Vauxhall Agila Hatchback

We say Supermini-cum-MPV that’s solid, reliable and fairly economical. Unfortunately there are cheaper, less dull options on the market.Performance There are

We say Supermini-cum-MPV that’s solid, reliable and fairly economical. Unfortunately there are cheaper, less dull options on the market.Performance There are three engines available with the Agila but all sit between 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre variants. The fastest engine in the range is the best choice, because it’s also the most economical too. It comes in the form of the 1.3-litre CDTi ecoFLEX and is worth 73bhp. With that output it clears 60mph in 13.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 103mph. That’s not breathtaking but is enough for around city and gentle cruising.Emissions The 1.3-litre CDTi ecoFLEX returns 62mpg and emits 120g/km. That’s the best in the range for the Agila but not great when compared to some alternatives on the market which dip below 100g/km.Driving Around town is where the Agila is at its best with light steering and a small turning circle it’s agile and easy to manoeuvre. There is quite a lot of bodyroll as a result of its tall sides but generally it’s ok. At motorway speed it’s decent as well.Feel The Agila is nimble and agile but favours a firm suspension setup. That means the ride is equally firm onboard the little Vauxhall.Space The Agila is a comfortable car and passengers benefit from its high sides and roof. That means there’s plenty of head and legroom. At the back there’s a 225-litre boot that increases with the 60/40 split folding rear seats and an underfloor storage compartment.Equipment At the bottom end of the specification levels, equipment is basic and the cabin can feel a little bare. Further up the range and more equipment becomes available however not as much as other models on the market.Price Pricing for the Vauxhall Agila starts from around £8,500 and creeps up to around £13,000 for high-end models.Quality The cabin is practical rather than exciting and everything is laid out in a clear way. There are decent materials that are solid rather than attractive. It’s a bright cabin thanks to the available colour schemes inside however it’s still rather dull.Safety As standard, the Agila comes fitted with four airbags, ABS and an emergency brake assist system. All models now come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as well but only since changes to car safety laws. Beforehand, ESC was an expensive cost extra on the Agila.Pros The Agila is a practical, reliable and competitively priced compact MPV. It’s decent to drive and ideally suited to driving around town.Cons The Agila is not an exciting car to drive or own and equipment levels are poor at entry-level. There are more practical, better equipped and cheaper alternatives on the market.Alternatives Suzuki Splash, Ford Fusion

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