Vauxhall Agila (2007): first official pictures

By Ben Whitworth

First Official Pictures

14 May 2007 02:51

That's actually quite a cool looking little car...

That's the idea. Vauxhall's raft of design-led new cars continues with the Agila. Out goes the Postman Pat looks of Luton's previous dullard and in comes sleek and sohpisticated lines. The five-door-only Agila certainly a looker. 'That almost vertical front end gives the Agila a tough and robust look,' says Opel design director Mark Adams. 'And yet its friendly face and open-eyed headlamps give it that cute character which is so vital in this market sector.' Sitting on the same platform as the Suzuki Swift (the Agila is again a joint-venture with Suzuki, which in turn will produce its own Splash supermini) arrives here early next year with the choice of diesel and petrol power. The petrol range kicks off with a 65bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol hooked up to a five-speed manual, followed by an 86bhp 1.2-litre fourpot with a four-speed automatic. The clever money however goes on the 75bhp 1.3-litre CDTi turbo diesel that comes with a particulate trap as standard. There will be no VXR model – Vauxhall claims the sales numbers didn't stack up to justify the investment. Pity…

Yes, much like the excellent cabin of the current Corsa, the Agila majors on bold lines, neat detailing, packaging intelligence and high spec levels. As with the old Agila, you sit high and face a simple round central speedo and a neat high-mounted centre console that's flanked by body-coloured 'wings' on the symmetrical dashboard. Upper spec models will get aircon, a multi-function steering wheel and an MP3-compatible six-speaker stereo, and Vauxhall has swiped Smart's periscope rev-counter for itself. And standard safety specification includes four airbags and anti-lock brakes, which can be toped up with optional curtain bags and stability control.

By Ben Whitworth