Lazy to start a new thread so I just piggy back here to share my experience with another of our newly acquired daily driven car.
As some of you might have known, I just bought a 2008 manual ZC31S about 2 months 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, 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, then use Works drop-in filter. Now the response is even more meaty with more top end while sounding sweet all the way!
For the brakes, I have upgraded to ProRS stainless braided hose, Motul dot 5.1 fluid, and install brake stopper.
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. I have 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 up for driver's window.
3. It needs a 6th gear!
110 kph is already @ 4000rpm. 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. 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 as wide or 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, 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 have repaired some small oil leaks from the valve cover seal and underneath from the oil filter area, plus replace the V belt and all fluids including aircon flushing. All the bushings and mountings are all still pretty good. Next repair might be the front absorbers but for now still not too bad, just got a bit noise.
So yeah that's my review and impression so far to the ZC31S.