Suzuki Wagon R+ : WILD THING?

If Boxy Toyotown Looks Are What You Seek In Your Supermini, Suzukis Wagon R+ Could Be For You. Vanessa Hinkley Decides

Suzukis Wagon R+ is certainly a head-turner, a feature shared by several of the contenders in the blossoming sub-supermini city-car sector. It may not boast the almost swoopy design of Fords Ka, but this pert little box on wheels is just as different and, in its own way, equally intriguing. Though it shares its basic design with Vauxhalls Agila, the Wagon R+ is not only better equipped, but boasts a bigger engine. Whether the looks appeal to you or not, you have to concede that packaging is one of the cars strong points.

Suzuki have certainly packed an impressive amount of interior space into the Wagon R+. You could even create a double bed inside, but under what circumstances defies the imagination.

In my view the Wagon R+ could have a strong appeal for older couples. Its set higher off the ground than the average hatchback, so climbing in and out is much more comfortable for painful joints. The fact that there are five doors, not three, is another plus. Inside, there is room to spare for four adults and there is more headroom than even tall drivers will need.

That box-like shape also means an abundance of shoulder space a rare feature in cute and curvy small cars. Taking friends to bridge or for a Sunday spin would be a practical proposition and younger relatives would be highly entertained by a jaunt in this little Suzuki. The boot space is by no means huge, but you could shoehorn generous weekend luggage and a half-set of golfclubs into the back, if you so desired.

The car drives so delightfully around town that you might be surprised to learn that its powered by a frugal 1.2-litre engine. Its certainly brisk enough for the school run and a trip to the shops. It wasnt designed for longer journeys but the Wagon R+ is far from embarrassed on motorway journeys.

On the safety front, though, Suzuki have done their best to impress; twin airbags, side-impact bars in the front doors and seat-belt pre-tensioners come on every car. Having said that, although you sit fairly high up, this is a little car and out on the motorway you might feel vulnerable.

Where this little Suzuki really shines is at the pumps. Youll have to try fairly hard to make the consumption dip below 40mpg. The official EC Combined mileage works out at just over 47.1mpg but real world consumption will obviously be depending on your driving style and the load youre carrying.

The £8,149 GL model comes well equipped and full of handy features like twin airbags, side-impact bars in the front doors and seat-belt pre-tensioners come on every car. Having said that, theres no denying the feeling of vulnerability some drivers may feel behind the wheel, due mostly to the cars diminutive size. You just have to get used to it.

Im not sure that Im ready for the Wagon R+ - yet - but its a neat little package thats a hoot to drive, easy to park and certainly isnt run-of-the-mill.