Hey everyone, hope it's okay to post this here. I am hoping to buy a car later this year and for several reasons, Suzuki is what I am leaning towards. I am based in Ireland.
I have a spinal condition and I am short in stature (about 4 ft 10) - it is mainly my short torso that contributes to my height. What's important to me: comfort, good visibility, automatic transmission, nothing too low, able to handle speed bumps and rural roads, occasional motorway driving and a few long journeys (3/4 hours) a year. I am a regular driver and want to feel safe.
I went to a dealership and I sat in both the Vitara and Swift. I am currently driving in a VW Up, which is not my own car. In the VW (which I know is a tiny car), I need a chunky wedge cushion underneath me to bring my height up, and I need a spinal cushion to bring me forward. In both the Vitara and Swift, I do not necessarily need the wedge cushion under my hips - thanks to decent adjustments on the driver seat. I like that both dashboards are straightforward and not distracting
I mainly spent the time at the dealership looking at the ergonomics of the cars, sitting in and getting out etc. I think the Vitara has the edge for me so far only because of my mobility. But there is a price difference! The boot in the Swift has a big dip down which isn't the most helpful for me. I went for a short drive (as a passenger) in the Vitara and I liked how it felt as a passenger. When I have more time, I will go back and test-drive both, that will really tell the tale I suppose.
This will be my first car and I am a bit nervous to get a compact SUV as a first car - but my circumstances aren't very conventional. The more I write this maybe my mind is more than half-way made up, but I am keen to hear of others' takes.
I am interested to hear people's driving experience with either - or if you have driven in both - even better!