Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Hello girls, it's Vauxhall's new Agila
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Hello girls, it's Vauxhall's new Agila

Date: 19 July 2007   |   Author:

Out with the old and in with the ladies - that's the message accompanying the unveiling of the new Agila as Vauxhall swaps the current car's boxy form popular with older buyers for a rounder, younger design it hopes will appeal to a female audience.

Arriving in the UK next March, the new Agila has been developed in conjunction with the new Suzuki Splash as part of a unique arrangement. It is available only as a five door and will have a price entry point of around £7500, the same level as a bigger three-door Corsa; the cheapest five-door Corsa is, however, nearer £9000. It's not on sale for the best part of another year but Vauxhall is keen to flag up its arrival in the face of high-impact new citycar rivals such as the Fiat 500 and Renault Twingo.

The Agila is 200mm longer, 60mm wider and 70mm lower than its predecessor. In terms of size it's not far off Vauxhall's own supermini-MPV Meriva, but that model will grow when its replacement arrives in the next 18 months.

Though the Agila has never sold in massive numbers in the UK, the Italians have always lapped it up, taking almost half of European sales, hence the more stylish new design and focus on female buyers. And despite the improved style, Vauxhall claims the car's practicality remains intact. "We had to make sure we didn't lose the functionality - the new car is just as functional and clever as the current model," said Vauxhall's European director of marketing Cesare Prati.

Vauxhall campaigned hard against development partner Suzuki's plan to lower the high seating position popular with current buyers, which is why the driving position is still deceptively high despite the lower roofline. The company is also claiming a big step forward in terms of interior quality, and it's difficult to disagree following BusinessCar's access to the new model at an exclusive event in Italy earlier this month (see below).

Most of the interior is shared with the Agila's Suzuki Splash sibling, but Vauxhall claims the exterior designs are obviously different when parked next to each other.

The engine line-up will consist of 1.0- and 1.2-litre petrol units, alongside a 1.3 diesel. The 1.2 will also be available with an automatic gearbox, a first for the Agila and a nod towards Motability in particular.



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