Suzuki Wagon R+ Car Review
Author: NRMA MotoringDate: 1 May 1998
The Suzuki Wagon R+ is an abnormally tall, rather short and very square-looking vehicle that tends to draw some curious looks from fellow motorists, however the design does bring a few advantages in terms of cabin space and flexibility. For the curious, yes there was a Wagon R in Japan; the R+ is the wider body version! In its overall concept, the Wagon R+ is similar to Daihatsu's Move, but the R+ is a bigger vehicle and has a larger capacity engine with four cylinders, instead of the Move's three cylinder engine.
At $13,990 for the GA version and $14,750 for the GL, the R+ is dearer than the $11,990 (manual) Move, but with its extra space and better performance, the R+ is more car for the money. Unlike the Move, which adventurously offers an automatic version, the R+ comes only with manual transmission.
Equipment levels are basic on the GA R+; for example it doesn't even have a day/night interior mirror. The GA does have a driver's airbag however, plus a tachometer, tinted glass, adjustable height front seat belt upper anchorages, front and rear head restraints, and the ability to recline or fold all seats.
The GL does a bit better, with power steering, electric front windows, central locking, extra storage compartments (including a lift-out bucket under the front passenger's seat), rear window wiper/washer, roof rails and a tailgate lift handle, but you still don't get any form of internal adjustment for the exterior mirrors.
Occupants can leave their hats on in the R+ because there's head room to spare. Front leg room is good, but rear leg space is barely adequate for adults when the front seats are set right back. With only four seating positions, all occupants have good hip space.
The seats themselves offer little in the way of lateral support and only basic levels of comfort. Access in and out of the vehicle is easy, thanks to the combination of high roof and low floor.
The seating arrangement is quite versatile, allowing a variety of load capacities for different size loads, and the tailgate opens high enough for easy loading.
At least in an unladen state, performance is better than expected. The wagon R+ has no trouble keeping up with the general traffic flow around town, and out on the open road, it copes with hills satisfactorily provided you keep the engine revs up and make liberal use of the gearbox.
As for all smaller-engined cars, overtaking manoeuvres require some planning and caution. Performanc ecan be expected to drop off when carrying a full complement of passengers and/or luggage.
The R+ proved to be frugal on fuel, returning better figures than the previously tested Daihatsu Move.
With its tall and relatively narrow body, and limited (I suspect) suspension development, the Wagon R+ is not a confident handler. Its natural environment is the city and suburbs, and in these conditions it's fine, however owners will need to be aware of its limitations should they take their R+ into more demanding conditions.
The R+ doesn't like sudden changes of direction (such as emergency obstacle avoidance) and only mildly exuberant cornering results in considerable body roll and marked understeer. Cross winds out on the open road can be expected to have an adverse effect on the Wagon R+'s stability as they strike the high, flat-sided body.
Summary
The Suzuki Wagon R+ has been a big success in Japan, with reportedly over 700,000 sold in three years, however that country's fascination with small, quirkily-styled cars doesn't necessarily translate into guaranteed popularity in Australia.
Locally, the Wagon R+'s tall, box-on-wheels appearance could deter many buyers, even though the vehicle may prove to be a useful little device when used in its intended city and suburban environment. The Wagon R+ is economical, easy to drive and park, and handy for carrying those taller loads.
However its inferior chassis dynamics and limited performance in more demanding conditions, spell an unsuitability for country driving or long distance touring.
Test vehicle supplied by Ateco Suzuki.
Quick Facts
| Make |
Suzuki |
| Model |
Wagon R+ |
| Category |
Commercial |
| Year |
1998 |
| Body type |
5-door hatchback |
| Price of vehicle tested |
$14,750 |
| Pluses |
Body design provides good space and ease of entry/exit
Low fuel consumption
Performance satisfactory in city
|
| Minuses |
Handling in demanding conditions
Seats lack good support and comfort
Lack of internal adjustment for exterior mirrors
|
| Country of manufacture |
Japan |
| Warranty |
3 years, 100,000km |
| Models Available |
GA
GL
|
| Prices |
$13,990 - GA
$14,750 - GL
|
Specifications
Engine |
|
| Number of cylinders |
4 |
| Engine size |
1.0 L |
| Induction |
Electronic port fuel injection |
| Fuel |
ULP |
Transmission |
|
| Type |
Manual |
Wheels |
|
| Wheel type |
Alloy (Optional) |
| Wheel size |
13 " |
Tyres |
|
| Type |
Bridgestone |
| Dimensions |
165/65R 13 |
Steering |
|
| Turning circle (measured) |
10.1 m |
Dimensions |
|
| Mass |
850 kg |
| Length |
3410 mm |
| Width (including mirrors) |
1815 mm |
| Height |
1705 mm |
| Seating capacity |
4 |
| Fuel capacity |
42 litres |
Towing |
|
NRMA Theft Rating |
|
| Points on scale 0 - 120 (high score is best) |
11 |
Acceleration - Test results |
|
| 50 - 80km/h |
8.3 secs |
| 60 - 100km/h |
11.9 secs |
| 0 - 80km/h |
10.2 secs |
| 0 - 100km/h |
17.3 secs |
Fuel Consumption |
|
| Best recorded during testing |
5.6 L/100km |
| Worst recorded during testing |
6.8 L/100km |
| Average on test |
6 L/100km |
Braking |
|
| Distance to stop (from 80km/h) |
32.1 metres |
Noise |
|
| Interior noise at constant 80km/h |
69 dB(A) |
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