alasta: Out of interest, which do you prefer between those two?
Hands down Mazda 2 is best. Yes the Swift is made in Japan, leather steering wheel is standard, tinted windows, most economical, but I wouldn't recommend one unless your bottom line is fuel economy at all costs.
Mazda nicer looking, more comfortable seating, nicer looking interior, engine sounds better, goes better, 6 speed, idle stop, better stereo, alloy wheels, 5 year unlimited km warranty vs 3 year/100000km, and up to 10 free services vs none, and Mazda is only $1700 drive away more than Suzuki.
If you own 2 cars and plan to use one mainly for around town commuting a 2nd Hand Nissan Leaf makes a lot of sense. Can easily fit 2 Adults + 2 teenagers and/or baby seats and has a good sized boot. Charging at home makes it's very cheap to run. I only do about 10000 Km a year and am saving at least $1500 a year even after allowing for interest on borrowing extra money (to buy this vs a similar petrol car) and higher depreciation rates.
If this is your only car / a car you plan to use for longer driving trips then it is more of a difficult decision to by an EV. (but can be done)
You're kidding re the baby seat space right? There might be enough room for a capsule in the back of a leaf, but as soon as you need to change to a full size rear facing car seat, I reckon you'd be outta luck. I looked at a leaf once and the front passenger seat looked like it needed to be all the way forwards (making it unusable) if there was a rear facing seat behind it and kids are supposed to be rear facing until they're at least 2 years old now... that's a long time not being able to use the seat in front!
I've been in a couple of Leafs, they aren't that small. There is a company where I live that uses them as taxis (Which i have used) and there is no issues getting three passengers in them plus luggage. If you can fit a person in the back seat behind me (6'3"), surely you can fit a baby seat?
Capsules are pretty small, but rear facing seats for 6m+ are huge as they have to recline a fair way. The issue is that when an adult is sitting on the back seat, the furthest forward part of them is their knees which are only a little above seat bolster height. With a car seat, that furthest forward part is almost at headrest height of the seat in front meaning you have to have the front seat a long way forward and/or completely upright.
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