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Auto Express Car Reviews
Vauxhall Agila
New Agila is talk of town
The new Agila city car aims to compete head-on with more established rivals
Vauxhall city car uses same platform as Suzuki Splash
By James Disdale
23rd July 2007
Vauxhall is hoping to create a stir with its new £7,500 city car. At that price, the Agila will go head-to-head with Fiat’s accomplished Panda. But the maker believes it can rival similar-sized but more expensive models, such as the Renault Modus and Nissan Note, too.
As with the previous generation, this is a joint venture with Suzuki; we revealed official images of the Japanese company’s Wagon R replacement, the Splash, in Issue 969.
The new Agila looks more chic and stylish than its predecessor. Similar to the Suzuki, it gets wraparound headlamps, although its nose is set apart by a sharp ‘V’ grille. At the rear, the tailgate and bumper echo the latest Corsa. Inside, though, the dash is lifted straight out of the Splash, while bright Agila embossed fabrics lift the cabin.
A first in this class is the option of a powered tailgate. It opens to reveal a large load area with extra storage beneath the hinged boot floor.
Buyers get a choice of two petrol engines. The base model has a 64bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, while the flagship Agila features an 85bhp 1.2 four-cylinder. Diesel fans can specify the punchy 75bhp 1.3-litre CDTI from the Corsa. All cars come with a five-speed manual box, although a four-ratio auto is optional on the 1.2.
The Agila debuts at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and is due to arrive in dealers here early next year.
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| The new Agila looks more chic and stylish than its predecessor | |
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As with the previous generation, this is a joint venture with Suzuki; we revealed official images of the Japanese company’s Wagon R replacement, the Splash, in Issue 969.
The new Agila looks more chic and stylish than its predecessor. Similar to the Suzuki, it gets wraparound headlamps, although its nose is set apart by a sharp ‘V’ grille. At the rear, the tailgate and bumper echo the latest Corsa. Inside, though, the dash is lifted straight out of the Splash, while bright Agila embossed fabrics lift the cabin.
A first in this class is the option of a powered tailgate. It opens to reveal a large load area with extra storage beneath the hinged boot floor.
Buyers get a choice of two petrol engines. The base model has a 64bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, while the flagship Agila features an 85bhp 1.2 four-cylinder. Diesel fans can specify the punchy 75bhp 1.3-litre CDTI from the Corsa. All cars come with a five-speed manual box, although a four-ratio auto is optional on the 1.2.
The Agila debuts at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and is due to arrive in dealers here early next year.
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