SECONDHAND SENSE: In order to understand the concept of the Suzuki Wagon R it is necessary to have some understanding of life in Japan, for only the Japanese could have designed this car.
Think about the fact that some six million pedestrians cross one of Tokyo's main junctions each day and that driving in urbanised Japan is akin to appearing in Waiting for Godot.
The Wagon R, then, is the product of minds struggling to extract the maximum from the minimum. This is essentially a mini car, designed for city driving, but offering space, height and comfort that makes it feel like a much bigger car.
The car's resultant boxy shape and the fact that the four wheels are placed at extremities of the body means it is not a pretty car, however. In fact, it is downright ugly and lacking in any sort of character.
But to concentrate on its looks (you are instantly going to love it or hate it anyway) is to rather miss the point of it all. It could be argued that this is the kind of car anyone living in a city should be driving.
It will carry five passengers comfortably with more headroom than you will find in many saloons. The boot, however, is not very generous and maximum loading is only achieved with the rear seats down. The interior is well designed and practical with good storage space and excellent ease of access.
It is perfect for city driving, being extremely economical and easier to park than a motorbike. It will accommodate all sorts of combinations of children and adults and would be spacious enough to move the contents of a flat.
In fact, the Wagon R was so clever in its day that Opel took one look at the concept and agreed to a partnership deal with Suzuki. The result is that the Opel Agila is a Suzuki Wagon R with an Opel engine instead of a Suzuki one. Incidentally, the Opel 1.2 engine is probably a better bet than the Suzuki one, feeling more refined.
Naturally the Wagon R is at its best in the city. On the open road you will find its limitations quickly if you push it, but again this rather misses the point of it. This is a car that is ideal for pottering around, not for belting down motorways, where you will find it rather unsettled and noisy.
The Wagon R does not feature in EuroNCAP crash test results because it has not undergone them. Small numbers have been recalled for problems with fasteners on the steering rack, front and rear suspension, handbrakes shock absorbers and gearshift cables. A 2002 model with metallic paint, electric windows, central locking, twin airbags, an automatic gearbox and 23,000 miles on the clock is on offer at €8,495. A 2004 model with the same level of equipment and 6,000 miles on the clock is on offer for €9,750.
FOR: Excellent city car, economical and spacious. Ideal for taller people.
AGAINST: Boxy shape and slightly noisy.