Suzuki Swift Sport Vs Ibiza Cupra Tdi (previous generation)

[AndyT77]

The two above cars are on my shortlist for potential next car.

Budget: £7000 max
Likes: Straight line speed, decent economy, good looks (subjectively speaking of course), minimal maintenance/repair costs, decent resale value in 2-3 years, good handling (although straight line speed in more important, particularly for overtaking slow moving traffic)
Dislikes: Expensive maintenance/repair bills, squeaks and rattles, xenon lights and the associated replacement costs,

So, i'd like you to comment on both suggestions, with pros and cons of each, preferably from current/previous owners, and not rumour merchants.

Ta very much!

[Benbay001]

I drove a SSS before settling on my current car (Ford Focus).
I really liked it, but it was a little creaky.
Major rattle in the parcel shelf.
And the particular one i drove, smelt of dog. Tasty.
Slightly interesting engine.
Hmm, sometimes i regret not getting it over the focus, but mainly for aesthetic reasons, ie, it looks a bit more the young mans car (im 18).

[AndyT77]

Thanks, anyone else?

[nottyash]

I bought a Skoda fabia VRS new and my brother bought the Swift sport. Of course I am biased but the Fabia was in a different league performance wise, especially with the remap i had.
The swift was a pretty fun handling car, just never had any performance. it felt pretty slow.

[rfn]

The Cupra TDi won't have Xenon's as they weren't available on the Cupra so that may come off your dislike list for the Ibiza at least.

Not driven a Swift but I loved my Ibiza (even if it was only a PD100 version). 30k in 12 months and it never skipped a beat. Faultless really.

[AndyT77]

Thanks, keep them coming........

[Baryonyx]

I spent most of 2009 driving a Suzuki Swift Sport and I really like them. The straight line power isn't exactly furious with the 123bhp engine but they handle excellent and really let you power round the B roads. They're well built too, my mate has one that has done over 100,000 miles now and it's holding up brilliantly.

They've taken a bit of a hit in depreciation though, although no more than a diesel Leon will I expect. Of the two, I'd go for the Swift because it's simply more exciting and is a fantastic car. If you were looking a petrol Leon like a Cupra or a Cupra R I would of course be advising you towards that.

[ambuletz]

apparently the stereo in the swift is pretty nice.
The bike-like rev counter in the swift just looks great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbjbEH7rPNI

[Baryonyx]

It is a pretty good stereo. The key is a bit funny though, I don't see why they couldn't just use a conventional key. The gearshift is nic and short but I would have liked it to feel a little more precise. I suppose it's a compromise as the seating position is fairly high, and won't feel unfamiliar to Focus and Clio 182 drivers. More importantly, the exhaust noise is great even with a standard bit of kit.

[Dift]

What MPG does the swift get?

I had my Ibiza cupra TDI from new when they 1st came out.

In 4 years I did 78k, and around 14 trackdays, with only normal SEAT servicing, only broke a drop link in that whole time. No rattles, no problems.

I do miss mine. I cant see the Ibiza loosing much depreciation TBH.

[geeteeaye]

Not a tricky choice, especially as you value straightline speed for overtaking over fun through the twisty stuff.

160Bhp Vs 125
243lb/ft Vs 109
7.6s Vs 8.9s
136mph Vs 124
51.4mpg Vs 40.4

[v8will]

Sister in law has a SSS, Fun little car but you really have to keep it on the boil to make progress. Quite a hard ride but does handle well. She treats it like a bin and nothing has fallen off or broken in 3 years. I think she gets low 30's with a heavyish right foot.

Can't speak for the Cupra but VAG diesels usually remap well and even a 130PD would have monstrous mid range in comparison.

[Hub]

The question is... do you like torque or do you like revs?

[300bhp/ton]

AndyT77 said:

The two above cars are on my shortlist for potential next car.

Budget: £7000 max
Likes: Straight line speed, decent economy, good looks (subjectively speaking of course), minimal maintenance/repair costs, decent resale value in 2-3 years, good handling (although straight line speed in more important, particularly for overtaking slow moving traffic)
Dislikes: Expensive maintenance/repair bills, squeaks and rattles, xenon lights and the associated replacement costs,

So, i'd like you to comment on both suggestions, with pros and cons of each, preferably from current/previous owners, and not rumour merchants.

Ta very much!

can't say I've owned either. But both sound pretty boring tbh. Residuals are going to be crap on pretty much any mainstream car, so unless you are actually going to think outside the box - don't worry about it.


Is mpg or insurance an issue?



If yes, then I'd rather one of these. 1.5 Turbo low 7's 0-60mph and able to be remapped for more HP.


MITSUBISHI COLT RALLIART (2009)
£6,900
Stunning example of a Colt Ralliart 1.5 TURBO(150bhp)with a genuine 8864 miles on it. Service by Mitsubishi dealer at 8215 miles.Tax until 31/07/2011 and remainder of warranty 31/07/2012
Standard features include-Alloy wheels,central locking,Air con,Cruise control.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2691174.htm



If no, then:

Mazda RX-8 PZ

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2716567.htm

Alfa Romeo 147 V6 24V GTA (2004)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2554608.htm

Ford Focus RS

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2713403.htm


Or if you feel a little more flamboyant (kit cars are good on insurance too):

GTM SPYDER

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2221438.htm

[YoungOne]

I have a suzuki swift sport so obviously i favour that, i would prefer a nice revvy petrol over a diseasel any day of the week.
Also the key really is great, I've had a swift for 4 years now and i dislike driving cars without keyless entry now. Just leave your key in your pocket at all times

[geeteeaye]

YoungOne said:

I have a suzuki swift sport so obviously i favour that, i would prefer a nice revvy petrol over a diseasel any day of the week.
Also the key really is great, I've had a swift for 4 years now and i dislike driving cars without keyless entry now. Just leave your key in your pocket at all times

Yeah sod having a faster more economical car as long as it has keyless entry (yo).

[AndyT77]

Thanks for all the input peeps.

[superbracey]

I know this topic is 2 months old, but did you make a decision on which car to get?

If not, I'll give you my full review of the Swift Sport (I owned one until March this year) and the Ibiza Cupra (I've owned an Ibiza TDI FR 130 for 5 years and I'm picking up a TDI Cupra tomorrow).

In a nutshell, both cars have different qualities but I don't think you'll be disappointed with either.

[JWH]

superbracey said:

I know this topic is 2 months old, but did you make a decision on which car to get?

If not, I'll give you my full review of the Swift Sport (I owned one until March this year) and the Ibiza Cupra (I've owned an Ibiza TDI FR 130 for 5 years and I'm picking up a TDI Cupra tomorrow).

In a nutshell, both cars have different qualities but I don't think you'll be disappointed with either.

Even if the OP has decided I'd be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the comparison between your curremt Ibiza Sport and the Cupra TDi. I've also got a PD130 sport and keep toying with the idea of a Cupra. I just can't work out if it's a sufficiently superior drive to make the expenditure worthwhile!

[AndyT77]

Well i haven't made a decision yet, infact i'm probably going to keep my current car for another 12 to 19 months. These two cars are still on my shortlist for potential next cars though.