Suzuki New Zealand to introduce an 8-year new car warranty

Suzuki New Zealand has announced a major upgrade to its new-vehicle warranty, extending coverage from three to eight years.

Currently, new Suzuki models are sold with a three-year, 100,000km warranty. From April 1, that will increase to an eight-year, 160,000km warranty for all new vehicles.

The announcement was made during the local reveal of the brand’s first electric vehicle, the Suzuki e Vitara, and represents a significant step up in coverage. The new warranty will also apply to the battery in the e Vitara, as well as future full electric and hybrid models.

The eight-year warranty will be conditional on servicing the vehicle at authorised Suzuki dealers in accordance with the recommended service schedule. Suzuki NZ will also provide five years of AA roadside assistance with new vehicles.

Suzuki says the longer warranty will boost resale values and give Kiwi buyers greater confidence in its lineup, particularly as it expands into electrified vehicles. The warranty is transferable, meaning subsequent owners can benefit from the remaining coverage.

The move positions Suzuki as offering the longest warranty by time among mainstream Japanese brands in New Zealand, though Chinese brands still lead overall.

Chery currently offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with an eight-year unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. GWM also provides seven years with unlimited kilometres, while BYD offers six years and 150,000km coverage.

Among other rivals, Ford backs its vehicles with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Kia offers five years and 150,000km for petrol and electric vehicles, and seven years for hybrids, while Tesla recently moved to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in New Zealand.