Agile in the city

Dec 8 2008 Ian Johnson

SHORT and tall is hardly the recipe for style in the automotive world, but Vauxhall has certainly delivered a good looking package in its neat Agila.

The current Agila which replaces the boxy original model has been hit with the style stick and is one of the most sizzling small choices bearing the Griffon badge.

In addition to its looks Agila lives up to its name by being agile enough to slip into tightest parking spaces , yet is something of a Dr Who's Tardis in terms of interior space.

The green credentials of Agila are excellent making it attractive financially and it also has a tremendous pull for the woman driver.

Vauxhall has majored on this in its advertising theme entitled Flex in the City, giving the Agila a fashionable and desirable stance that the old model never had.

Agila is a main contender in the small monocab market which is one of the fastest growing sectors in Europe and is one sector that is expected to keep on growing. Aimed at youthful buyers, it is ranged against competitors like the Fiat Panda, Renault Modus, Honda Jazz and Suzuki Splash.

The range starts with the Agila 1.0i 12-valve at £7,595 and then progresses to an 86PS 1.2-litre 16-valver and, for the first time in this car, a 1.3 CDTi 16v diesel. Trim options are Expression, Club and Design.

Agila features some stunning paintwork-upholstery combinations, my Design test car having deep blue seat panels making it extremely distinctive.

My car was powered by the 1.2i 16v which is remarkably smooth and flexible for such a small vehicle.

It can hit 60mph in 12.3 seconds and attain 109mph, and on the economy front has a Combined fuel consumption of 51.4mpg.

Although not exactly cheap at £9,595 Agila is one of the most modern and enjoyable drives in its sector.

FAST FACTS

Vauxhall Agila Design 1.2

Price: £9,595

Mechanical: 86PSp, 1,2428cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via a five-speed gearbox

Max speed: 109mph

0-62mph: 12.3 secs

Combined mpg: 51.4

CO2 emissions: 131g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 6yrs anti-rust.