The $200k Dream Weavers

Julian's Sweet Swift - Where the smart money is spent

The start of new car buying rules and regulations may cause many to be less capable in financial terms but the Suzuki Swift Sport represents the undisputed deal of this particular spectrum. The combination of generous performance figures, couple of acknowledged reliable issues and a certain desire from loyal fans (or fanboys, for that matter) taking a strong liking to the Swift Sport moniker have made the Japanese pocket rocket a hatchback that's truly worth every cent. 

Suzuki brought the Swift Sport to such a broad audience than any other models in its lineup. The added refinement and efficiency of the 1.6-litre engine is matched by a remarkable driving comfort and the peace of mind of back-to-basics driving - for drivers who are seriously concerned about the unintended potential of the car's sound dynamics and handling capabilities. 

The Swift Sport is no soft slouch either. With a healthy helping of 134 horses and 160Nm of torque sent to front wheels via the intuitive six-speed manual (or CVT if you prefer two pedals), the zippy hatch is good for 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The car's talkative steering is a particular highlight and because of that, it's great fun to pilot it on a twisty road. It carves corners with absolute precision, excellent brakes and lots of confidence-inspiring grip. Displaying very little body roll, few hatches are as capable or entertaining on challenging roads.

Simply put, on the right road with the right mood, the Swift Sport is sensational.

There's really no denying the fundamental sweetness of the Swift Sport. It takes no strain at all to work out why so many consider this car to be the best in its class. Even the sporty character is obviously displayed on the inside. It's the first Swift Sport to get high quality fit and finish with red stitching on its bucket seats and steering wheel. And to be able to sit five with ease, you can check the practical box with one eye shut. 

As for its styling, it's modern and muscular at the same time. With sharp-edged fog lamps surrounds and enlarged grilles, the face of the car looks more energetic than any of its peers. What makes it so lovable is the fact that Suzuki managed to find a sweet spot with its design without looking overly raucous in any way imaginable.

As a car to own, to look at and to shell out for every opportunity possible is unique. I loved every second I was in this car. Just like how every car should be.
Nicholas picks the most mental from the least metal 

In terms of physical size, a two-door coupe isn't exactly what you call a 'best buy'. Not to mention, the market is largely filled with sensible bang-for-buck (or should we call them metal-for-buck) offerings. At $184,988 (as of 5^th Mar 2013), a top grade GS variant will not leave you much of a change when you hand over a fifth of a million too.  

So where does the argument lie with the Toyota 86?

The invigorating drive is something we must start with. 

Let's put things into better perspective. As much as you like soccer and enjoy watching Lionel Messi putting the ball into the goal post, you probably wouldn't be as happy playing with him. As a matter of fact, you know you will be beaten outright. Hence, the best games are those played with your boot buddies, because they put you on a level playing ground.

To some extent, it is similar when it comes to driving. Yes, a Pagani Huayra is immensely powerful and, of course, great to look at. But it too takes a high level of driving skills to command and harness all that power - yes we all like to think we are great drivers, but most of us aren't.

What the 86 does, then, is to put you at the top of your game - without asking you to be the best driver.

It doesn't take much to bring out the best of the car. Every little curves and turns will make your grin wider, and it is not because you have managed to blow some smoke on the guy's face beside you. With 200 horses from the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, it isn't what we call a splendid sprinter either.

Instead, it is how everything pieces together in the 86. Without relying on forced induction, the car is intuitive to any jabs at the throttle - in an eventful manner with a delectable soundtrack. And there is the chatty steering which evokes an intimate relationship between the driver and the car - and it does it just as well at lower speeds.

It starts to make more sense if you go into the teeny-weeny tech bits that go into the car.

The centre of gravity of the car has been kept as low as possible. The heaviest part of a car is no doubt the engine. As such, the 86's has a flat-four arrangement - one that has its cylinders sleeping on its sides, instead of being raked at an angle or vertically straight in Vee or Inline engines. This keeps the mass closer to the ground, giving the car more stability in corners as well as better handling.

And when you think of the engineering that goes into the making of your car, you start to feel it is money well spent.

In short, the 86 is not just another sports car you find on the road. The humble badge may have made it less enticing among the grander crowd, but none of them has been able to bring back the basics of motoring as good as the 86.

And for that, it truly deserves my vote as the best car one can buy under $200,000.
Regan is heading for the nineteenth hole

As journalists in the motoring industry, we come across many cars from day to day and of course, we have our very own dream cars spread out across the different price ranges.

Well, I personally have a penchant for hatchbacks and that explains my choice - The Golf.

In the competitive market of cars below $200,000, it's hard to imagine why anyone would choose something like a Golf, when you can choose a Golf.

Few cars maintain their position as class leader throughout their lifetime and the Golf is one of them. 

Three generations on from the time my teacher's silver Mk4 Golf caught my eye, the seventh generation of this icon still does the same.

The Golf looks good with its sleek and sharp styling, coupled with new distinctive features such as U-shaped LED daytime running lights. Interior fit and finish is of the highest quality and the high-tech infotainment system puts your entertainment needs at ease. Space is not a problem too with much leg and head clearance to spare.

A humble 1.4-litre powerplant under the bonnet it may be, but the performance that tees off wouldn't disappoint anyone. With 122 horses and 200Nm of torque available at your right foot, the car will do the century sprint in a very respectable 9.3 seconds.

But should you decide to choose the Golf Sport, which is still way below $200,000, the 140bhp and 250Nm of torque will be more than satisfying. The hurtle from standstill to 100km/h also feels much quicker than the stated 8.4 seconds in real world driving conditions.

More attractively, the Volkswagen Golf stands to gain from the new CEVS scheme that started early this year. With its low carbon emissions of 116g/km, the Golf is entitled to a CEVS rebate of $15,000 and that substantiates quite a fair bit of cost savings for an average salaried worker.

Well, I did not choose the Golf because of its impressive performance or the amount of gadgetry that it has. Of course, these are just some of the many factors that I took into account. But most importantly, I chose the Golf because it brings out the 12-year old in me when I am behind the wheel. 

There is a hell lot to be said about a car that is an incredibly impressive overall package at only $136,800 (as of 5^th Mar 2013) and I could go on and on. But to cut my long story short, the Golf is definitely that car which will make my passengers and me grin from point to point.