murcod wrote:
Ecoboost engine problems?
We get them here in various models and sizes. They even use the 2 litre Ecoboost in the local rear wheel drive Falcon (which is a large 1706kg car, 0-100km/h 6.7secs, 8.5l/100km combined consumption) , plus the Mondeo, Kuga, Focus and the 1.0l and 1.6l in the Fiesta's.
There hasn't been a single thing I've seen about any engine problems in local models. The 1.0l is winner of both the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year award.
Credit where it's due. Don't let your Suzuki bias cloud your judgement.
Suzuki clearly aren't keeping pace (with all their current models) and certainly aren't competitive with their "Sport" models. Back in the late 1980's to early 1990's they had a legendary hot hatch in the original Swift GTi - nothing else since has compared. The Swift Sport has the potential- but is let down with a mediocre engine. If you're after a class leading performance hatch you'd be shopping elsewhere.
The current model Grand Vitara is a classic example of their "archaic" models. They scrapped the only decent model (which had a 3.2l V6 and 5 speed auto) and now you're stuck with a J24B with a four speed auto!? A four speed auto in 2014.....
Anyway, back to depreciation values on the Kizashi.
You seem to forget where Ford is from, Murcod. Let's also not forget the population and car ownership numbers between Australia and the USA. In fact, the US has nearly 10 times the number of cars than Australia has people in it. In essence, there are way more Fords in America than Australia. In fact, I bet there are more Fords on American roads than all cars in Australia. My point is that the US has many more cars for better statistics and we also apparently have better consumer protection laws which would help to expose problems like engineering issues with engines.
Regarding Ford EcoBoost issues: Consumer Reports, a US-based publication, have already rated Ford's EcoBoost models with having below average reliability. They've even stated it's due to the engine. CR is an independent publication that compiles reliability data by surveying people who own these cars. I've followed their reliability data for nearly 10 years and find their data the most valid of anything out there. Keep in mind, I don't care for CR's "Recommendations" or other opinions, but their reliability data is second to none and they are just about the only publication that buys the cars they rate.
I remember Ford even recalled EcoBoost models due to fire risks. They've even been sued over these engines for stalling issues.
However, don't take my word for it. Read for yourself:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/2013051 ... /130519889
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/04/14/nhts ... be-report/
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/26/ford ... sk-recall/
It even sounds like Ford Focus fanboys are aware of the issues in Focus STs:
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/show ... p?t=326133
However, none of this should really come as a surprise.
Think about it: Ford was a "no replacement for displacement" automaker until recently. They have relatively little experience in mass production turbocharging compared to the Japanese and Germans and even they have issues with turbo reliability compared to normally aspirated engines.
Then add the complications of direct injection and you've got a lot of things that can go wrong until you have the experience to work them out.
Regarding Suzuki in comparison: I completely agree they are outperformed and outdated compared to the competition. However, there is a reason for this. Suzuki, and many other Japanese companies, are very conservative on technologies that risk reliability. They essentially value reliability like no other and will rather delay a technology until they can thoroughly test it.
Suzukis like the Swift Sport are outperformed by turbo rivals like the Fiesta ST, but the Ford can only dream of being as reliable as the Suzuki. You read the article I linked earlier about the 'Ring rental Swift Sport? You really think an EcoBoost-fitted Ford can deliver what those flogged Swift Sports did without some major issue? Given Ford's history with small cars, you can say unlikely.
About the Grand Vitara: Yes, it's severely outdated however, it's also one of the very few true SUVs remaining in the compact SUV segment. Suzuki deliberately takes this route much like Toyota with their 4Runner/Hilux. In a world choked full of softroader AWD CUVs, the GV is a real SUV with a ladder-frame and 4x4 with low gearing. It relies on old but proven technology and will take you places a Honda CRV and the like can only dream of. As a former offroader of Suzuki SUVs, I can attest to it. My Sidekick got me through places Subarus got stuck in.
So in essence, yes, Suzukis are outdone and are trailing behind in technology compared to big brands like Ford. However, you can damn well count on Suzukis still running 150,000 plus miles later while these Ford Ecoboost models will probably be in the shop or scraped with blown motors. In fact, the most reliable current Ford Fusions are the ones with 2.5 liter Duratec engines, much like the one I rented a while back. However, it's not surprising given it's a Mazda-designed, normally aspirated 4 cylinder engine. I have no doubt these Fusions will outlast their EcoBoost-fitted clones.
Lastly, Suzuki is releasing new models in 2015 so it's not like they're completely devoid of any development. They are just slow and careful which is rather common with Japanese companies. It's both good and bad but that depends on what you want and expect out of your car.
