Japanese importer Suzuki has criticized the ‘First Cars’ list produced by the Victorian Government to help parents choose first cars for young drivers.

In an apparent beurocratic bungle, the list only includes the safest used cars priced under $15,000 and Suzuki points out its $12,990 ‘Driveaway’-priced brand new Alto model provides six airbags and ESP (electronic stability program) as standard. In addition, as a new car, the Alto comes with the peace-of-mind provided by a three year/100,000 kms new car warranty. 

Suzuki Australia General Manager, Tony Devers, says the Victorian Government is sending mixed messages with its campaign to make six airbags and ESP mandatory for new cars but advocates young first-time buyers select their first car from a list of 50 used cars where only a handful have six airbags.

He also questioned the list on environmental grounds as many of the 50 vehicles are large family-size sedans. “What sort of message does it send when you promote used cars that produce more than 250 grams of C02 per kilometer, but don’t include new cars like the Alto that makes just 110 grams,’ Mr Devers asked.

Suzuki has challenged parents and Government agencies to compare the credentials of its $12,990 Driveaway-priced Alto model against any of the used cars included in the Victorian Government’s ‘First Car’ list.