Used Suzuki Wagon R+ Hatchback 2000 - 2007 review

If you want MPV looks, but in a package no bigger than a city car, then the Wagon R could fit the bill. It was one of the first cars to use the high-sided mini-MPV design, so it'll be one of the cheapest examples you'll find.

The cabin is big for such a small car, with plenty of head- and legroom for four adults, although the boot is small, if not abnormally so for the class. Some drivers may struggle to make themselves comfy because there's no height adjustment on the drivers seat, and the steering wheel is fixed. But, they'll be happy that the dash is very clear and easy to use, although the materials look cheap.

The Wagon R is best kept confined to town, where speeds are limited, the stodgy handling isn't exposed too much and the ride is reasonably accomplished. Out of its natural habitat, though, and handling, ride and refinement deteriorate very quickly.

The Wagon R isn't as cheap as some similarly sized city cars of the time, such as the Daewoo Matiz, but it's by no means expensive. Also, you'll pay a lot less for the Suzuki than you will for a Vauxhall Agila, which is mechanically identical.

Running costs aren't bad. The 1.0-litre will give you 47.1mpg and cost you a group 2 insurance premium. And, although the 1.2 gives better fuel economy of 47.9mpg, its insurance classification jumps to group 4. The later 1.3 model will cost you more because it's a newer car, but an average fuel economy figure of 46.3mpg is competitive, and an insurance grouping of 3 makes it cheaper to cover than the 1.2.

Servicing might cost a lot however, because the Wagon R needs routine maintenance every 6000 miles. Even if you find a garage charging rock-bottom labour rates, the sheer number of visits you'll need to make add to the expense.

The cheapest Wagon R is the 64bhp 1.0-litre model in GA trim. These ran from 1997 to 2000, and come with electric mirrors, an airbag and an immobiliser.

This engine also came in GL trim for a while, which adds alloys, electric windows, central locking and deadlocks. There was also a 68bhp 1.2-litre engine, but only in GL trim. Eventually, the 1.0 GL was discontinued to leave either the 1.0 GA or the 1.2 GL.

Sadly, both engines are fairly wretched; each is underpowered and noisy. Of the two, go for the 1.2, because at least you'll get a vaguely decent level of performance.

The car was face-lifted in 2000. As well as looking much better, it was also better to drive thanks to a 75bhp 1.3-litre engine. Available only in GL trim, its standard kit includes remote central locking, twin front airbags, a CD player, anti-lock brakes and electric windows. If you can afford it, we'd strongly recommend you choose this one.