Suzuki Hustler minicar awarded 2015 RJC Car of the Year

Launched in Japan earlier this year, the Suzuki Hustler minicar has bagged the ‘2015 RJC Car of the Year’ award which was adjudged by the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan. It is the fifth car from the Suzuki stable to win this award after the WagonR in 1993, the WagonR and WagonR Stingray in 2008, and the Swift in 2005 and 2010.

The Suzuki Hustler has successfully clocked 86,918 units so far and has been a sales hit in Japan. The car is limited only to the Japanese market and focuses on comfort for city driving.

RJC said in a statement, “Hustler has pioneered a new genre as a lighthearted mini SUV. It not only pays attention to driving performances, but also to colours including body colours. Furthermore, it realises enough comfort for city driving. In a broad sense, it is a car that gives dreams to its users. It can be enjoyed with the family, alone, or with a partner. The deep insight and freshness of the car were highly valued.”

The Suzuki Hustler minicar measures 3,300mm in length, is 1,400mm wide and has a height of 1,600mm. It is equipped with a 0.66-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which churns out 52PS of power and 63Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

The 24th ‘RJC Car of the Year’ was selected from domestic models that were launched between November 1, 2013 and October 31, 2014 by the jury.