THERE is a family not far from here with two Vauxhall Agilas and all of them love the cars.

At one stage, when the parents and four kids went on holiday, they took them both.

This first, square Agila is basically a Suzuki Wagon R with Vauxhall engines and built in the same Polish factory.

The little estate is much bigger than it appears, with plenty of room for four adults and excellent headroom.

It's available with 1.0 and 1.2-litre petrol engines, and both are good value second-hand.

Although it's a city car, it's much bigger and more practical than others like the VW Lupo and the Ford Ka.

The 1.0-litre engine is only just man enough, taking 17 seconds to stroll to 60 but the 1.2 is perky and nippy, and gives little away in economy.

Comfort is good, refinement fair and road-holding very safe.

The cabin is light and airy with all that glass, which also gives good all round vision, and the higher that average driving position makes access very easy.

: Suzuki Wagon R