We knew it would be close, but not this close. You see, Hyundai today is a very accomplished company, and some of their cars are getting far too desirable. On the other hand, Suzuki has always been a very good ‘small’ car maker, and for a change, they have made a very good small car that is also extremely desirable.
Really, the Swift has the looks and the engineering credentials to be an extremely ‘buy-able’ car – money no bar. Hyundai virtually went broke to give the Indian-spec Getz almost everything that they offered to the Europeans, while Suzuki went back to their skunk-works room and shoehorned an existing engine for India, amongst other changes. The result, the Getz, our current Car Of The Year was launched at a rather high price point and to a lukewarm response, while the Swift has had a roaring start, partly thanks to a shocking sticker price.
If you are in the market for a ‘grown-up’ hatchback, you have enough reason to be worried. Our Which Car? mailbox was filled to the brim with Swift vs Getz questions. And we decided to get the answer the only way we know – a full-blown comparison test, true to BSM tradition.
Looks
Caution: Subjective territory. There is nothing to dislike the way the Getz looks – it is contemporary, clean, and even the great Hubble will not be able to find an unwanted line in the car. It looks properly balanced, has the right stance, is smart and even has an air of sophistication about it – especially when seen from the rear three-quarters. Yet, what it lacks, the Swift has got – which is character. Look at those peeled-up headlamps, the boomerang taillamps, the high waistline and the flared wheel arches, and you know the Swift is all dressed up for the party. Suzuki took a calculated risk when it came to ticking ‘French flair’ as one of the ingredients that made up the Swift, and I have to say, they hit the sweet spot. While you may give the Getz a second look, you jump when you see the Swift – you know what I am talking about, right? In other words, the Getz is the chic escort you hired, while the Swift is the flamenco dancer in a very short skirt. In a world where mass-produced cars are looking oh-so-the-same thanks to crash regulations and dimensional restrictions, the Swift comes as nice surprise.
Getz: ****
Swift: *****
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