Chosen by the members of the Irish Motoring Writers Association, it became the car to win by the highest margin in the 16 years since Semperit sponsored the competition.
The Swift garnered 119 points ahead of the Volkswagen Passat with 86 points, Ranger Rover Sport with 75, the Citroen C4 with 64 points and the Toyota Aygo with 61.
There were 33 original contenders this year. It is the first time Suzuki has won the competition, which was won last year by the Ford Focus.
The award was presented to Niall O'Gorman, general manager of Suzuki Ireland by Paddy Murphy of Semperit Ireland, in the presence of IMWA chairman Padraic Deane.
The Citroen C4 van won the Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2006 accolade. Paul Cregan, MD of Citroen Ireland, is pictured receiving the trophy from Paddy Murphy.
— Brian Byrne.
