1.3GL

A reliable, interesting & good handling alternative to the mainstream.

Having a Yaris engine was a big part of my descision to buy this car. Cam chain not cam belt also helps. Where I live is rural and I have only Ford, Vauxhall and Suzuki dealers nearby. After reading reviews in HJ, What Car & Parkers I chose the Suzuki. I was looking to save on running costs compared with my 1996 2.0 Audi cabriolet. The Suzuki reminded me a bit of driving a kitchen appliance during my first few weeks of ownership. It does the job, but for me, lacks soul. It is growing on me after a years ownership and I have worked out why. My Audi needed some repair or maintainance every few months - the Suzuki hasn't. After a year I have treated her to an oil and air filter change and new wiper blades. Nothing has gone wrong. I have exchanged 'character' for reliability.
There is a light wine in 5th gear only so I may have rising gearbox issues as reported by owners when I looked into this car. The car has a claimed output of 90bhp - not sure where they hide! I'd prefer 8 valve flexability instead of the 16 valve revving requirements. That may be down to my age of 50, not 25 any more! Bearing in mind my 87 XR2 had 96 bhp - this Swift should be close on performance - it isn't. Driving with care gets me very close to 50mpg - it's 15% away from the claimed rural consumption.
I've solved my 'character' lust by buying a second car - any guesses - a MX5.

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