Suzuki road test reports and car reviews

Suzuki Swift 1500 2011

A great little car to drive. My only problem has been the speed sensor has gone twice. I would agree also that it could do with a larger petrol tank.

Suzuki Liana Hatchback 2003

Great little car that ticks all the boxes for me in economy, power, towing a caravan, carrying capacity and was very cheap as a second hand buy. Also, it still looks good even though it is well out of production, the SX4 having replaced it. Servicing is easy apart from the auxillary belts (cost me £90 in parts and labour). I have had a few Suzuki’s and so far I like this one the best.

Suzuki Wagon R+ 1.4 GL 2004

Had mine for nearly 9 years (ex-demonstrator with 3k on the clock) now it’s nudging 50,000 with no problems with the only servicing having been the oil and filters changed on an annual basis and brake fluid every other year. From the outside, it looks just plain weird - short, high, wide, boxy, and no boot to speak of. From the inside it’s surprisingly spacious and can take five people with a little bit of a squeeze. The boot is still pretty small, big enough for a week’s shopping, but not much more. The back seat folds down and gives acres of room (but you’ve only got two seats then). When I have to shift building materials (posts, sheets of plasterboard etc) the integral roof rails and a set of bars gives me all the space I need. I regularly use the car to take my family of four on holiday; I use a 270 litre half-width topbox, an cycle carriers to take four full size hybrid bikes, the only problem I get on a regular basis is when I’m using a low-deck ferry, I have to make sure I’ve booked a ’high’ space. The high seating means that you don’t have to bend down to get in (when I bought the car I was suffering from back pain) and this would be well suited to people with mobility problems. It’s mildly frustrating that I have to keep a decorator’s ’platform’ in order to get all the stuff on and off the roof, but that’s only because I’m lower than average height. The 1.4 litre engine is surprisingly nippy, and more than enough around town. Narrow tyres mean it’s brilliant in snow. Mechanically I’ve never had any problems, in nearly ten years of use I’ve had to replace the battery and tyres once and each of the brake hoses have eventually needed replacing, but other than that nothing major. The exhaust has started to rattle a bit, (one of the mild steel supports have rusted through), but as the main system is stainless, it’s still in perfect condition, I expect I’ll just make myself a hanger with a bit of steel rod and it’ll be good for another 46,000 miles. My only complaint is they’ve stopped making them, otherwise my next car would be an absolute ’no brainer’.

Suzuki Jimny SZ4 auto 2012

I have had my Jimny for about four months now, bought it new with auto and air con. It is one of three SUVs I have. The others are a VW Tiguan, well spect with 8000 miles and one year under its belt the other my Shogun Pinin, sill great fun after 110000 miles. I chose the Jimny to replace the Pinin, but could not bear to part with it in the end. So what do I think of it, absolutely wonderful. The way it makes me feel as soon as I sit in it and on the move I am reborn it is such an honest car, it does just what you expect and is so simple to pilot up the road. Just a few little things I was not too happy about; if you have the model with air con cloth seats are then not available, also all black paintwork was not an option on any model so white had to do. With the new face lift (Dec 2012) all black can be had, but not with auto. Also the space behind the steering wheel for my 6ft 1inch frame and excessive bulk was a bit tight. A visit to my friend’s workshop for two extension plates cut in stainless steel on his water jet machine, done in three minutes, gave me an extra 6cm. Just perfect. If you read the magazine testers reports you would never buy one and the depreciation is said to be high. Read the owners reports or better still try one, and as for the depreciation, well I could not find an inexpensive used one. Truly a little gem.

Suzuki Alto 2003

I’ve had my Alto from new in 2003 and have been really pleased with it. Yes it is basic, but I drive on the motorrway to Wales and Portsmouth at least six times a year and apart from maybe wanting a more comfy seat it has been great. It has also only failed its MOT once with wear and tear. Heating and fan brilliant and windows cleared in minutes. £30 tax and my insurance isn’t too bad. will be thinking of trading it in soon only because I now do more mileage with work. Parts can be expensive though and high insurance for young people as I found out when my children were learning to drive.

Suzuki Carry 2000

I am now looking for a new van and what a shame the Carry is not available. 169000 trouble free miles and the only things replaced have been tyres, brake linings and cambelts. A fabulous little van.

Suzuki SX4 SZ5 (4x4) 1.6 Petrol 2011

Very capable and economical car (40mpg+), being 2wd normally and 4wd when required (at a flick of a button). Went skiing early 2012 in France and 4wd SX4s were extremely popular amongst the locals. It had no problems with traction (even without snow chains), but steep hills needed a heavy right foot to get it up to speed. I heard the diesel SX4 has a suspect gearbox so plumped with the petrol and have not regretted it. Adding front and rear parking sensors are sensible, but adding an ipod dock can impeed on the passengers right knee. Great car and fun too!

Suzuki Swift Sz2 2012

Happy with my Swift so far and getting around 56mpg as promised, so I’m happy. I am driving with care to try to boost that mpg, so with spirited driving you can expect that figure to drop quite a bit. It’s a brand new engine though, so after it’s properly run in I’m sure if I drive the car in a somehwhat average fashion, I can expect around the official mpg. The car is very sturdy, amazing for corners and just great fun to drive. (Even driving with fuel consumption in mind) Bottom line is buy one, you won’t regret it.

Suzuki SX4 2000

One of my uncles bought this car around 5 months ago second hand for 350000 Rs. It works fine usually, but the brakes are not very good. Most Suzuki models seem to work fine in the begining, but loose their quality after around 800000 kms. The fuel consumption is not so bad, but the interior is totally boring.

Suzuki Wagon R+ 1300cc 2005

I previously had a 997cc 1996 car, which was extremely reliable. In 105000mls all I had to buy a starter motor, a battery and one light bulb and that was all. It was serviced regularly. It was so reliable I didn’t want it to go, but I happened to see a 2005 1300cc model for sale with only 12000 miles recorded, so I bought it. I have done 3000mls with no problems. It’s yellow and I really like it and have started to customise it. It’s small, but very spacious and versatile and like the older car seems to be very reliable and I actually like the looks of it. It’s comfortable and drives a lot better than you’d think it would and its economical. I would genuinely recommend this car. And before you think I am some old fogey I have driven many sports cars, my other car at the moment being a Honda s2000.

Suzuki Jimny 2012

This is definitely a car with a personality. I’ve only had mine for 2 months and I can already say that it’s the best car I’ve owned. Yes it’s got a bumpy ride, yes it’s not a road rocket, yes it’s got a small boot, but by God it’s a ton of fun to bash around in. The Jimny will literally climb/crawl-over/slide around/vault any offroad obstacle you point it at! You simply skirt around the ones that are too big (it’s very skinny). On the road it’s got decent manners, but as I said before, it doesn’t have the softest ride. After about 115km/h it does start to get noisy, but beyond 125km/h it screams bloody murder! In saying that, the Jimny will zip around at 100km/h as happy as Larry. Rear passenger room is reasonable for small people and larger ones for a short period of time, but the front is pretty roomy in my opinion. I’m only 5’8’, so the seating doesn’t fuss me too much. I’ve been hearing people rabbit on about how terrible the fuel economy is but I beg to differ. My previous car was listed at 6.3L/100km and the Jimny at 7.1L/100km. Both of those cars still gave me 500km out of a 40 liter tank and I am not a very spirited driver. I would recommend the Jimny to a certain type of person. If you are someone who wants to go back to basics, drive a car that will give you it’s all 100% of the time (on and offroad), and aren’t going to miss frilly features like heated seats or luxury trim, then this is the car for you.

Responses to this review

I agree with you 100%, I have recently purchased a new Jimny in the UK and I have to say it is a car that gives you 100% every time you drive it. I have had BMW’s, VW’s and Jaguars, as silly as it sounds the Jimny pleases me more/ I love the driving position, the engine, it`s rock solid mechanics, everything in fact. What is it with these cars, why do they captivate their owners so much/ I love driving it – brilliant. My suggestion if people want one is buy one now, you won`t regret it, just don’t take tarmac corners, islands and bends too fast in the wet, they are not meant for that, take it easy - Lawrence Breakspear from Shropshire

I recently bought a 2002 Jimny, Auto with Air and Steer... I had been looking for some time for such a vehicle as we have recently bought 150 acres up on the Mid Norrth Coast of NSW and I needed a car to herd the cattle and run the fences. So far, so good. It performed better in the paddocks than the Pajero we have and better than the Rav 4. We also have .. but around town, and in city traffic... great fun. On the highway... a little screamer when asked to do 110 klm on the expressway, but in the paddocks where speed is irrelevant... FANTASTIC!! I am looking for a good Bash Plate under the motor and also wanted to know if there is a larger fuel tank available for it. I am only getting 350 to 370 klm from a full tank!? Thanks people - Aussie Bob Grumblebum

Suzuki Jimny 2008

My Jimny has only 30000 on the clock and I have always looked after it well. I am devastated after it suffered a major fault resulting from the crank shaft pulley shearing and on inspection the rubber damper has disintergrated causing the outer pulley to detach from the center boss. All customer services will say is it is over the three year limit. I feel this is an issue as it has happend to others with only 20000 on the clock. I have lost faith in my vehicle and could have been killed. This issue should be discussed and dealt with at once not brushed under the carpet.

Suzuki Alto SZ4 2009

I have just bought a Suzuki Alto SZ 4 for my work within the local community. So far I have found it to be very comfortable around town and as I do a lot of stop and starts to visit patients the fuel consumption is great for me. There are twelve dots on the petrol indicator and so far it works out that I do approx 45 miles per dot (for you women out there like me). I would thoroughly recommend it as mine drives like a dream.

Suzuki Swift 1.3 ddis 2008

I have recently bought a Suzuki Swift 1.3 ddis. I like the look of the car, but find it very difficult selecting gears, especially dropping down from 3rd to 2nd.

Suzuki Carry 2003

We had a Carry van given to us by a member of my church and I’ve had it ever since. It’s very reliable, quick too and seats up to six small persons. It’s driven everyday and has had no major problems with it. A great vehicle and very gas efficient.

Suzuki Jimny 2012

Writing from Panama City, Panama! The Jimny is perfect for the types of roads here in Panama. The car is very manueverable, cuts corners easily and its height is very advantageous, especially if you drive to the interior parts of the country. Excellent in this rainy place, it handles mud and dirt like a champion. Regarding fuel, it gives me 35 - 38, which is not bad. The only draw back is I am 5’6" so whilst it is perfect for my size, my friends who are 6’ find it cramped. To me is a small brother to a Jeep. It is strong, climbs hills like a goat and is easy to engage the 4x4 platform. If you are looking for an off road vehicle this is it. On the highways it is rough especially if you have the tough rugged tyres to handle off road. I really don’t mind, this is the little one I was looking for. Hope this helps.

Suzuki Swift 2009

I’ve aad mine approx 4 months. I like the look, good price, it’s also fairly economical and nice to drive. However, I have a few niggles. I have had a few problems with the throttle, my husband said it was me because I was not used to the car but after 4 months you would think I would be. Also as pointed out by another reviewer, the indicator is so quiet, you can’t tell it is on. Finally, for the past month I have noticed I am getting a strong smell of petrol inside the car, which is making me feel quite sick. I shall be making a visit to my local dealer next week to sort these problems out, but after reading other reviews it seems I wont get very far with the throttle or indicator problems.

Suzuki Alto 2009

A nice little car!

Suzuki Swift 2009

If you are thinking of buying one, do yourself a favour and don’t. What a load of undiluted rubbish! I have owned about 20 cars, everything, a 1926 Morgan, 1937 Morris, 1963 Bubble car, 1971 v8 Rover and a 1980 Transit to name but a few. I have never had any problems getting a car into first gear until I acquired the Swift. You pull up to a road junction, put it into first gear, go to pull away only to find out it’s in third gear. If there are any cars coming towards you when the engine falters... This car is dangerous! Then on other occasions you will try for maybe a minute before you find first gear. The gear box is perfect, the problem is the selector. Then there is reverse, absolutely perfect for the first 18 months, then all of a sudden it would not go into reverse no matter what I did. This lasted for 4 months, then one day it was ok. Basically it’s a good car with an absolutely third world gearbox. Anyway you have been warned. Regarding the previous review regarding the burning smell: This is when your car has accidently gone into third gear and the clutch is slipping when your trying to pull away in third gear. It’s happened to me.

Responses to this review

Regarding the 1st gear problems - I too suffered this at first. It appears to happen when you pull up to a junction in 4th, dip the clutch on approach and attempt shift across to 1st. I think there is a sensor which is supposed to stop you accidentally dropping too many gears or something, just it is a bit oversensitive here. I found that a way to sort the problem is, even with foot remaining on clutch, shift into 2nd before going into first. Sounds a chore but very quickly becomes habit and now I don’t have any problems, except when I just plain forget to change gear before pulling away! - Tom Smith from Scotland

Suzuki Swift 2006

I purchased my Suzuki Swift in Aug 2006 and within the first week it had a fault with the clutch. I took it back to the Suzuki dealer a few times before they recognised that there was a problem. Then last Oct it failed its MOT due to a problem with the power steering. Suzuki said it was the sensor, but this part could not be purchased seperately, only as a whole steering rack and after fitting the total cost was £1600.00. Absolutely ridiculous! They also said no one has had a problem with steering before and it was not caused by anything I had done. I’m very frustrated and will never buy another Suzuki again or recommend one to another person. I have also had so many recalls with other defective parts I have lost total faith in Suzuki. Can anyone else please say if they have had any issues with steering on their Suzuki?

Suzuki Grand Vitara Sz5 2.4petrol 2011

A fantastic car with loads of features for our needs. Wanted a 4x4 for our small family and size and comfort are superb. We bought the pearl white auto and I’ve put on the full chrome pack and chrome side steps, it’s a real head turner. The only downside is it’s a bit thirsty but not bothered as we don’t do loads miles. I would tell people to buy one but if they do loads of miles go for the diesel.

Responses to this review

Great car, except the fuel filler cap does not always release. The spring has been replaced twice. Anyone else got this problem? Suzuki don’t want to know! - Karin from Lanarkshire

Suzuki Wagon R+ 2000

I don’t need to say it’s easy to get in or that the upright seat is very comfortable and being quite high you can see a lot of the countryside. No, I went to buy a Jeep in 2000 and bought my Wagon instead. I call it my my urban jeep. The best thing is that it has been used to move a landyacht, inflatable rib and 6hp outboard, monkey bike and golf clubs. It has had canoes on top and towed my small caravan. And yes I have fitted a winch. Yes, the clock stopped working and the rear wiper works when it wants to, but in 10 years I have only replaced the tyres and exhaust only once. The thing is so lightweight and high off the ground, which makes it quite unique in its class. I admit I love it to bits and I OVER DO the servicing. It’s so frugal to run that instead of a replacement I bought a classic car to share the motoring. I hope to be buried in it eventually. The kids can have the MG!

Suzuki Swift SZ4 Automatic 2011

I have a new Swift SZ4 Automatic replacing my 3 year old 1.5 Automatic and I have hardly notice the drop of 300cc; it pulls at the higher end of the rev-range exactly the same. I do have an issue, however, with dealership support. My fuel gauge is in need of some TLC as it appears to give random readings and is, at present, stuck at just under half full. The digital "miles left" display, which started this morning at 60 miles, but after driving 20 miles now shows 140 miles left!! I informed my dealership by email 2 weeks ago. My email read, I have recieved zero response. If there is a general issue with fuel tank senders Suzuki are keeping quiet about it. I have asked "Honest John" for advice.

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2011

Brilliant in looks and style. Had my new Vitara now for nearly a year and had no trouble at all. Fantastic vehicle and I put the full chrome extras on with side bars and what a head turner. The only downside is it’s a bit thirsty around town but when it’s got a 2.4 petrol engine, you can’t expect much. Motorway mileage is good with great power and comfort.

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005

An excellent motor, ideal for winter up here in northern Scotland. The low ratio box is superb for snow use on our 1 in 5 twisting driveway. Comfortable, quiet and a good long distance vehicle.

Suzuki Carry 1999

I’ve only just found this site. I have had my Carry 1300cc i 1999 model since 2001, so for ten years. In many makes, , especially smaller engines, the heads can be problematic if not properly serviced early in their lives, retensioning of the head bolts due to early expansion and contraction. I got my van, formerly owned by an electrician, with 60,000 kms on the clock. Since then I have driven it from Sunshine Coast above Brisbane to Melbourne, in your figures 1,100 miles, laden with a flat pack kitchen. Only complaint was the wind hitting me. I have done this trip several times and once in one day during 105 degree heat. I have done 260,000 kms probably 160,000 miles and had to drive slowly as I blew one of the coils, but still got home. It did let me down with a flat battery after six years. Recently I spent $1000 on a full service, replacing anything that was worn, but inbetween only replaced oil - not even the air filter. I have thrashed this van, sometimes driving through the middle of nowhere at 140 km/hr about 85 mph and cannot kill it so I am not parting with it. Just two bags of cement in rear mean improved braking and not falling off the road as described by others. I don’t understand about the fuel consumption listed by one owner. It has been difficult for me to acheive less than 40mpg and on one trip where I took a wrong turn and there wasn’t a petrol station for 150 miles I managed 65mpg all though I drove for a long way at 35 mph in fifth on a very flat road. If you make intelligent use of fifth even on city roads it is very frugal, especially for a vehicle of its type. It even handles taking my friend’s quad bike. We cover large distances in OZ and with petrol around four pounds a gallon this is not a vehicle I am parting with especially because of its unrelenting reliability and with its practicality in taking loads. PS. A hint when getting your car serviced: Put a mark on your oil filter and check after the service whether it has been replaced and even sit near the dealership to observe if you can what they actually do with the car, as many these days drive them through the garage put a lovely paper wrap over your seat and charge a fortune for doing nothing. Quite a few Ford dealerships seem to be guilty of this over here.

Suzuki Jimny 1998

I have nothing to complain about with this vehicle, it’s like a small robust truck, but is an affordable smart looking car. Ideal for our country roads and countryside. Not ideal for highways or at speeds more than 105Km/hr. With it’s powerful 4x4 H/L you can go up a very steep hill with no problems :) The only drawback is fuel economy. I can cover around 32/33MPG. Pity there are no Diesel versions.

Responses to this review

There are diesel versions around. Left hand drive I believe - Adrian D from New Zealand

You can find right hand diesel versions in South America. I have looked at several in the past few days! - Stephen Rowan from Chile

Suzuki Alto SZ3 2009

I’ve done 50,000 miles in it now and apart from the universal, but minor faults of the rear washer pipe coming off and a rattle from the engine mounts it’s been perfect. I get 58mpg combined cycle, less than the advertised 64mpg, but still pretty good. Fun to drive, cheap as chips to tax and insure. What are you waiting for?