Stephanie Turner is the Sales Manager at Springfield Gateshead
which is a FOXY Lady Approved Suzuki dealership serving the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area.
As it’s still quite unusual to find so many females in one dealership we were interested to hear her thoughts about cars and her latest Suzuki Swift in particular.
How important is a car to you, outside work?
My boyfriend and I live together and we don’t have children.
We’re both interested in cars, but he is a bit more of a petrol head than me so he has his own car! I need one that’s small enough to negotiate our busy roads but big enough to get my niece and nephew in when I take them out.
My nephew has not turned one yet, so I need enough space and Isofix fittings for a car seat, plus booster seat and a pram.
However the rest of the time I am usually in the car on my own so I don’t need it to be too big.
Tell us about your car and any extra features it has
My car is a Suzuki Swift SZ-L, 1.2 petrol and a 2016 model. It was a great choice because it was such good value for money and whilst it’s cheap to run it’s loaded with specifications and colour choices.
For example, it has touch screen radio with sat-nav and DAB, Bluetooth, ipod connection and loads of exterior style features too. Tinted windows, rear spoiler and black painted alloy wheels into the bargain. 2017 on the road prices for a brand new Suzuki Swift start at £9249 before the FOXY Lady Drivers Club discount comes into effect.
What do you like most and least about this car?
What I like most about this car is that it is small enough to nip around town and park easily, in comfort.
The only thing I would say that could be improved is if it had parking sensors which didn’t come as standard with this version.
I would recommend adding this feature or having parking sensors fitted later.
How do women feel about Springfield and what customer touches do they seem to like best?
There’s always the option to speak to a female in all Departments if preferred. We’re well represented by a female Sales Executive, Sales Manager (that’s me) and Service Advisor. I think the presence of so many women probably helps our business feel more female friendly than an all male one might.
It seems to help them relax and I’m sure it gives them more confidence, whether they deal with a man or a woman at the time. We’re such a friendly and happy team and hopefully that comes across to all our customers, regardless of gender.
We offer the option of a test drive with a female and if you do order a car from us, when you come to collect it we’ll add in a lovely bunch of flowers to say thank you.
I can honestly say that we take every customer seriously, regardless of gender, treating every customer fairly. For example, we would never take advantage of a female on her own in the showroom, such as selling her add ons she didn’t need, and I’m always horrified when I read that this happens elsewhere.
We will always treat you with respect and never pressurise you into buying any car. A relaxed and enjoyable car shopping environment is what we aim to provide for every customer who walks through our doors.
When you next buy a car what are the most important features you’ll be looking for?
When I buy a car next, the most important features for me will be that the boot is big enough for a pram, with Isofix car seat fittings and enough room in both the front and back.
But I still prefer smaller cars because it’s usually only me in the car.
If you had to describe your car in three words what would they be?
I am very happy with my Suzuki Swift and find it lives up to its name! So, in short, my three words would be ‘stylish, nippy and smart.’
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FOXY Affinity Suzuki Discounts
Members of FOXY Lady Drivers Club qualify for car discounts after 3 months membership. These can be shared with one member of their immediate family, living at the same address. Terms apply.
The Suzuki Swift comes in many different models. Here is a sample of their OTR prices and discounts applicable, subject to confirmation, availability and member eligibility, as at January 2017.
The Swift 1.2 SZ2 3 door costs £9,249 reducing to £8,727.85 after the Club’s discount of £521.15
The Swift 1.2 SZ-L 3 door costs £11,649.00 reducing to £10,068.61 after the Club’s discount of £1580.39.
Swift 1.2 SZ3 5 door costs £11,499.00 reducing to £9,941.10 after the Club’s discount of £1,557.90.
The Swift 1.2 SZ-L 5 door (that Steph owns and reviews above) costs £12,149.00 reducing to £10,493.61 after The Club’s discount of £1,655.39.
The Swift 1.2 SZ4 5 door AT (Nav) costs £13,499.00 reducing to £11,641.10 after the Club’s discount of £1857.90.
The Swift 1.2 SZ3 4×4 5 door costs £12,499.00 reducing to £10,791.11 after the Club’s discount of £1707.89.
The Swift 1.2 SZ4 Dualjet 5 door (Nav) costs £13,099.00 reducing to £11,301.11 after the Club’s discount of £1797.89.
The Swift 1.2 SZ4 Dualjet 4×4 5 door (Nav) costs £14,599.00 reducing to £12,576.11 after the Club’s discount of £2022.89.
The Swift Sport 3 door (Nav) costs £14,649.00 reducing to £12,640.36 after The Club’s discount of £2008.64.
The Swift Sport 5 door (Nav) costs £15,149.00 reducing to £13,065.36 after the Club’s discount of £2083.64.
eoe/4jan2017
