See the Suzuki Swift keeps getting mentioned. I used to have an N plate GTi years ago, and compared to the many VW's I've owned it felt very very cheap. Don't get me wrong it was a great car, very nippy and everything worked as it should and never had any problems with it till I ran into the back of a Corsa and wrote it off

Wrote the Corsa off I take it :-)

See the Suzuki Swift keeps getting mentioned. I used to have an N plate GTi years ago, and compared to the many VW's I've owned it felt very very cheap.

Do know what you mean. Always a bit of a worry with Japanese/Far-East cars that they still struggle with interior design

But from the Evo 'Car of the Year' review last issue, the interior of the new Swift looks spot on. Would have to see it for myself to be absolutely sure, but the switchgear and materials did look decent and modern.

EDIT: Some interior shots, courtesy of a Google Images search: results

Would certainly be on my list if I were letting petrol cars back onto my shortlist next time round :P

Steve

That's why the Smart Roadster might fit the bill (and theyre doing big discounts on remaining stock) but i'm scared it'll break down all the time and 7500 mile services don't appeal either :thumbdwn:

Do they break down all the time? Never really heard much bad about reliability on them, just about leaks...

Know what you mean about the service intervals though.

What about a Micra 160?

Rob.

What about a Micra 160?

Rob.

No. They're only 100 horses too and ugly and fat and I drove a 1.4 ages ago and hated it!

I'm talking to Smart on the weekend

I drove a smart fourfour, brabus, impressively nippy for its size, 167bhp or something!

Id go for a PD160 ibiza cupra myself

However i do like the Smart Roadster

Been to have a look at the Suzuki sport, it is 11.4k, had a good look inside, it is well built, smooth lines inside, virtually no rear legroom, tiny boot.

Thinking about a test drive, a 1.6vvti engine 0-62 8.9sec, 124 mph.

Suspect the test drive should be the decider.

No. They're only 100 horses too and ugly and fat

TBH I didn't find the lack of horses a problem, the power delivery made it pretty brisk and it felt nice to drive...but if you don't like Micras then that could be a bit of a stumbling block...

Rob.

Rob, how's your smart been for reliability? Specifically the gearbox?

Rob, how's your smart been for reliability? Specifically the gearbox?

Mechanically/electrically no problems, it's 7 years old with about 60k kms and only thing I've ever needed to be recovered for is a flat tyre. Possibly also worth mentioning that all I have done in terms of regular maintenance is oil changes...other consumables are done as and when needed, so it's far from pampered.

That said, the diesel engine seems to have fewer reported problems than the petrol version - not sure whether this is just down to the petrol engined ones being more common or the diesel units being more rugged...

redbaron on here has a smart roadster and also works for DCUK, so might be worth dropping him a PM and seeing if there's anything he can tell you.

Rob.