Nice write up!    I also just bought a 2008 manual ZC31S a few weeks back for my son to learn driving.    We absolutely love it!  I got the car in almost stock condition with only lowered using Eibach springs and 17' black Lenso rims with super thin 205/40/17 tires. I hate the rims/tire size combo coz the ride is damn harsh so within a few weeks I changed them to white 5Zigen 15x7 using Hankook V12 Evo 2 tires size 195/55/15. Now way much better as the ride is much more comfortable without sacrificing the handling and it accelerates even faster now due to less weight. IMHO it looks better too coz more proportional (small car matched with small rims) and more racing look (white rims on white car).

I also have remapped mine using RRP v2, agree that it's highly recommended as the torque response especially from low-mid rpm is much more punchy. I have mod my exhaust using 4-2-1 headers and Suzuki Sport rear muffler. Now the response is even more meaty with more top end while sounding sweet all the way! 

I also have tried ron 97 & 100 but currently I'm just filling it up with 95 and it still works fine, just a slightly less throttle response than 97 but not so noticeable and more importantly no knocking. Fuel consumption IMHO is excellent as I can still easily get 10-11km/ltr while driving aggressively most of the time. Last round I tried to drive smoother and more patient and able to get 12.4km/ltr, but for me it's hard to drive slowly with this car as I just feel I want to floor it all the time coz it's so fun!   

What I love about this car:
1. Great, sharp handling with good steering feedback. The handling is surprisingly neutral for a FWD car that makes this car loves eating corners fast!
2. Good engine power for its' size, making it a true pocket rocket and can surprise those with bigger cars!
3. Nice manual gearbox with very short ratios and short throw action too, great for acceleration. Like you said the clutch pedal feel is also just nice.
4. Good fuel consumption.
5. Excellent front seats, hugging the body nicely almost as good as Recaros in Evos or WRXs but easier to live with.
6. Good pedal positioning/alignment.
7. Good brakes.
8. Rear folding seats to allow carrying larger stuff.
9. Last but not least 8 airbags for safety! No other cars in this class has as many airbags s this little baby.

What I think are not so good in this car (but nothing major):
1. Seating position just a bit high.
2. No auto down for driver's window.
3. It needs a 6th gear!    That's why ZC32S has a 6th gear.
4. Even though the braking power is good enough but the brake pedal feel is on the soft side.
5. Also like your experience, it's slightly nervous at the rear but if this is the small price to pay for making it so neutral and well balanced during cornering then I'll gladly live with it! 
6. The turning radius is surprisingly wide for such small car! It's even wider than my other much longer cars! Feels almost like doing a U-turn in an Evo. 
7. Rattling around the driver's side power window switches.
8. Seems to attract other small cars like Myvi and Ford Fiesta S to cucuk from behind to try test you! 

For further upgrades, later today I want to install coil on plug for every cylinder to make a bit more power/improve response, plus a drop-in after market air filter. Also considering to upgrade the brakes maybe with a 2 pot caliper and later better performance pads once the current pads finished. I'm not considering to install any chassis stiffening bars yet since I think the chassis is stiff and sweet handling enough for now.

As for repairs, I haven't done much yet since I just got the car and so far don't see much issues as the car is running beautifully. Planning to bring it to check the engine mountings and suspension bushings, and replace the cam cover gasket coz got some oil leaks there.

Btw where do you get the RRP 5th gear ratio replacement? How much does it cost? Where do you bring your car to service/repair? I'm thinking to bring mine to Stephen Loh at Fine Works Garage.

First car for your son is a ZC31S?! I'm sure he's going to drive it fast and furious, might be headache for you later! Haha!

Yup I agreed with those drawback. Especially tall seating position and wide turning circle!! There is a lowered stock seat mount from RRP too, but I think they no longer have any stock left.

I got the RRP 5th gear from Kegani Racing, they are the official dealer of RRP stuffs in MY. Got it plus installation for about RM16XX. But I think there are cheaper used unit from some garage specialized in Swift, look them up on FB or Mudah.

I did my major repair at Genuine Auto Service in Kajang, the mechanic used to work at Suzuki MY service center. Experienced and friendly, look him up in FB by "CWTan Wing".

By the way, how much you paid for the 5Zigen 15x7 ?
RRP goodies!! RRP Website

Yeah I have not much choice, because I want a small but cool, fun manual Japanese car with the most airbags which is within my budget of rm30k which he will also like so that's the only option. I also don't feel like buying just any junk of a car (even though that might be easier) for him coz I also want him to like the car so he'll take care of it. So yeah, that's how we ended up buying this car.

Oh that guy, yeah I saw his posts a lot in FB. Hmm Kajang a bit too far for me.

I paid rm900 for the rims. Not cheap but quite desperate since it's difficult to find original rims for 15x7 or 15x6.5 with 5x114.3 PCD. Was considering to just put back the stock 16' rims but the 195/50/16 tire size is not much choice for good UHP tires and much more expensive too.

Thx for the info on Kegani Racing & RRP, will try to check out.

Sweet ride. Makes me want to buy one as well. Good car to play around with.

I've been thinking of getting an 15 inch too. Better tire choice and while the original 16 inch looks cool, it's a pain to clean it as it has so many spoke.

Looking for something like TE37, but the price is 2 to 3K. . . Too expensive.

I've only briefly tested the Iriz 1.3 manual, don't like the shifter feel and long shift throw.

If compare spec to spec for 1.6. The Iriz engine is tune for good torque (150Nm at 4000rpm vs ZC31S 148Nm at 4800rpm), rather than top power like the 1.6 in ZC31S. So the Iriz 1.6 should be good to drive in stop go. But high rev ZC31S more power (125HP vs 107HP in Iriz 1.6)

But the Iriz 1.6 is about 100kg heavier than ZC31S (about 1080kg), surely will affect its handling. But I think that's because it is bigger than ZC31S, hence should be more comfortable too.

Lastly, Iriz 1.6 manual is a rare beast, Proton only produce it in small number and no longer build them. Can find a few of them pop up for sell on Mudah.

Really nice write-up bro

Sounds so much fun, felt like kena poisoned....

Just sharing from an owner's perspective. As not many people own this model, hard to get a real owner review.

Just sharing from an owner's perspective. As not many people own this model, hard to get a real owner review.