Car reviews

Introduction

The Vauxhall Agila is very similar to the Suzuki Wagon R, although it comes with different engines and trim levels. It is a good city runabout offering more room and practicality than most other small city cars, but you’ll regret any decisions to take it out of the city as if you do the engines will feel underpowered, very noisy and the rattle is multiplied by oncoming wind due to the car’s boxy shape.

Exterior & Interior

The Vauxhall Agila may not look like much of a car from the outside with its large boxy MPV-styled exterior, but this layout means that the car has a roomy interior which is better than most other small city cars. There is plenty of head room and adequate legroom for the passengers in the rear and the boot is a good size too, being able to accommodate a week’s shopping. It gains further versatility over other city cars as it only comes with five doors making getting in and out easy. The seats aren’t very comfortable, though, feeling very flat without any cushioning. They also lack support which makes them feel very uncomfortable on longer journeys.

The 1.0i edition only ever came with one trim, but from 2002 the 1.2i was offered with either the Club or Design trim levels. We’d go for the Design spec as it comes with added little luxuries such as electric front windows, air-con and a CD stereo.

Drive

The Agila handles well in urban situations thanks to its small turning circle and light steering. There is some body roll in the corners, it feels out of depth on the motorway and there is plenty of noise from the wind, road and engine, especially at high speeds. Its boxy shape and low weight also means that it is easily affected by strong side winds.

Faults & Repairs

The Agila is fairly fault-free, but there are some things to look out for. The first is the suspension, which may produce loud clonks. Luckily this is not a major problem as new bushes should fix the issue. Other problems to look for are related to the optional central locking, which is prone to failing and the clutch, which can give up on you after just 50,000 miles.

Servicing costs should be reasonably cheap as the Agila only needs to go in for check-ups every 20,000 miles.