SMALL, spacious city cars that nip smartly through the traffic and are easy to park are very much the order of the day and, as such, there is a wide selection from which we can choose.

They range from the more conventional like the Opel Corsa to the tall types as with the Suzuki Wagon R+, which we appraise today.

The Wagon R+, which is virtually a clone of Opel’s Agila – the fruits of a joint venture between Suzuki and Opel – is quite similar to Suzuki’s original of the late 90s, but a lot better. It’s a little curvier, longer and wider.

But whereas Opel offer a choice of two engines with the Agila, Suzuki still has to make do with just the one 1.3 litre 16-valver.

Although the two cars may seem the same, the package is unique to each company.

Built on Suzuki’s mini car platform, the Wagon R+ features large, wide opening doors and high seating levels, providing exceptional headroom, easy access and generous interior space for four adults.

The rear seats can be folded parallel to almost horizontal with a single action, enabling the carrying of large and awkward loads.

Fit all the people on board and there is 248 litres of luggage room. Split the rear seat 50/50 for more. Fold the rear seats down completely and carrying capacity increases to 1250 litres. Rear loading is easier, too, thanks to the tall, wide tailgate and low sill.

Oddments space is decent with shelves for both front occupants, cup and bottle holders and a handy drawer under each front seat.

There is just the one trim level. Standard features include twin airbags, central locking, electric front windows and outside mirrors and power steering.

Life aboard the Wagon R+ is a lot more pleasant than you would imagine looking at the car from the outside. It may look small and narrow from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find yourself spreading your limbs in a surprising amount of room. Sitting high in the seats and with a good expanse of glass, all round visibility is superb.

That comes from Suzuki’s familiar lightweight 1.3 litre 16-valve four, which performs eastely and in a most economical manner.

With 75bhp on offer and 85lb ft of pulling power there’s enough go to nip smarly around town and move briskly on the open road. Pretty quiet early on but when pushed and at speed becomes audible. It takes 11.5 seconds from 0 to 62mph and has a top speed of 96mph. I averaged 43.5mpg.

Suspensions, adapted from Suzuki’s own well-proven design, deal with the cracks and bumps effectively enough around town but on the open road and at speed they are not as effective. And for a tall vehicle there’s little body roll. It also has an impressively tight turning circle.

Lots to like about this car. Loads of space and good performance from the 1.3 litre motor.