Mazda Atenza/6 or a Suzuki Swift 1.6 for four people one off trip?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Mazda Atenza/6 or a Suzuki Swift 1.6 for four people one off trip?

TeaLeaf

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Topic # 205969 5-Dec-2016 11:04

We only need it to carry 4 adults once on a New Years roadie. Doing about 1500km, driving approx 300km each trip and resting 2-5 days between.

The Suzuki swift looks really roomy for a small car, and they are so popular. I saw a 1.6 litre NZ New one, low KMs $5k. Would a 1.6 carry 2 men and 2 average sized women ok on such a trip?

Also people said look at Mazda so I did, the demio seems a bit small, the 3 is ok, but I really liked the Atenza or 6, I like how it opens up like a hatch but looks very honda euro ish sedan like. Also the Auto was a standard 3 speed not a tiptronic or CVT or DSG. But it was $3k more.

Given we rarely use the car and its parked in a very tight apartment spot, the Swift would make more sense except for this one trip carrying the in laws around on holiday.

Any thoughts appreciated.

I think Ive looked at all the suggested cars now except these 2.

The Car ultimately is for the Mrs, I ride a bike, but would be using it occasionally. I considered a Hyundai getz but I figured they are too small on engine size.

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Reply # 1682377 5-Dec-2016 11:11

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The Swifts are a bit too small for my liking, dad had one while his Mazda 6 was getting fixed, head was uncomfortably close to the ceiling, and im only 5ft8.

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Reply # 1682381 5-Dec-2016 11:18

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If you plan on taking luggage then the suzuki swift won't be ideal, the boots are tiny

trig42

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Reply # 1682389 5-Dec-2016 11:34

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If it is only those two, grab the Mazda. It will be a bit big for you afterwards though IMO.

The Mazda3 (Axela) is a nice car if you get something above the 1.5 basic model. You can get the SP23 (2.3L) ones with 100-125k on them for around the $7-7.5k.

If you are looking for a car to get you around the country, then have as a shopping basket/commuter car afterwards, look at a Corolla IMO, or a newer Mazda3/Axela with a smaller engine.

Rentals might be another option - rent the car for a week, that way you can get what you need.

jonathan18

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Reply # 1682393 5-Dec-2016 11:40

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I think these two cars are in completely different segments - on the small side of small versus the larger side of medium

Yeah, the (lack of) boot space in the Swift would surely immediately rule it out for a road trip? (Unless this is a luggage-less trip?!)

Mazda Demio is a pretty unexciting car, and still in the small class; the 3/Axela is a far more roomy car, and more suitable for road trips - it should also have a big enough boot for luggage. Given your comment re lack of a large parking space at your apartment, I'd have thought this sized car was more suitable than the larger Atenza/6? And perhaps go with the hatch rather than the sedan, again to save some length.

I'm also pretty sure the 3/Aexla auto has more than three speeds - they're at six now, but I'm pretty sure even the imports started with four.

Dingbatt

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Reply # 1682418 5-Dec-2016 12:22

In the Swift you will fit 4 cabin bag size pieces of luggage. Not the size you see people jamming in overhead lockers but smaller ones that will fit under the seat. In fact I just popped down and measured ours, and the luggage space is 100x45x60cm (WxDxH). Additionally, ours is the 1500, and it struggles with 4 adults in it. I am 5'8" and have plenty of head room in the Swift, in fact much more than lots of other super minis. There is very little leg room in the back. Great for parking though.
As a city car with only 2 people in it, it is great, but for a 1500km road trip as you describe, I would call it suboptimal to say the least.
The best suggestion I've seen yet is to hire a car for your road trip and buy the one you need for every day use if the two requirements conflict.

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MikeB4

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Reply # 1682425 5-Dec-2016 12:30

I am assuming the Swift is the Sport as that's the only one with a 1.6 engine. If you are taking luggage for four you will struggle, the boot is tiny.

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linw

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Reply # 1682476 5-Dec-2016 13:25

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We have a Swift so I agree with the comments on boot size. Just won't hack it I am afraid. It's a great little car but it ain't right for a 4 passenger cruiser IMHO.

Yep, consider a rental and be comfortable and still be right-sized afterwards.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 1682507 5-Dec-2016 13:57

jonathan18:

I'm also pretty sure the 3/Aexla auto has more than three speeds - they're at six now, but I'm pretty sure even the imports started with four.

yeah fair call re the Atenza, but they do look nice and drive nice.

6 speed without being a CVT or Tiptronic? I dont want anything but a normal 3 speed auto if I can avoid it. :-)

Im nearly there, down to 3 cars, Mazda 3, Corolla (expensive for what you get) and the Golf which has a lot of intrinsic value her being from a VW factory town, just sorting out how to minimise chance of a bad DSG.

blackjack17

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Reply # 1682527 5-Dec-2016 14:20

What about honda fit, has heaps of storage space.

The impressa hatch is a nice looking car with plenty of space in it as well.

MikeAqua

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Reply # 1682566 5-Dec-2016 14:49

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Buy the Swift. Rent a larger car for the single trip with 4 adults.

Mike

jonathan18

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Reply # 1682581 5-Dec-2016 14:59

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TeaLeaf:

yeah fair call re the Atenza, but they do look nice and drive nice.

6 speed without being a CVT or Tiptronic? I dont want anything but a normal 3 speed auto if I can avoid it. :-)

Check the informative posts in one of your other threads regarding the various options of gear boxes and how they work; "tiptronic" isn't so much a type of gearbox, but more the ability to manually select particular gears. CVTs don't have "gears" as such, but typically do have the ability to mimic them.

And, yep, standard auto gearboxes with torque converters have had the ability to have more than three speeds (plus overdrive don't forget!) for ages, so if you're looking at a more recent car I doubt you'll find many with only three gears. Six may be standard in current Mazdas, but other brands like Mercedes are moving to eight or more (think these are conventional autos?), all in the pursuit of efficiency.

blackjack17:

What about honda fit, has heaps of storage space.

The Fit's boot certainly large relative to the car's size, and could take a few small suitcases, but not sure if it'll be adequate for a road trip for four people. Also, it's not the gruntiest of cars even with the 1.5, and again I'd probably not be tempted to use one for a road trip with four adults. (My wife has one, so I speak with direct experience; it's not as an easy a drive as say a Corolla or 3- I know some here will disagree with this!). Also, be mindful many Fits have CVTs, whereas the 2nd gen Jazz (NZ new) was a standard auto. The 3rd gen NZ-new Jazz has returned to CVT though.

ubergeeknz

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Reply # 1682635 5-Dec-2016 16:31

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Even the 1st Gen Mazda3 in 2004 came with 4 speed automatic. Haven't seen anything less than a 4sp since the 80's...

richms

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Reply # 1682731 5-Dec-2016 17:28

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Rent a nice cruiser and keep the slipper shaped car for your around town stuff. The swift sport is a nice quick option as far as nanna cars go, but will suck for 4 people.

Richard rich.ms

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 1682863 5-Dec-2016 19:47

Id love to rent a landcruiser or any car, but the in laws are already paying for everything for 2 weeks, 4.5-5star.

I do agree a rental makes sense and I wont be buying a car just to suit the vacation, but if it will work then all the better.

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alasta

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Reply # 1682880 5-Dec-2016 20:18

My Mazda3 has a lot more luggage space than a Swift, but I am still nervous about trying to carry four occupants and their luggage during the New Year break. The girls have been strictly told to bring airline cabin baggage only and to leave the hair driers at home. I hope they were listening.

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