Space van

THERE is something strangely fascinating about a small van. Perhaps it's the boxy proportions and the ample cabin versatility. Or maybe it's due to a secret desire to drive a breadvan. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain - the diminutive Japanese minivan has not made financial sense since COE premiums began skyrocketing. Until now. Enter the Suzuki Solio, the successor to the Wagon R+ of the late 1990s. The car Solio was actually launched two years ago in Japan but facelifted for 2014, but it remains interesting enough as a model that is ultra-compact on the outside but surprisingly spacious on the inside.

At 3,710 mm long and 1,765 mm high, the Solio is a tall car with a very large greenhouse. One eye-catching styling cue is the smooth aerodynamic polycarbonate grille, a feature usually found in more high-end Japanese cars.

Also interesting is that the Solio has two rear electric sliding doors. With its low floor, this means access to the rear bench is convenient. Once ensconced in the rear, the spaciousness is obvious.