My New Swift Sport Has Landed!

peterattheboro · 7 Sep 2009 at 12:27

iaind said:
I havent driven one myself but from what I've read there's nothing wrong with the driving dynamics of them.

Excitement and performance are probably last on the list (if they're on it at all) for most people buying a small runabout.

It would be like me saying "I can't see why anyone would want an F430, you cant get nearly as many wardobes in it as an RS6" - different cars, different purposes

But with it having the twin pipes, 17" alloys and racing stripes, you would expect a little bit of performance. It is also called a Sport. Probably because it looks sporty but actually isn't.

iaind · 7 Sep 2009 at 12:29

peterattheboro said:
But with it having the twin pipes, 17" alloys and racing stripes, you would expect a little bit of performance. It is also called a Sport. Probably because it looks sporty but actually isn't.

Purely cosmetic, which is one thing that does rank quite highly on city runabouts normally.

A bit like my car, its a Mondeo with lower suspension, full body kit and 18" alloys - but it only has a 2.0 diesel engine... Yes, more performance would be nicer, but wasnt really a deciding factor in the car

peterattheboro · 7 Sep 2009 at 12:33

iaind said:
Purely cosmetic, which is one thing that does rank quite highly on city runabouts normally.

A bit like my car, its a Mondeo with lower suspension, full body kit and 18" alloys - but it only has a 2.0 diesel engine... Yes, more performance would be nicer, but wasnt really a deciding factor in the car

So it's the same as the chav from the council estate brapping up his 1.1 Saxo with a ridiculous bodykit and 19" alloys for it to be all show, no go.

This Suzuki is not for me

iaind · 7 Sep 2009 at 12:36

peterattheboro said:
So it's the same as the chav from the council estate brapping up his 1.1 Saxo with a ridiculous bodykit and 19" alloys for it to be all show, no go.

This Suzuki is not for me

Different things in my eyes - my car's completely standard, as is that Suzuki. At least they both look good, no fake angel eyes or massive exhausts that sound like a wet fart. Chav's cant make that distinction.

Each to their own though!

oweneades · 7 Sep 2009 at 12:37

peterattheboro said:
But with it having the twin pipes, 17" alloys and racing stripes, you would expect a little bit of performance. It is also called a Sport. Probably because it looks sporty but actually isn't.

It does 0-60 in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph. This is bang on for its sector of the market ( a junior hot hatch). It is also a hoot to drive and quicker than on paper figures would suggest (It needs 3rd for 60). Easily as much fun to chuck around as a clio 182 just with a lower speed showing on the speedo.

They are also a massive hoot on the North Wales B roads (I know from experience)!

The only thing you need to look out for is the woeful trim quality, mine developed numerous rattles within a very short space of time. This may have been sorted on the post facelift (MY2008).

peterattheboro · 7 Sep 2009 at 12:39

oweneades said:
It does 0-60 in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph. This is bang on for its sector of the market ( a junior hot hatch). It is also a hoot to drive and quicker than on paper figures would suggest (It needs 3rd for 60). Easily as much fun to chuck around as a clio 182 just with a lower speed showing on the speedo.

They are also a massive hoot on the North Wales B roads (I know from experience)!

The only thing you need to look out for is the woeful trim quality, mine developed numerous rattles within a very short space of time. This may have been sorted on the post facelift (MY2008).

Suppose that's a good thing. A luke warm hot hatch for the kiddies who want rid of their first 1.0 Corsa.

Would rather they jump into this Suzuki than a VTR though

lordrobs · 7 Sep 2009 at 12:48

Didn't Tiffany Dell rate these over the Punto Arbarth in terms of overall fun factor?

Spammeh · 7 Sep 2009 at 13:23

My mate has one of these and you'll struggle to find a car thats as fun to chuck into bends for the price really. Cheap as chips (less than 8k for a 3yr old model), 0-62 is like 8odd seconds and its really not as bad as people like to make out.

Good choice, you'll enjoy it

danza · 7 Sep 2009 at 13:26

lordrobs said:
Didn't Tiffany Dell rate these over the Punto Arbarth in terms of overall fun factor?

He does like them, not sure about rating them over the Abarth though.

As for performance/image - IMO it does exactly what it says on the tin. It looks 'sporty' has a beefed up chassis, decent suspension and better brakes over the lesser Swifts. It's hardly the fastest car on the road, but is a real laugh to drive.