Vigo Motor Show: Opel Agila

The Opel Agila is another newcomer to the market, and it will share its place there with a twin brother with a Japanese name, the Suzuki Splash.

It is one of those cars that, until a few years ago, wouldn’t have had a definition; it falls under the multi-purpose category, but its design and function are quite different. It is clearly aimed at practical, city use: going to work + doing the shopping + picking up the kids… in fact, it is one of those cars that has a large number of female buyers (yes, in the feminine).

Let’s start with the design. Youthful would be a fitting description. Let’s say it isn’t a car that wants to stand out, but it isn’t ugly either. The key to its concept is ergonomics and size: small on the outside to make it agile and easy to park, and big on the inside, giving its occupants a decent level of habitability that few competitors can match. Within this last point, it’s worth highlighting the driving position, which sits high, providing excellent visibility and giving confidence behind the wheel. In fact, this last factor is a major influence on its sales, according to what the salesman told me.

Mechanically it won’t be powerful, nor can it be driven at high pace, but nobody looks for that in a car like this, just as it isn’t meant to have a cargo space beyond what everyday tasks demand. In short, the boot is small.

But without a doubt, what fills me with satisfaction after seeing it in detail is the interior. I’ve never been a great fan of Opel; quite simply, it’s a brand that says very little to me in many respects, and the interior has always been its biggest drawback in my eyes. The Agila changes that. Rounded shapes on the dashboard, materials that breathe a freshness many manufacturers would dream of, and the colours chosen (greys, silvers and sky blue to match the bodywork) are an unbeatable choice, at least for the version I was given.

The layout of the controls and gauges is another point in its favour, and the gauges themselves are very simple; proof of this is the separation of the speedometer and rev counter into two half-spheres behind the steering wheel.

I would also like to highlight the number of spaces in the interior for storing small objects, for example the compartment above the glovebox on the passenger side, which can hold things without needing to be opened, something similar to what the Mazda 2 also has.

All in all, a very successful model for those who simply seek functionality, simplicity and agility in a city without giving up ease of driving. By the way, the one in the photos is an Agila Enjoy 1.2i 16V with 86 CV, with the Style Pack (aesthetic elements) and metallic paint as extras; its price stood at 13,050 euros, but without those two items it would be 12,750 euros, quite affordable.

Photos: Eduardo Mariz
Thanks to the dealership Autoviasa.