Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 17:03
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - Brianthebubble

Would apreciate any views on these two cars. Like the SX4 becasue it is high up - interested in the grip model. With the Mazda I like the saloon but would probably go for the more practical hatch. Are Suzukis as well made and as reliable as the Mazdas?
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 17:24
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - doctorchris
These 2 cars are chalk and cheese. The Suzuki is a 4WD with light off-road capability and a fairly limited interior capacity for the class that it is in.
The Mazda is a capable hatchback in the Focus class offering something a bit different in terms of design from the mainstream.
You have to consider what your needs are. If you live in the rural North then 4WD capability may be needed at the expense of handling and load capacity.
If you will never really need 4WD then go for the Mazda.
My feeling about reliability is that Mazda and Suzuki are on a par but the complexity of the 4WD will make the Suzuki potentially less reliable.
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 17:28
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - stunorthants26
I drove a 2WD SX4 and it is a throughly competant car, but doesnt set the pulse racing. Likely to be reliable, they usually are, however, also look at the Fiat Sedici as its the same car and discounts more likely I imagine.
Do have a look at the boot though as it isnt that big compared to the Mazda.
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 17:34
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - Brianthebubble
Thanks for your reply. My concern with the Mazda was how high it was. I have a R reg Megane and I have to haul myself out of it , the seats are so low ,- a little overweight but nothing more. I had a look at a Mazda today where I work - West London - and it seemed the seating was a bit low. I take your point about reliability issue with the SX 4WD. How would you compare the Mazda 3 against Hyundai i30?. I do find the Megane although long in the tooth, is very smooth and relaxing to drive - on smooth roads. I suppose I am looking for that combination of quietness, reliability and economy. Many thanks.
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 17:47
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - doctorchris
Many years ago I drove a Mazda 323, forerunner to the Mazda 3. The seat was very low and one icy day I slipped as I was getting into the car, landed heavily on the edge of the seat and hurt my back.
These days I drive a Fiat Panda and really appreciate the high drivers seat that I can almost slide sideways onto. I don't have an ongoing back problem but I am overweight. My 81 year old dad loves the Panda, it's the only car that he can easily get into, as a passenger.
I know what you mean about the Megane, we had a P reg model and the ride was superb.
I think that you need to test drive a whole lot of modern cars and see what suits you. Forget your emotional response to various makes of car, if the Hyundai ticks all your boxes then go for it.
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 18:51
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - stunorthants26
The Suzuki is one of those cars at the right height to slide into. I have bad knees and I appreciate this in a car!
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 20:12
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - dnc1781
Brian, these might be helpful:

www.ricability.org.uk/reports/report-mobility/carm...m

www.ricability.org.uk/carmeasurement/carmeasuremen...p



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Wed 4 Feb 2009 22:29
Suzuki SX4 or Mazda 3 - Brianthebubble
dnc1781. Many thanks. Both excellent sites- I didn't realize they existed.
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