Suzuki Baleno GL vs Suzuki Swift GL Navigator vs Honda Jazz VTi

mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 16:07
Last edited 09/06/2018 - 16:58

Hi,

We have test-drives of new Suzuki Baleno GL, Suzuki Swift GL Navigator and Honda Jazz VTi (all auto) in the coming week. While the impression will be made on the day, it would be nice to know opinions of the ozbargainers of the above models based on their own experiences.

Our situation- a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids- 5 and 7 years old, I am the tallest- 172cm, normal complection). Intended use- min 10 years. We are looking for: reliability, cost efficiency (fuel consumption and on-going servicing costs), the comfort of driving within city, maximum 4m long- for ease of parking at school yards, grey/silver color. Paying by cash.

Currently, Baleno 17.5K (India made), Swift 18.5K (Japan made)- 5 years warranty, Honda 18K (Thailand made)- 7 years warranty.

We are not interested in Korean Cars or European ones. The first group hasn't passed the reliability test (we own 2 of them), the second- overpriced. Other options- Toyota Yaris or Mazda 2 have small interiors.

Your thoughts will be very appreciated.

Automotive

Comments

  • Zukli on 09/06/2018 - 16:22
    +1

    I've been looking at similar models myself. The draw backs I've found so far are that the suzuki swifts' engine is very small, so probably not suitable for long distances although it is a good looking car. Also, even though the Honda has a long warranty, it's quite expensive to service compared to similar models although the engine is probably the most powerful amongst its peers. It's a tough choice.

    • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 17:19

      Zukli, yes, agree with everything what you said.The Honda's engine is more powerful but also consumes more fuel. In our situation, we commute almost all the time in the city, therefore would be fine with the smaller engine. From this prospective, the vote goes to Suzuki.

      • CheapSticks on 09/06/2018 - 18:41
        +1

        Suzuki engines are great - just dont look at capacity - look at power and toque as well. You wont hv issue in terms of going on long drives.

        I really like Suzuki - my prime issue is spare parts in long run. As a car i prefer Baleno but you may hv issue with spare parts in the long run. Swift might be ok on that front.

        Hv u considered S-Cross?

        • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 18:57

          CheapSticks, I like the Baleno at this stage too as it is more specious out of 3. But the concers with Baleno are: made in India (reliability?), 4- speed auto transmission, which may become obsolete quite soon; no ANCAP safety star rating at all.
          S-Cross starts at 28K- too much for our budget.

        • CheapSticks on 09/06/2018 - 20:57
          +1

          @mutnyi2001:

          Your concern about Made in India is unfounded. The factories there are one of the most advanced (benefited from late start) and technically highly competent workforce. How I know this - I covered automotive sector in Asia extensively.

        • spackbace on 09/06/2018 - 21:09
          +1

          @CheapSticks:

          Working with Suzuki, using the Alto, Celerio and Baleno as my benchmark…

          The Japs make a better car than the Indians.

        • p1 ama on 10/06/2018 - 10:55

          @mutnyi2001: I thought you didn't need spacious? Also, what's the issue with a 4 spd auto? Not sure what you mean by "obsolete", it's not just going to stop working one day you know.

        • CheapSticks on 10/06/2018 - 11:22
          +1

          @Spackbace:

          Don’t want to get into argument but the factories there using most of Japanese manufacturing processes plus with automation the precision has improved manifolds - so doesn’t matter where they are made.

          Will take time for perception to change

        • spackbace on 10/06/2018 - 11:37
          +1

          @CheapSticks:

          I'm basing my opinion off physically seeing the differences. I was selling the brand as a whole, really I should have a love for every model I sold.

          Whether it was because it was building to a budget or not it doesn't matter, the Japanese built Swift is better put together than the Indian built Baleno.

  • jason101 on 09/06/2018 - 17:57
    +3

    I rent many cars for my job and the current model of Swift does not compare at all to the Jazz which after several years in its current form is still going strong. We bought several new Jazz's at work within the last 2 weeks and I think they came in between $16.5k and $17k driveaway (depending on state). I'm not really a Jazz fanboy, but for the current price of the base CVT VTI I think they are unbeatable value in comparison to the other vehicles you have mentioned. We already had 1 Jazz in our work fleet which was a current shape late 2014 delivered model, it hasn't missed a beat over the past 3.5 years with the exception of the rear trim above the boot door handle which is very flimsy, it completely broke off the back of the car (replaced under warranty) and has cracked again and will probably need replacing at some time in the future. I noticed the 2018 model has the same crappy trim above the boot handle, that's probably the largest Achilles heel the vehicle has.

    • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 19:01

      jason101, my concers with Jazz are: no Android Auto, highest fuel consumption in comparison with the other mentioned cars, hefty servicing costs- almost $300 for every 6 months for 5 years plus additional expences if required.

  • spackbace on 09/06/2018 - 18:59
    +8

    Ex Suzuki salesperson here

    I'd go the Swift out of those choices, however as a parent of 2 young kids myself, I'd question how forward you're really thinking.

    None of those cars will offer great room in 8-10yrs. Kids school bags, a friend jumping in the car, etc… It's just not a great idea imo.

    If it was me I'd suggest the next class of vehicle and to get a near-new Vitara. 4.175m long and economy close enough to the Swift (under 7L/100). But more legroom and bigger boot area.

    Much better in the long-term

    • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 19:07

      Spackbace, 24K Vitara is out of our budget now, but we may definitely consider it as our second car, when the kids get older.

      • spackbace on 09/06/2018 - 19:52

        That's why I said near new. Don't have to buy brand new.

        Besides, finance the difference considering it's a 10yr investment

        • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2018 - 19:57
          +1

          Besides, finance the difference considering it's a 10yr investment

          Spoken like a true car salesman 😁

        • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 20:20

          Spackbace, buying a near-new car carries additional risks, which we opt not to take. We'd rather hold the purchase of the car for another year and get a brand new one. This is in case we find the space issue to be present during the test drives.

        • p1 ama on 09/06/2018 - 20:24
          +4

          @mutnyi2001:

          This is in case we find the space issue to be present during the test drives.

          This is not a good judge - a test drive is not really how you would use a car. It might seem fine, but it will become an issue when you go to Ikea and realise you can't get your new table home, or when the kids take their schoolbags with them and can barely fit into the back…etc.

          If you're intent on getting a car in this class (which is really only good for max 2 people, IMO), then go for it. But you asked for opinions, so that's what you're getting.

        • spackbace on 09/06/2018 - 20:30
          +7

          @mutnyi2001:

          1-2yo car will have zero issues, and still have 3-4yrs warranty remaining.

          If you're working to a set budget then it's a matter of getting the best value for money within that budget, and I just don't see a small car being best value for you.

          You're looking short term when you have long-term plans for the car

        • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 20:51

          @p1 ama: We've been using our Hyndai Jetz and Kia Rio for 4 years now- schools, IKEA, etc. We can compare small cars with small cars on test drives. Thank you for your opinion.

        • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 20:54

          @Spackbace: In my veiw, when you buy a second-hand car, you either have to be a specialist in cars or have someone you trust to assesst the state of the cars. Unfortunately, I don't have either from the list.

        • spackbace on 09/06/2018 - 21:07

          @mutnyi2001:

          It's a 1yo car, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to inspect.

          Should also be a life lesson worth learning.

        • p1 ama on 09/06/2018 - 21:27
          +5

          @mutnyi2001:

          We've been using our Hyndai Jetz and Kia Rio for 4 years now- schools, IKEA, etc. We can compare small cars with small cars on test drives. Thank you for your opinion.

          Then why are you asking for other opinions if you "can compare small cars with small cars"?

          In my veiw, when you buy a second-hand car, you either have to be a specialist in cars or have someone you trust to assesst the state of the cars. Unfortunately, I don't have either from the list.

          I don't understand - you don't know how to inspect a car (fair enough), you don't know how to find someone to inspect a car (that's an issue), you can't park a small-ish car like a Corolla (this is a huge problem), you don't want a Korean car (unfounded), you don't want a car that everyone else has (wtf), you don't care about comfort, you don't seem to know much about cars or how they work…etc.

          Again, why are you even asking for advice if you're just going to say "this is personal choice"?

        • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 21:56

          @p1 ama: sorry for making you upset, p1 ama.

        • p1 ama on 09/06/2018 - 22:16
          +1

          @mutnyi2001: I'm not upset - I'm just trying to say that if you've already made up your mind in terms of what car you want to buy then go for it! At the end of the day, it's your money to spend and you should buy what you think suits your needs. If you were genuinely trying to decide, we'd all be more than willing to help, but it sounds like you already know what you want.

        • mutnyi2001 on 10/06/2018 - 00:01

          @p1 ama: that is the point, I know what I want, and that is what is reflected in the heading- Suzuki Baleno GL vs Suzuki Swift GL Navigator vs Honda Jazz VTi- I haven't asked to pursvade me that other cars/options are better than the ones listed.

        • p1 ama on 10/06/2018 - 10:50

          @mutnyi2001: Then of those three, buy the one you like most. It's like asking if I should get a Mazda 6 or Camry, it's just a matter of personal preference because the cars are so similar.

        • HighAndDry on 12/06/2018 - 18:15

          @Spackbace: Also, the whole point of buying near new is so that it's still under warranty. Like a new car would be. Maybe OP is under the mistaken impression that all new cars are flawless…?

    • CheapSticks on 09/06/2018 - 20:59
      +2

      Super agree with Spackbace on Vitara !

  • Vieira4 on 09/06/2018 - 19:50
    +2

    The Jazz has way more room inside than the suzukis.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2018 - 19:56
    +1

    We are not interested in Korean Cars

    In 2018 that is a very naive point of view

    • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 20:14

      TightBottom, we are aware that the Korean manufacturers have improved recently, but taking into account how much money has been pulled out from our budget into constant fixtures of Kia and Hyundai quality issues, we incline not to provide them a second chance. This is a personal choice.

  • p1 ama on 09/06/2018 - 20:22
    +7

    Our situation- a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids- 5 and 7 years old, I am the tallest- 172cm, normal complection). Intended use- min 10 years. We are looking for: reliability, cost efficiency (fuel consumption and on-going servicing costs)

    You're looking at the wrong sort of car - these sorts of cars are really not suitable for a family of 4. Have you even tried sitting in the back of one of these things? You'll feel like crap after 30 mins of being that cramped.

    If you want a car that lasts for 10 years, get something bigger like a Corolla, saw them on special for around $22k drive-away the other day (I think). You're thinking about spending $18k-ish already. $4k over 10 years is only $400 per year for a lot of comfort. You could also go for a demo Corolla if you want something cheaper. My view is that a Corolla is probably already a bit small, with a family of 4, I'd even suggest a Camry - last gen demo Altise can go for as low as $22-23k.

    • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 20:41

      p1 ama, here, we probably talk about personal preferances. The average travel time of our family-15-20min. The parking issues in small slots are prominent, and most likely will stay there. We tend to vote for practicality rather than comfort.

      • spackbace on 09/06/2018 - 20:51
        +1

        Swift - 3.84m
        Baleno - 3.995m
        Jazz - 4.028m
        Vitara - 4.175m
        Corolla - 4.33m

        20-30cm won't be the difference between able to park and difficult to park, not with reverse cameras on all the models in question.

        • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2018 - 21:02
          -4

          Spackbace, you may be right that 30cm won't make too much difference (even though, I doubt it, because I hunt for the parking space every day when I drop the kids at school). Another point- everyone drives Corolla, right? Have you ever felt a little bit bizarre when you meet a person wearing the same jumper/pants, etc. Again, this is a personal preference.

        • spackbace on 09/06/2018 - 21:06
          +11

          @mutnyi2001:

          Are you aware of the popularity of the Swift?

          Or better yet, if something is just perfect for you, but your neighbour has it, would you choose something else just to feel different?

          Tbh you have strange priorities for a major purchase.

        • p1 ama on 09/06/2018 - 21:14

          @mutnyi2001:

          Another point- everyone drives Corolla, right? Have you ever felt a little bit bizarre when you meet a person wearing the same jumper/pants, etc. Again, this is a personal preference.

          Probably because it's a good, reliable, versatile car that suits a wide range of people? I don't know why that's a bad thing!

        • Banana on 10/06/2018 - 10:42

          @mutnyi2001:

          This is a fairly shallow view. Have you ever thought about if everyone owns a Corolla, it would probably be cheaper to source second hand parts?! Being common is a good thing! You'd blend well into the crowd if you ever did stupid shit (which never ever happens, right?).

      • p1 ama on 09/06/2018 - 21:15
        +1

        We tend to vote for practicality rather than comfort.

        Practicality is being about being able to fit everyone in with ease and being able to take home IKEA furniture?

  • c2k on 10/06/2018 - 11:22

    Have a Baleno turbo when it first came out. Its only 1000cc but to me has enough power. The turbo make a big difference. I get an average 630km to the tank, which holds around 37 litres. And thats in heavy traffic in Canberra.

    Room wise, it has a deep boot and a good amount of leg room in the back.

  • Nickels n Dimes on 10/06/2018 - 23:43

    On the surface of it, the Swift should be the more reliable vehicle of the three, given the Japanese assembly. Honda is a fine example of Japanese vehicles, however, the models built outside Japan are not built to the exact high specs of the Japanese models — for example test driving Hondas compare a Odyssey (Jap) vs Jazz/HRV/CRV (Thai) you will see improved NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and plusher interior. As far as the Yaris (Thai) the Jazz is far better value, at the moment.

    You will find similar results with the Baleno/Swift vs Vitara, as the Japanese market is more demanding of quality than most of the markets Thailand serves — My past experience (several years ago) the Vitara (Jap) and Swift (Thai) were incomparable for the same reasons — the Swift's doors were ultralight/flimsy and the engine/road-noise were very unpleasant, compared to the Vitara.

    Build/finish-quality aside (and reliability is a function of that in the long term), the warranty is often an indicator of how strongly the manufacturer stands behind their product (albeit the warranty varies from one country to another even when the models are similar), but the higher servicing costs are a part of that picture — if you service your car with a non-dealer mechanic, you can avoid the skyhigh costs but still keep the awesome warranty: https://autoexpert.com.au/owning-a-car/service/can-i-get-my-…

    Also, the resale of the Honda is more than likely going to be stronger that the Suzuki in the longer term, (unless you are looking at limited sports/high-spec editions).
    Fuel costs are the only area that you may loose on the Honda, though that depends partly on usage: if you drive a fully-loaded vehicle with a smaller engine, the fuel economy drops more than the same passenger/luggage load on a larger engine — ie. if you always have 4-5 people in the car, the fuel savings with the smaller engine will be very limited, the fuel savings will only be apparent with a light load. Also, many of the newer Honda models have an ECON button "works by changing your throttle response, cruise control, air condition and transmission" which can help give you further fuel savings.

    • spackbace on 11/06/2018 - 00:01

      Also, the resale of the Honda is more than likely going to be stronger that the Suzuki in the longer term

      Have to disagree here. My experience with Swifts have always shown them to have strong resale, always sought after. Though op has a 10yr plan so resale on any of them is kinda negligible at 10yrs.

      Also the Suzuki 5yr warranty is dependent on dealer servicing. Go elsewhere and it's a 3yr. It's like their own extended warranty.

  • FatBlanket on 11/06/2018 - 10:15
    +1

    had the swift for 5 years (bought new) and haven't had a single issue. Worst thing that's happened is a flat tyre because I ran over a nail. That's all I have to offer.

  • tanksinatra on 11/06/2018 - 10:21

    Love the Jazz. Hatch backs are all about optimising available space and the magic seats in the Jazz are fantastic for this. They can fold forwards AND backwards. The boxy construction gives plenty of space which is great for moving stuff.
    Main complaints would be the old engine, rear drum brakes, ugly factory steelies on the base model and higher servicing costs.

  • Gdsamp on 11/06/2018 - 11:12

    Your kids are already 5 and 7 years old. They will soon be a lot bigger and taller than you think, and cars in this class are really not suited to carrying more than 2 people on a regular basis for the simple fact that they are small. I agree with p1 ama that if your primary concern is reliability and continued low running costs, a Toyota Corolla is your best bet.

    For your price range, you may be looking at a 1 year old/demonstrator model, and seeing as it's close to EOFY dealers will be more than happy to throw in extras/offer discounts.
    On the parking front, lots of cars from the segment up from the Jazz/Swift offer reversing cameras and reverse parking sensors as standard equipment, helping to offset the extra ~30cm in their lengths.

  • cintamami on 11/06/2018 - 11:14

    If I were you, I would be looking at a different class of vehicle as previously suggested.

    1. Vitara
    2. HR-V

    This is for a growing family of 4, i meant no additional kids, but those kids are certainly growing in size for the next freaking 10 years.

    If you must stay with your original options, it would be crazy not to go with Jazz, because I think it has the largest inside.

    Cheers

  • ipiok on 11/06/2018 - 11:37
    -3

    suzuki = trash

  • picklewizard on 11/06/2018 - 12:46

    I can only offer anecdotal evidence here as the owner of a 2001 Honda Jazz.

    It's indestructible. I think we've had it 5 years, and in that time I've had to replace tyres, spark plugs and brake pads/rotors. No single other non-maintenance item on the car has failed. It had a strange, but entirely tolerable, misfire for a while, but funnily enough it fixed itself.

    I change the oil every 6 months - it uses a bit but it'll happily take cheap oil. To service it myself cost me $27 on average.

    A++++ 10/10 would buy again. Hondas are built to last.

  • Ipman on 11/06/2018 - 13:35
    +2

    Jazz would be my option. Boot space is the largest out of them all. The back seat has generous leg room for a small car.
    Pretty useful when you want it as a family car

  • mutnyi2001 on 11/06/2018 - 18:05

    Thank you everyone for the comments left here. Tomorrow and aftertomorrow are our test-drive days. After reading all the comments, we will be looking forward to bargain Suzuki Swift GL Navigator with Safety Park (19.5K). I am sure it won't disappoint us.

    • pitiek on 11/06/2018 - 19:41
      +3

      It will once you find out that the boot space cannot fit a kid's bike, school/sports bag and more…

      • HighAndDry on 12/06/2018 - 18:13
        +1

        That might be 5-7 years down the line though. I like my "told-you-sos" to be faster. Damn this instant gratification culture!

  • HighAndDry on 12/06/2018 - 18:13

    For what it's worth, my vote is for the Honda Jazz.

  • particle on 12/06/2018 - 21:02

    Of those choices for a family of 4 the Jazz would be my selection.

  • captaincabinets on 12/06/2018 - 23:16
    +1

    'normal complection'

    What?

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