base model, which starts at $24,490, offers both five-speed manual and CVT auto transmissions, taking the variant count to four.
While the Swift may be small, it comes packed with plenty of features. In addition to keyless entry/start, LED lights and Adaptive Cruise Control, standard safety features include a Dual Camera/Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Support System, automatic high beams, Lane Departure Prevention, Weaving Alert, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Taking things up a notch, the Swift Hybrid Plus also adds into the bargain Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
As Australia’s automotive industry moves toward more sustainable driving solutions, the Swift Hybrid’s win in the Best-Value Small Car category demonstrates that Suzuki is leading the way with innovative, low-cost vehicles that deliver great value and a reduced environmental impact.Read more
Sergeant Jim Joins NSW Police Force!
Sergeant Jim Joins NSW Police Force!
Updated
Suzuki Australia are proud to announce the newest member of Lake Macquarie Police District’s Crime Prevention Unit, Sergeant Jim, a Suzuki Jimny specially outfitted to enhance community engagement and support the protection of vulnerable individuals.
In collaboration with Suzuki Australia, the Lake Macquarie Police Crime Prevention Unit (LMCPU) has introduced Sergeant Jim to enhance and promote community engagement with the NSW Police Force at various school and community events across the police district. The sponsorship agreement means that the purchase of the vehicle comes at no cost to the community.
The Crime Prevention Unit works to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime across the entire Lake Macquarie Police District, covering approximately 648 km². With a population of over 221,000 residents, Lake Macquarie is one of New South Wales’ largest regional cities. The area comprises 95 communities, including nine town centres, and is projected to experience significant growth, with an expected increase of 24,450 residents by 2036, necessitating the development of 13,700 new dwellings and the creation of 11,741 new jobs.
The Suzuki Jimny is well known for its reliability, capability and large popularity across diverse demographics. Its distinctive appearance and approachable design make it an ideal tool for fostering conversations and building trust within the community.
“Sergeant Jim is more than just a vehicle, it’s a conversation starter,” said Michael Pachota, General Manager at Suzuki Australia. “In times when national crime rates are a topic of discussion, we saw an opportunity to contribute positively at a local level.”
The introduction of Sergeant Jim reflects a broader trend of community engagement, with Suzuki owners across Australia organising events that bring people together. Some gatherings have seen over 200 Suzuki vehicles participating, highlighting Suzuki’s role in fostering community spirit.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Tracy Chapman APM, said the addition of the sponsored Suzuki Jimny will allow officers to break the ice with members of the community at local events.
“Sergeant Jim’s livery will hopefully be a great conversation starter while on display and get more people, especially younger people, comfortable with approaching their local police,” Superintendent Chapman said.
“The purchase of this vehicle comes at no cost to the community thanks to the generosity of Suzuki Australia in providing this vehicle for our community engagement activities.”
The partnership between Suzuki Australia and the Lake Macquarie Police District highlights how a fun, popular, and instantly recognisable vehicle like the Suzuki Jimny can play a meaningful role in bringing communities together. As Sergeant Jim hits the road, it not only reflects Suzuki’s commitment to supporting safer, more connected neighbourhoods, but also helps foster positive interactions and lasting relationships between the police and the public.
Photo credit: HIVIS Group
Read moreMeet the man behind The Block, Julian Cress
Meet the man behind The Block, Julian Cress
Updated
As the latest series of The Block gets underway, we chat to the show’s co-creator and Executive Producer, Julian Cress (pictured at left with co-creator David Barbour), about keeping things interesting nine series on.
The format for The Block keeps changing: where do you continue to get your inspiration?
We get our inspiration from the audience. Our job is to always find new ways to entertain them. With so many fans of The Block returning each season and new fans coming on board, we don’t want to let them down. As each new season evolves, we continue to find amazing talent, and that gives us the chance to mix up the format by bringing back former teams to compete in new and interesting ways.
What is it about Melbourne that prompts you to keep filming there?
Melbourne has some of the most interesting architectural features in the country – they are very much at the leading edge worldwide. And the city is also home to world-class design stores, which gives the contestants amazing opportunities to do new and interesting things. The city also gets right behind the show and gives us a very warm welcome wherever we go.
You’ve had a lot of faces pass through The Block over the years. Is there one couple that’s been particularly memorable for you?
So many of the teams have been memorable and many of them have gone on to become close friends since being on the show. So, for that reason, I don’t want to single anybody out as a favourite. But really memorable couples for me would include Dan and Dani, Alisa and Lysandra, and Gav and Waz.
What kind of building/renovating knowledge did you have when you first came up with the concept for The Block?
Not very much, except growing up watching my parents do it. It’s been a steep learning curve over the past decade of producing the show, getting my head around property development. I’d like to think I’m starting to get the hang of it now!
We understand you bought a new family home earlier this year. What lessons did you apply from The Block when looking for your own home?
Location, location, location. That is the single most important element in real estate. Everything else can be changed.
What’s one thing viewers would be surprised to learn about The Block host Scott Cam?
I’m often asked if Scott’s as nice a bloke in real life as he is on the set of The Block. It may not be surprising to learn that the answer is yes; he’s exactly like he appears on the show.
The Block is reality TV at its best, but have you ever been tempted to change the format to start eliminating contestants?
No, we only ever do eliminations at the beginning of the series. With the amount of effort required to do The Block, it would be too mean to chuck someone out halfway through.
What do you look for when auditioning people for the show?
Enthusiasm is the most important quality. And the relationships have to be solid to start with, because otherwise a couple is never going to get through it.
How would you describe your relationship with co-creator and fellow Executive Producer David Barbour?
We have the perfect TV relationship because David is the most gifted editor in Australia. So, I shoot the show in Melbourne and send the tapes to David every day and he does the harder job of putting it all together.
Do you and David ever disagree about the show?
No, we came up with this idea together and we always enjoy letting it take us in interesting new directions. So if either of us has an idea for moving the show down a different path, the other one always supports it. We like to see where it will go.
What’s been the single biggest change you’ve made to The Block as the seasons have progressed?
We always try to keep the essence of the show intact. It is always set in one location with couples renovating for profit. Other than that, everything is open to new ideas as far as we are concerned. The biggest single change for us was when Channel Nine wanted us to go on five nights a week. That was the biggest challenge we have ever faced, but it has also proved to be the best decision for the show. Now the audience gets to see pretty much everything that goes on throughout the entire renovation.
Catch all the action from the latest series of The Block on Sundays at 6.30pm and from Monday to Thursdays at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.Read moreThe Swarm 2024 New South Wales
The Swarm 2024 New South Wales
The Swarm 2024 NSW brought together three of our favourite things: Suzuki cars, Suzuki fans, and a road trippin’ convoy taking in some of NSW’s most stunning bush and coastline scenery.
NSW kicked off The Swarm 2024 nationwide series with a glorious day at the Cataract Activity Centre just north of Wollongong, set in 163 hectares of gorgeous Australian bushland.
The crew of Suzuki fans and their wheels met at the Event Village at Camp Cataract, then hit the road on a group drive around 84km of the region’s bush and coastline, including crossing the visually stunning landmark Sea Cliff Bridge.
Back at Event Village, we put on a day of Suzuki fun and entertainment, with lawn games, food, prizes, Red Bull to keep the energy levels up, and plenty of opportunity to get to know fellow Suzuki drivers while checking out their rigs.
And what a turnout! From the latest Jimny XL to beautifully preserved 1st-generation vintage Jimny from the 1970s, the Suzuki vehicle line up covered every era and it was just incredible to see so many Suzuki vehicles and fans celebrating together.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read moreThe Swarm 2024 South Australia
The Swarm 2024 South Australia
The picturesque Adelaide Hills are known for their cool climate pinot noirs, but they’ll also be remembered as the place a swarm of Suzuki fans and their sweet Suzuki rides made history.
The Swarm 2024 South Australian event was hosted amongst the picturesque vineyards at Barristers Block Winery. Suzuki drivers and their ride-alongs met here to say ‘hi’ and grab a coffee before we hit the road on a 39km scenic group drive around the local area.
Highlights of the road trip included the historic town of Hahndorf – where you can be sure plenty of pics were snapped by drivers and onlookers alike! An unforgettable sight, as a stream of Suzuki vehicles from the 1st Gen Jimny of the 1970’s through to the latest model Jimny XL passed through the quaint village. And every Suzuki model in between, including Vitara, Swift, Baleno and more.
Back at Barristers Block, we unwound with some tunes, food, lawn games, Red Bull and prizes, while Suzuki fans got to chat and check out each other’s Suzuki rides up close and personal. Smiles were shared, pics were snapped, and energy drinks were consumed in great quantities. Sounds like the perfect day to us!
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read moreThe Swarm 2024 Western Australia
The Swarm 2024 Western Australia
The last weekend of summer saw hundreds of Suzuki drivers gather at Hall Park in Halls Head, Mandurah for a day of Suzuki celebration in a spectacular waterside spot.
The sun on the water sparkled almost as much as the freshly detailed paintwork of the beloved Suzuki vehicles driven by fans whose passion borders on obsession… and we are here for it!
Adventure called – and we answered, hitting the road on a group drive winding along the Mandurah coast and over bridges, through the beachy vibes of Halls Head Beach, Port Bouvard and Point Morfitt.
Back at Hall Park, it was time for fun, Suzuki-style, with games, music, prizes, great food and Red Bull on tap.
The vehicle line-up was like a classic hits playlist featuring the Suzuki chart-toppers from every era, including the 70s, 80s & 90s right through to the latest Vitara and Jimny models on sale today. Yet the music played by the Red Bull DJ was anything but old-school.
Our like-minded Suzuki fans popped their bonnets and boots to show off or be inspired by the range of mods, custom paintwork and perfectly preserved vintage rides. A perfectly pink Barbie Jimny? Of course!
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day in WA right here!Read moreThe Swarm 2024 Tasmania
The Swarm 2024 Tasmania
Tasmanian Suzuki fans blew off some steam with a day of Suzuki fun and entertainment by the sea. On a morning in early Autumn, a passionate group of local Suzuki fans met up for a day of Suzuki fun and entertainment by the sea.
Drivers swarmed to at the Event Village at the Royal Hobart Regatta Grounds. After a warm welcome, we jumped back behind the wheel to stretch our wheels and spread the Suzuki love on a group drive. The motley Suzuki crew convoyed over a picturesque 77km figure-8 course across the Sorrell Causeway, up to Richmond then down to Lauderdale. The only thing better than the scenery was the company!
Back at the Event Village, the fun kicked up a gear with activities, lawn games and prizes, plus a free supply of Red Bull and tasty food for Suzuki fans, all with epic Tassie views across to the Tasman Bridge. Here, our Suzuki Carmunity got to hang out and shoot the breeze on everyone’s favourite subject – their Suzuki!
Despite grey skies, the Suzuki vehicle line-up shone, with a wide range of Suzuki vehicles on show from every era.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read moreThe Swarm 2024 Victoria
The Swarm 2024 Victoria
We welcomed Autumn with The Swarm 2024 for Victoria held in the breathtaking Marysville region. Saladin Lodge, surrounded by lush forest and postcard-worthy views, was the Event Village for the day.
Driving the iconic Black Spur on the way to the venue gave our cameras a warm-up for the day ahead.
From the Event Village, we hopped in our Suzuki wheels of all makes and models and stretched our legs (or tyres) on the winding forest roads on a group drive through the quaint towns of Buxton, Maryville and Narbethong. Back at the Lodge, we turned up the fun with our Red Bull DJ (and free Red Bull, of course), games including giant Suzuki Jenga, prizes, food, and those epic views. Those who fancy themselves off-road masters got the chance to prove it on our miniature 4×4 course featuring adorable remote control Jimnys!
But the real hero of the day – the Suzuki vehicle line up. Our Suzuki Carmunity got to hang out and shoot the breeze on everyone’s favourite subject – their Suzuki!
Every model from old-school 1st gen Jimnys to the Carry truck, the latest Vitara, Swift, Ignis and S-CROSS models and even a line-up of Suzuki motorcycles was represented. Proof the Suzuki range really does have something for every type of driver.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read moreThe Swarm 2024 Queensland
The Swarm 2024 Queensland
The final Suzuki Swarm event of 2024 took place at the picturesque Samford Showgrounds, in Highvale, Queensland. This site proved to be the perfect recipe, both in terms of being an absolutely stunning location, but also its capacity, as the numbers were huge!
There was a swarm of owners, passengers, event sponsors and vendors, each of whom enjoyed a day together celebrating all things Suzuki in the great State of Queensland.
Guests enjoyed entertainment and refreshments from Red Bull, along with tasty tucker from our event catering vendors the King of Wings, Otto Cucina pizzas and great coffee from The Powerstation Co.
The event included a charity raffle, which raised $3K towards the Leukemia Foundation, while guests soaked up an opportunity to purchase authentic Suzuki merchandise, with over $2.5K in sales.
Whilst having time to meet and greet like-minded owners, the crowd scanned the swarm of cars on display – some new, some old, and a sprinkling of models very old! A large contingent of the guests also took the chance to go on the convoy road trip, through Samford Valley, on towards Cashmere and looping back via Mount Samson. With some fantastic views and plenty of picture postcard opportunities.
Check out the video highlights of this brilliant day here!Read moreSwift Hybrid Wins Money Magazine’s Best of the Best 2025 Award for Best-Value Small Car
Swift Hybrid Wins Money Magazine’s Best of the Best 2025 Award for Best-Value Small Car
Updated
Money Magazine’s Best of the Best awards celebrate best value purchase options in Australia
Swift Hybrid tops Small Car category with low price-point, excellent fuel economy and advanced hybrid technology
Recognition a triumph of fun and function at a low cost
Suzuki Australia is thrilled to announce that the Suzuki Swift Hybrid has been named Money Magazine’s Best-Value Small Car of 2025.
Designed to showcase good value products and promote informed purchasing power, Money Magazine’s Best of the Best Awards evaluate products and services in terms of two key considerations: value and performance. In the Best Value Small Car category, the awards assess the car market according to such factors as price, fuel economy, safety, reliability, and overall performance.
Having landed in Australia mid-2024, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid, now in its fourth generation, bested the Skoda Scala Select and Kia Picanto Sport auto for first place with its low ownership costs, impressive fuel efficiency and advanced eco-friendly hybrid technology.
“Naturally, we’re chuffed to bits with this accolade,” said Michael Pachota, General Manager of Automobiles at Suzuki Australia. “The Swift has always been designed with value in mind, and this award, coming so soon after the car’s launch here in Australia, reinforces our commitment to making cars that don’t just deliver on performance but on efficiency, sustainability, and, of course, fun.”
What makes the Swift Hybrid an award-winning small car?
Form meets fun
Inside and out, fun, Suzuki’s driving purpose, is on full display in the Swift Hybrid. The car is available in seven different colour options, including a zesty Flame Orange, Burning Red Metallic, and a Frontier Blue Metallic and Super Black Pearl dual tone. Compact and aerodynamic, with its flared fenders, playful curves and signature ‘floating’ roof, the Swift’s body is iconically playful, while a 9-inch high-definition touchscreen and Wireless Apple CarPlay ensure that the good times keep rolling indoors. As an added bonus, the wide-angle rear camera and parking sensors make the not-always-so-fun task of reverse parking easy-breezy.
Easy on the wallet, kinder to the climate
On-road, the Swift Hybrid is zippy and nimble, making it fun – and affordable – to drive. The next-gen Swift Hybrid powertrain – a hybrid system that combines a 3-cylinder, 1.2L petrol engine with a self-charging electric motor and 12V lithium-ion battery – uses regenerative energy to assist the petrol engine when required. This reduces fuel consumption to 3.8L/100km and CO2 emissions to 85g/km, equating to fewer trips to the pump, none to charging stations, and a better result for the environment all around.
All the extras
The Swift Hybrid is currently available in three trim levels in Australia. The base model, which starts at $24,490, offers both five-speed manual and CVT auto transmissions, taking the variant count to four.
While the Swift may be small, it comes packed with plenty of features. In addition to keyless entry/start, LED lights and Adaptive Cruise Control, standard safety features include a Dual Camera/Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Support System, automatic high beams, Lane Departure Prevention, Weaving Alert, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Taking things up a notch, the Swift Hybrid Plus also adds into the bargain Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
As Australia’s automotive industry moves toward more sustainable driving solutions, the Swift Hybrid’s win in the Best-Value Small Car category demonstrates that Suzuki is leading the way with innovative, low-cost vehicles that deliver great value and a reduced environmental impact.Read moreSergeant Jim Joins NSW Police Force!
Sergeant Jim Joins NSW Police Force!
Updated
Suzuki Australia are proud to announce the newest member of Lake Macquarie Police District’s Crime Prevention Unit, Sergeant Jim, a Suzuki Jimny specially outfitted to enhance community engagement and support the protection of vulnerable individuals.
In collaboration with Suzuki Australia, the Lake Macquarie Police Crime Prevention Unit (LMCPU) has introduced Sergeant Jim to enhance and promote community engagement with the NSW Police Force at various school and community events across the police district. The sponsorship agreement means that the purchase of the vehicle comes at no cost to the community.
The Crime Prevention Unit works to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime across the entire Lake Macquarie Police District, covering approximately 648 km². With a population of over 221,000 residents, Lake Macquarie is one of New South Wales’ largest regional cities. The area comprises 95 communities, including nine town centres, and is projected to experience significant growth, with an expected increase of 24,450 residents by 2036, necessitating the development of 13,700 new dwellings and the creation of 11,741 new jobs.
The Suzuki Jimny is well known for its reliability, capability and large popularity across diverse demographics. Its distinctive appearance and approachable design make it an ideal tool for fostering conversations and building trust within the community.
“Sergeant Jim is more than just a vehicle, it’s a conversation starter,” said Michael Pachota, General Manager at Suzuki Australia. “In times when national crime rates are a topic of discussion, we saw an opportunity to contribute positively at a local level.”
The introduction of Sergeant Jim reflects a broader trend of community engagement, with Suzuki owners across Australia organising events that bring people together. Some gatherings have seen over 200 Suzuki vehicles participating, highlighting Suzuki’s role in fostering community spirit.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Tracy Chapman APM, said the addition of the sponsored Suzuki Jimny will allow officers to break the ice with members of the community at local events.
“Sergeant Jim’s livery will hopefully be a great conversation starter while on display and get more people, especially younger people, comfortable with approaching their local police,” Superintendent Chapman said.
“The purchase of this vehicle comes at no cost to the community thanks to the generosity of Suzuki Australia in providing this vehicle for our community engagement activities.”
The partnership between Suzuki Australia and the Lake Macquarie Police District highlights how a fun, popular, and instantly recognisable vehicle like the Suzuki Jimny can play a meaningful role in bringing communities together. As Sergeant Jim hits the road, it not only reflects Suzuki’s commitment to supporting safer, more connected neighbourhoods, but also helps foster positive interactions and lasting relationships between the police and the public.
Photo credit: HIVIS Group
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