Lets start a petition to Suzuki of North America to bring the SWIFT to the US

[The Stigenator]

I drove the car here in India, and I must agree with James May, Its the next Mini and its Brilliant!

The indian car is a tad bit under powered, but put a 1.5L engine.. or a 1.6.. mmmm OH GOD

I want a suzuki swift, i know i would buy one the day it comes out. A small car like that for under 20K for fully loaded, what a killer deal...If it starts base at 12-15K it would be awesome.

 

[The Stigenator]

http://www.globalsuzuki.com/swift/index.html

 

[Ryan]

Won't happen - Suzuki dealers TURNED DOWN the Swift a few years ago when they had the chance. Of course, this was before the gas price explosion, Katrina, etc. Now they'd kill to have the Swift on their dealer lots, but the cost to make it US legal kills it as an option. The Swift is also due for a redesign in a year or two, and Suzuki has said publicly that they are going to bring this one to the US, presumably designing this one with US regulations in mind.

It's coming, you just have to be patient.

 

[iamaelephant]

Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yanks are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

 

[The Stigenator]

ugh those dealers need to be SHOT!

I will write to suzuki by mail even so when i get back to teh US.

 

[toolboxolio]

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yanks are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

Or we'd rather pay a premium to be safer instead save a few bucks. Thus the regulations.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy


The indian car is a tad bit under powered, but put a 1.5L engine.. or a 1.6.. mmmm OH GOD

One feels you may be missing the point somewhat

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: toolboxolio

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yanks are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

Or we'd rather pay a premium to be safer instead save a few bucks. Thus the regulations.

I'd be surprised if NZ's safety standards were any less stringent than you yanks...

As far as i'm aware they have common safety stands with us...

 

[otispunkmeyer]

the swift is the new mini IMO until everyone starts buying it.

i love the blacked out A pillars to give that floating roof effect too. the Swift sport (1.6liter) is an amazing little car and pretty zippy. tiff needel on 5th gear ****** loved it and he's probably one of the best drivers evar

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

Your frugality is a direct result of market conditions.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: toolboxolio

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yanks are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

Or we'd rather pay a premium to be safer instead save a few bucks. Thus the regulations.

I'd be surprised if NZ's safety standards were any less stringent than you yanks...

As far as i'm aware they have common safety stands with us...

swift is a 5 star EURO-NCAP car i think, so its plenty safe.

what it is with the big american trucks though, is the ride height, they would just ride over the swift in a head on crash. the only way to protect against that is to simply join the party and get a truck. they've kinda of created their own little world of safety where you need to be in one if your in a crash incase the other guy is also in one when he crashes into you or else you = mouth full of truck

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

Your frugality is a direct result of market conditions.

God, NYC could sure use some more compacts. I sometimes use my dad's minivan and, let me tell you, it's much easier to find parking for my Elantra than his town and country..

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

Your frugality is a direct result of market conditions.

God, NYC could sure use some more compacts. I sometimes use my dad's minivan and, let me tell you, it's much easier to find parking for my Elantra than his town and country..

i bet those car park owners would love it if all the cars in NYC were little run arounds.... just imagine how many more cars you could cram into the parking lots and then charge the same rate.

quids in for sure

 

[The Stigenator]

Well the car that i drove was unfortunately a diesel.. hence the power issue..

But the handling of the car is just amazing, considering iw as driving in kolkata which is a POS place to drive anycase, cant go past 40kmph on teh streets .. try 60kmph and you are going to go back in time...

Anyway Its an amazing car regardless.... I love it, and frankly i want one.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

Last time i visited the UK the roads seemed pretty normal, and as far as i'm aware most of Europe is pretty normal too

Then there's Australia, New Zealand, most of Africa, the Middle East, Russia...hmm

 

[The Stigenator]

dude.. american drivers who drive big cars.. dont know how to drive.. try taking an SUV up a slalom course.. its not fun.. its a utility car.. the swift is a commuter car taht will be a fun car for the weekend.. in the hills..

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

well the local limo company has zero problems getting their 8 wheeler hummers around town lol!

(i live in middlesbrough , north east england)

though jeremy clarkson did have trouble with his ford GT getting over the hammersmith bridge in london....ie it wouldnt fit, too wide.

i saw a Dodge RAM 3500 the other day, the big mutha with massive back axel and the stupidly wide rear arches, and it just to say fit in one lane on the A19. seen a few dodge rams around though, the smaller ones (1500's?) and some ones got the SRT-10 one with the viper engine. they seem to have no problems.

basically i think london and oxford where they seem to be rather anti-car is where the problems are. you'd struggle to get a lambo LM002 or something through londons small streets and if you took one to oxford the greenies would probably kill you on the spot

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

Last time i visited the UK the roads seemed pretty normal, and as far as i'm aware most of Europe is pretty normal too

Then there's Australia, New Zealand, most of Africa, the Middle East, Russia...hmm

Dug - have you sent any time in the US outside of major metropolitan areas? I've lived in Panama, Turkey, and Germany, and I find it hard to believe their roads or transit systems could support the myriad of Hummer sized SUVs found in the US.

Face it - much of the US is made up of urban sprawl. Until the recent gas price hike, we have had no need for smaller vehicles.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

well the local limo company has zero problems getting their 8 wheeler hummers around town lol!

(i live in middlesbrough , north east england)

though jeremy clarkson did have trouble with his ford GT getting over the hammersmith bridge in london....ie it wouldnt fit, too wide.

i saw a Dodge RAM 3500 the other day, the big mutha with massive back axel and the stupidly wide rear arches, and it just to say fit in one lane on the A19. seen a few dodge rams around though, the smaller ones (1500's?) and some ones got the SRT-10 one with the viper engine. they seem to have no problems.

basically i think london and oxford where they seem to be rather anti-car is where the problems are. you'd struggle to get a lambo LM002 or something through londons small streets and if you took one to oxford the greenies would probably kill you on the spot

I'm sure one or two would have no problems getting around, but imagine if everyone drove vehicles as large as the Ram1500, with many 3500's sprinkled into the mix.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

well the local limo company has zero problems getting their 8 wheeler hummers around town lol!

(i live in middlesbrough , north east england)

though jeremy clarkson did have trouble with his ford GT getting over the hammersmith bridge in london....ie it wouldnt fit, too wide.

i saw a Dodge RAM 3500 the other day, the big mutha with massive back axel and the stupidly wide rear arches, and it just to say fit in one lane on the A19. seen a few dodge rams around though, the smaller ones (1500's?) and some ones got the SRT-10 one with the viper engine. they seem to have no problems.

basically i think london and oxford where they seem to be rather anti-car is where the problems are. you'd struggle to get a lambo LM002 or something through londons small streets and if you took one to oxford the greenies would probably kill you on the spot

I'm sure one or two would have no problems getting around, but imagine if everyone drove vehicles as large as the Ram1500, with many 3500's sprinkled into the mix.

This whole argument is moot seeing as you drive an xB.

 

[Trente]

It's considered a very good deal for a mini where I live. The new Toyota Yaris is expensive and is offered with a semi-automatic gearbox that turned out to be a dud. The relatively new Daihatsu Sirion cost less than the Swift but is based on the older version of the Yaris and also feels "cheaper" (not that it's a bad thing, I drive an "old" Yaris and it's a terrific car - even though it was introduced in 1999 it still holds it's own today and the Sirion is a proof for that).

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

well the local limo company has zero problems getting their 8 wheeler hummers around town lol!

(i live in middlesbrough , north east england)

though jeremy clarkson did have trouble with his ford GT getting over the hammersmith bridge in london....ie it wouldnt fit, too wide.

i saw a Dodge RAM 3500 the other day, the big mutha with massive back axel and the stupidly wide rear arches, and it just to say fit in one lane on the A19. seen a few dodge rams around though, the smaller ones (1500's?) and some ones got the SRT-10 one with the viper engine. they seem to have no problems.

basically i think london and oxford where they seem to be rather anti-car is where the problems are. you'd struggle to get a lambo LM002 or something through londons small streets and if you took one to oxford the greenies would probably kill you on the spot

I'm sure one or two would have no problems getting around, but imagine if everyone drove vehicles as large as the Ram1500, with many 3500's sprinkled into the mix.

This whole argument is moot seeing as you drive an xB.

Actually - now I drive a Civic Si. It still doesn't change the fact that I see a sea of SUVs and trucks every day that I drive.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: iamaelephant
Those cars are very popular in NZ. I'm surprised they are not available in USA. I guess it's because yank are too hung up on the "macho" paradigm when it comes to car ownership.

No - we just haven't had a need for them. We don't need compact cars, because the vast majority of the country isn't as densely populated as the rest of the world. Our cities are modern, and spaced out - the even the biggest of vehicles have no problem getting around. Not to mention the cheap gas prices (which are still cheap, compared to the rest of the world).

That's one of the odder arguments i've ever seen as to why yanks love SUVs and HUUGE sedans

FYI, much of the rest of the developed world has cities of similar street dimensions

Try driving a Hummer H2 around Europe, or even in Asia - tell me how well it fits

Last time i visited the UK the roads seemed pretty normal, and as far as i'm aware most of Europe is pretty normal too

Then there's Australia, New Zealand, most of Africa, the Middle East, Russia...hmm

Dug - have you sent any time in the US outside of major metropolitan areas? I've lived in Panama, Turkey, and Germany, and I find it hard to believe their roads or transit systems could support the myriad of Hummer sized SUVs found in the US.

Face it - much of the US is made up of urban sprawl. Until the recent gas price hike, we have had no need for smaller vehicles.

Yes, more than likely far more than you, and i think you are full of it

In the nicest possible way

EDIT: i'm not familiar with those areas, but i've lived all over elsewhere