SOME small cars are capable of immense mileages without any problems, and one of these is the immensely practical Suzuki Wagon R.

A few years ago, a man from North Wales used one to commute from his home to near London EVERY DAY, covering more than 100,000 miles a year.

It is one of best city cars, because that tall shape means it can accommodate four people in comfort. Only one other from the era can do the same, and that's the Vauxhall Agila, which was built in the same factory.

The Suzukis are rarer than the Vauxhalls because Suzuki has fairly small sales in this country, but the Wagon R has more power thanks to excellent 1.2 and 1.3 litre engines.

All have five doors and are much bigger than other city cars like the Ford Ka or Fiat 500, which can only fit three people at best.

Excellent easy-fold 50/50 split rear seats go down in a second to make a big loadspace and even with them in place, there is a small amount of room for luggage.

Obviously, performance is fairly limited, but the Wagon R is agile and stable - even in a crosswind - with a good grip and decent balance through the corners.

It's also very economical and is comfortable over almost all surfaces, including those nasty multi-mended ones in town.This not-so-little Suzuki is very easy to drive, with a light clutch, slick gearchange, good brakes and a high driving position with good visibility.

Good power steering takes all the effort out of slow work, and there is a four speed auto alternative to the standard five speed manual gearbox.

Equipment includes electric mirrors, twin airbags, four-speaker audio, deadlocks, centre three-point seatbelt, side pockets and rear parcel shelf.

Expect to pay about £1,500 for an '07 57-registration model or £1,650 for an '06 06-registration 1.3 auto 74bhp,