Expect Further Mods
by Jim Currie (11 Mar 00)

The all-new version of Suzuki's Wagon R+ was launched to the European press this week. Destined to reach UK showrooms in the early summer, it perches on Suzuki's mini car platform, but is the result of a close if uneasy collaboration involving Suzuki engineers and their counterparts at Adam Opel AG.

The German input has been necessary because the Hungarian-built Wagon R+ forms the basis for GM's new Agila, which will be manufactured in Poland. We'll get our first look at the General's car when the wraps come off the first customer-ready versions later this month.

So where does all this leave us? Basically with a stretched version of the existing Wagon R+ but with the corners rounded off to give it more of a European look. The jangling of Oriental nerves simply centres around the fact that the Wagon R+ has been Japan's top-selling car for the past three years, so there has been a natural reluctance to give the nod to wholesale changes.

Just two models will be available from the outset, both powered by the 16-valve 1.3-litre engine, and badged as GA and GL. There will also be a choice between manual and automatic transmission.

First impressions of the engine are that it is smooth, flexible and surprisingly nimble, given the modest 74bhp output. The quoted 95mph-plus top speed is genuine enough - I got there, albeit managing to lose a wing mirror when I encountered a Honda travelling at a similar velocity in the opposite direction.

Standstill to 60mph takes around 13 seconds. For economy, expect about 36mpg in town and 55mpg out on the open road. Insurance is down at group 4.

What I didn't like - and opinion among my colleagues seemed unanimous here - was how the degree of body roll increased dramatically with the car's speed, to the point where it became very noticeable even on gentle motorway bends. Also, any directional changes at anything over 60mph have to be undertaken with care, as oversteer is serious enough to quicken the heart rate.

This was reported to the engineers "on the ground", who took copious notes and promised a suspension retune. I know them. They will have it well and truly fixed before the first cars reach the showrooms.

Inside the car there have been some welcome changes. Equipment levels have been raised, there is more head, leg and elbow room, luggage capacity has been increased, seats are firm but comfortable, and much of Suzuki's trademark tinny construction has been stiffened up, so that the doors "clunk" rather than "clang".

Prices will not be released until April, but the promise is that the new cars will be no more expensive than the outgoing models. That adds up to an excellent deal, and it will be interesting to see if GM goes even lower. The scuttlebutt says it will.

Back to Suzuki Launch index
Back to main Launch index