I’ve been through a similar journey. A Honda Beat, MX5, MR2 GT turbo, Integra type R, (then kids) lots of Daihatsu Avanzato’s. Now I have a Suzuki Swift Sport ZC32S in white and absolutely love it. Such a great all-rounder and great fun. Great on the motorway and fantastic on the twisties and all the mod cons you need. I’ve changed to double din too.
Again you keep getting cars I would get myself... What's putting me off a ZC32s really are 1. prices are getting inflated, more so than other cars (low mile ZC32s approaching high mile ZC33s prices), 2. age, for the price I'd like a newer car as Suzukis are not known to be good with corrosions. I tested the newer ZC33s myself and I really wasn't impressed unlike many people are online (uncertain if they've actually driven one), decent car but no joy. Very light lifeless steering, loads of torque low down but no high-revving thrill, really not very good gear change feel, very high sitting position (but very comfortable suspension). People always argue these are used by rent4ring, but really they are not standard cars, and good on track doesn't equate to fun in real life driving. Polo GTI is also used by other rentals at the ring, but that doesn't seem to have a reputation isn't it... That's said, likely ZC34s won't be for a while if it ever comes out, as Suzuki just did a minor change for ZC33s in Japan while the next gen Swift is out, suggesting ZC33s will carry on for quite a while.
All SSS generations are *warm* hatches. Quick but not fast, and with suspension on the softer side. They do feel light and nimble though, which is what I like. In Ireland you do see ZC32s for sale regularly, but ZC33s don't seem to exist here with only a handful in the country, so I never even considered them. As you say, a different animal - low down torque, more relaxing, than the high revving previous generation. Horses for courses I suppose.
