Suzuki Wagon R Smile

The Suzuki Spacia is a kei minivan that boasts the best fuel efficiency of its class, edging the likes of the Honda N BOX, Mitsubishi eK Space, and its main rival, the Daihatsu Tanto. Sadly, there's a new kid in the family that will overthrow the Spacia's title with its fuel efficiency and pricing. It's weirdly called the Smile.

2022 Suzuki Wagon R Smile

So, what's to smile about the first-ever Suzuki Wagon R Smile? Priced at 1,296,900 Yen, it's slightly cheaper to own than the Spacia but sadly, the Smile is not built to go after the ones mentioned so it's best to leave the competition mentioned above to the Spacia because the Smile is made to compete against the Daihatsu Move Canbus, which is surprisingly more expensive to own than this newcomer.

That's something this new tiny minivan can smile about but let's have a quick dive with this newcomer from Suzuki, starting with the design.

2022 Suzuki Wagon R Smile

Wider than the Hustler, the Smile features a much simpler design that is quintessentially Suzuki indeed. The round lamps look vaguely similar to the Alto Lapin, while the rear-view design looks like the Hustler. Overall, it really is a Suzuki kei car from every angle.

2022 Suzuki Wagon R Smile interior

2022 Suzuki Wagon R Smile interior

Checking the interior, the Wagon R Smile, despite being narrower and shorter than the Spacia, is still a spacious kei minivan that is as cozy as a simple one-story house you've rented from Airbnb.

On the driver's side, you can really tell just how driver-focused the cockpit is and with the HUD present, it's surprisingly high-tech for a tiny car like this. Looking at its side mirror, you'll be surprised that there's a side under mirror equipped on the Smile so not only you can look for objects on both sides but also the undersides as well. Thoughtful thinking.

Because the interior's longer than the Spacia, you'll have some space to stretch your legs. Sure, it can fit up to four people inside, but the boot is a different story. It can fit some groceries with the rear seats present but with them folded, you'll have plenty of ways to store. It's a small kei minivan but it sure packs some decent luggage for some simple jobs or from a small to-do list.

2022 Suzuki Wagon R Smile

Behind the wheel, the Wagon R Smile truly fits on Japanese roads like a coin in the piggy bank.

Running on the Suzuki HEARTECT platform, the Wagon R Smile features front MacPherson Struts with coil springs, a choice of rear torsion beam for FF models and an Isolated Treading Link for 4WD models, torsion bar stabilizers, rack and pinion steering,  and a choice of disc brakes for FF models and ventilated disc brakes for 4WD models. Such dynamics underneath made the Wagon R Smile as nicer to drive as a, let's say, a baby stroller with a baby sounded asleep.

Under the hood, the Smile is powered by the RO6D 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 49PS of power and 58Nm of torque. Mated to a CVT, it has a fuel economy of 23.9kmpl on the WLTC scale.

The hybrid variants feature the same engine but it's been bolted to a 1.9kW electric motor, li-ion battery, Idling Stop, and Eco-Cool, resulting in a fuel economy of 25.1kmpl on the WLTC scale. That's more than the Spacia's, of course.

As always, the Suzuki Smile features the Suzuki Safety Support suite of driver aids that will keep this kei minivan safe on all grounds.

Fit for Japanese roads like a true Japanese car, the Suzuki Smile is proof that kei cars are still in the game even in the age of electrification and because it's more fuel-efficient and cheaper to own than the Spacia, this is Suzuki's bargain car of the year, but don't get too jumpy on because like I said, the Smile is made to compete against the Daihatsu Move Canbus and because it's better to own than the Canbus, consider this another win for Japan's no.1 kei car maker.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Mazda New Flair (MJ55S)

2017 Mazda Flair

With the new Suzuki Wagon R launched a few months ago, Mazda is no stranger to them as they borrowed one for their brand new Flair kei car currently available at their nearest Mazda dealership across Japan.

As the story is similar to the latest Suzuki Wagon R, the base XG variant has a front face reminiscent of a Ford F-150 while the XS variant features a more Vellfire-esque front face. Sadly though, the Custom Style variant, which is based on the Wagon R Stingray, is out of the question, leaving only the base variants where the XS variant is the stylish variant of the new Flair range, which sounds very weird to us.

Like the new Wagon R, the new Flair features a Mild Hybrid technology setup, which comes with an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a li-ion battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient 660cc engine. Along with the new platform we're familiar with, fuel efficiency has gone up to 33.4kmpl.

For safety purposes, the new Flair comes with a dual camera brake support system, which detects the vehicle and pedestrians from about 5kph in the speed range of about 100kph, and to avoid collisions, the automatic braking feature triggers with the alarm and then it stops. It even comes with a lane departure warning function, and a stagger alarm function, among many others.

The new Flair starts at 1,177,200 Japanese Yen.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Sixth Generation Suzuki Wagon R

Suzuki's new model rush continues with the all-new, sixth-generation Suzuki Wagon R, a regeneration of the company's fastest-selling kei wagon in Japan. As a worthy contender to Daihatsu's Move, Mitsubishi's eK Wagon, and Honda's N-WGN, the Wagon R has been a clear winner in this category and with its new generation, how does the new model stack up with the competition like its predecessor in terms of fuel efficiency that can't be left unnoticed by the knowledgeable few? Let's investigate.

2017 Suzuki Wagon R

2017 Suzuki Wagon R

2017 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

Before taking a close look at the heart of the new Wagon R, let's observe the new model's design and it has ambiguous designs that cater to specific customers, regardless of which one they'll be going for. In the normal version, the base FX variant has a front face reminiscent of a Ford F-150 while the FZ variant features a more Vellfire-esque front face. The Stingray, meanwhile, features headlamps reminiscent of the Cadillacs of today. All models feel like they can be easily mistaken for a Toyota because the side view will put anyone a close reminder of a Toyota Alphard while the rear view looks suspiciously reminiscent of the old Toyota bB millennials would remember. Whatever the heck it is, it's a multiple cases of mistaken identities for the new Wagon R.

2017 Suzuki Wagon R interior

2017 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

While the exterior possesses different identity crises from the eyes of many, the new interior sees a much bigger improvement compared to the previous model, which is a bit regular if they're honest.  The instrumental panel's now on the center of the dashboard rather than behind the steering wheel while the steering wheel looks highly similar to the latest Suzuki Swift and the available touch-screen sat-nav system now boasts smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a first for a kei car. Apart from the improved dashboard, the new Wagon R boasts the roomiest interior for all kei cars sold in Japan, so it's nice and easy to live with it and stretch yourselves while you're at it. The only downside now is the boot space, which only fits just one suitcase with the rear seats present until you fold it down to accommodate more room for your garage sale stuff and some others.

2017 Suzuki Wagon R

2017 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

In their endless pursuit of producing fuel-efficient cars in Japan, the all-new Wagon R is powered by Suzuki's Mild Hybrid technology as seen in the Solio and the Ignis. A first for a kei car, this mild hybrid setup features an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a li-ion battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient 660cc engine. With the Mild Hybrid and its HEARTECT platform, which promises improved rigidity, performance, and weight loss. just like the new Swift offered, fuel efficiency has gone up to 33.4kmpl, that's a kmpl more than the previous model with the S-ENE-CHARGE on it, meaning that Suzuki has improved its fuel-efficiency ways courtesy of its Mild Hybrid powertrain and HEARTECT platform and it could soon be applied on future kei cars and models. That, ladies and gentlemen, is their trump card played right.

Don't forget that the Stingray-exclusive turbocharged 660cc inherits the same Mild Hybrid stuff from the normal ones except it delivers just around 28.4kmpl. Small price to pay for a stylish city car with a small turbocharged engine and compact sizing fit to squeeze through the gaps your average sportscar can't.

The Radar Brake Support system returns on this new model and this safety tech comes with a dual camera brake support system, which detects the vehicle and pedestrians from about 5kph in the speed range of about 100kph and to avoid collisions, the automatic braking feature triggers with the alarm and then it stops. It even comes with a lane departure warning function, and a stagger alarm function, among many others.

Should you buy one? The new Wagon R starts at 1,078,920 Yen for the basic FX model while the Stingray model starts at 1,293,840 Yen, making them more affordable than the previous models and also, good value for money. While the new Wagon R may be questionable on the outside, its fuel efficiency and tech should not be underestimated and it's going to be a new gold standard for Suzuki's future lineup of fuel-efficient cars thanks to its Mild Hybrid and HEARTECT platform that works very well from the new Swift as well as the new Wagon R. As Suzuki keeps on releasing new models more than any car company in Japan, let's see what's next in store for that Japanese car company with its newly found success with this new winning combination of fuel efficiency in the market today.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Mazda Flair (2015 minor model change)

2015 Mazda Flair

2015 Mazda Flair Custom Style

Following with the launch of the 2015 Suzuki Wagon R facelift which includes its brand new fuel-saving "S-ENE CHARGE" feature that propels its fuel economy up to 32.4kmpl, beating the likes of the Daihatsu Move and the Mitsubishi eK Wagon, it looks like the Mazda equivalent, the Flair, won't be far behind because, like the Wagon R it was based on, the 2015MY minor minor change sees the Flair, along with its Custom Style model, receiving the same S-ENE CHARGE feature.

2015 Mazda Flair interior

2015 Mazda Flair Custom Style interior

If you're new here, let me get this straight; S-ENE CHARGE is basically an improvement of the ENE-CHARGE and it takes  full use of the lithium-ion battery and the Integrated Starter Generator while joining forces with the improved R06A engine. The ISG provides a motor assist during acceleration and during deceleration, it stores some of its electric power.

With S-ENE CHARGE, the 2015 Flair's fuel economy has improved to 32.4km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

Not only the fuel economy that stands out from the rest but it's loaded with safety features such as the very clever Radar Brake Support, a special feature that prevents unintended acceleration, a big issue that was faced with millions of drivers in history, an Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers from behind, ESP, and so much more.

Prices start from 1,166,400 Japanese Yen up to 1,737,720 Japanese Yen. Customers can even afford one with or without S-ENE CHARGE but just like the Wagon R, there are differences to these models because on the normal Flair, you can afford an entry-level model with a 5-speed manual gearbox exclusive to this model while on the Flair Custom Style, the 660cc turbocharged engine is available exclusively for that model.

Dismissed.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Suzuki Wagon R - Fifth Generation - 2015 facelift

Two years ago, the Suzuki Wagon R reached its fifth generation and this generation set the new standards for Japan-only kei cars thanks to the implementation of ENE-CHARGE. With numerous rivals trying to outdo its fuel economy, this Wagon R always find a way and because Suzuki wants to be the most fuel-efficient carmaker in the world, they have a brand new attempt that will have its rivals puzzled into submission.

2015 Suzuki Wagon R

2015 Suzuki Wagon R interior

Well, here it is and at first glance, it looks nearly identical to its pre-facelift model except that now, the 2015 Wagon R now comes with its new secret weapon; S-ENE CHARGE.

What is S-ENE CHARGE? Basically, an improvement from the ENE-CHARGE, the newly developed S-ENE CHARGE takes full use of the lithium-ion battery and the Integrated Starter Generator while joining forces with the improved R06A engine. The ISG provides a motor assist during acceleration and during deceleration, it stores some of its electric power.

The idling stop system has also changed. Within 13kph or less during deceleration, the engine automatically switched off and it has the capability to quietly restart the engine thanks to the implementation of the ISG. The unintentional engine restart is suppressed by implementing a brake stroke sensor.

Thanks to the new fuel-efficient technologies, the 2015MY Wagon R sets a new fuel economy of 32.4kmpl. I repeat, the fuel economy for the 2015MY Wagon R is now improved to 32.4kmpl. Suzuki fans take note of it because it's now more fuel efficient than its rivals like the Mitsubishi eK Wagon, Daihatsu Move, or the Honda N-WGN.

2015 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2015 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

It's not just the fuel economy that the latest version stands out from the rest, it's the safety that is on par with any other kei car because the Wagon R has a host of safety features, including the very clever Radar Brake Support system that stops without the driver asking to do and you might think you are going to hit something. If this doesn't work, it's yours to blame, not the car. Be advised.

Also, it comes with a special feature that prevents unintended acceleration, a big issue that was faced by millions of drivers in history, an Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers from behind, ESP, and so much more.

The new 2015 Wagon R starts at 1,078,920 Japanese Yen for the base model while the stylish Stingray model starts at 1,461,240 Japanese Yen. Customers can even afford one with or without S-ENE CHARGE but there are differences to these models because on the normal Wagon R, you can afford an entry-level model with a 5-speed manual gearbox exclusive to this model while on the Stingray, the 660cc turbocharged engine is available exclusively for that model.

Available colors (Wagon R):  Crystal White Pearl, Mysterious Violet Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Innocent Pink Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, and Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic.

Available colors (Wagon R Stingray): Crystal White Pearl, Phoenix Red Pearl, Mysterious Violet Pearl, Bluish Black Pearl 3, and Steel Silver Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

VIDEO: See how 2014MY Wagon R's Radar Brake Support works

Weeks ago, Suzuki launched a 2014MY update for the fifth-generation Wagon R range which not only improved the fuel economy to 30.0km/L but also featuring a clever safety system similar to Volvo's City Safety system. We're talking about the new Radar Brake Support system with a clever system that can automatically brake the car in a near-collision scenario.

Wanna see how it works? Here's a clip courtesy of CarniftyTV and find out...

Happy 20th birthday, Suzuki Wagon R!

It was September 3, 1993 when the first generation Suzuki Wagon R went on sale in Japan and I can't hardly believe that for 20 years, the Suzuki Wagon R gained five generations. Just look at all the regenerations Japan's no.1 kei car had gained...

First generation Wagon R (1993-1998)

Second generation Wagon R (1998-2003)

Third generation Wagon R (2003-2008)

Fourth generation Wagon R (2008-2012)

Fifth Generation Suzuki Wagon R (2012-present)

To celebrate Suzuki Wagon R's 20th anniversary, a special edition Wagon R 20th Anniversary Special was offered and for this special model, the exterior features a special front grille plated in black and comes with specially designed 15-inch aluminum wheels. A special "20th Anniversary" badge is located on the side view as well. On the interior, they've added a special front armrest box and mech inside door handle to make it a bit unique.

Suzuki Wagon R 20th Anniversary Special Model

Oh yeah, starting now, the fuel economy of the Wagon R, with its ENE-CHARGE and ECO-COOL, has now improved to 30kmpl and how's that possible for the fuel economy upgrade? There's an answer: a reduction of frictional resistance of the engine as well as the reduction of air resistance! That's right! Also new is the new feature that you will notice: a new Radar Brake Support system with a clever system that can automatically brake the car in a near-collision scenario. This isn't a first time a kei car had that clever safety feature because last year, the facelifted fifth-generation Daihatsu Move, it's target rival remember, has that kind of feature.

So, with the Wagon R's fuel economy now updated to 30kmpl, that means, that's even better than the facelifted Move's 29kmpl fuel economy! Wow, seems that both Suzuki and Daihatsu are throwing everything they got in the name of fuel economy. It seems that both Suzuki and Daihatsu are in the fuel-economy war right now...

But still, this was the Wagon R's birthday wish; to be more fuel efficient than the facelifted Daihatsu Move as well as the new Mitsubishi eK Wagon. Really? Let's compare:

2013MY Suzuki Wagon R - 28.8kmpl
2013MY Daihatsu Move - 29.0kmpl
2014MY Mitsubishi ek Wagon - 29.2kmpl
2014MY Suzuki Wagon R - 30.0kmpl

So, by a long margin. the updated version trounced both the Move and the eK Wagon in its class. Now that's how the Wagon R's 20th birthday wish supposed to be.

Happy 20th birthday, Suzuki Wagon R!

Mazda Flair

When Suzuki launched the Wagon R a few years ago, Mazda decided to have its own version so they asked Suzuki to borrow one of these and badged it as the Autozam AZ-Wagon in 1994. This kei car has been spawned for four generations and it spawned in either a normal and the stylish Custom Style variant which was based on the Stingray. However, when the fifth generation Suzuki Wagon R was launched last month, Mazda is having some issues whether they decided to borrow one for their next AZ-Wagon or not but they have something else in mind. When Mazda borrowed the 2013 Suzuki Wagon R, they decided that they will no longer be using the AZ-Wagon nameplate and instead they decided to call it the Flair, and hold it, it's not to be confused with the recently launched Flair Wagon, which is based on the Suzuki Palette.

2013 Mazda Flair

Correct, it is essentially a fifth-generation Suzuki Wagon R with some Mazda badges on it. You still get the new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge') and an energy-saving electric air conditioning system dubbed "ECO-COOL". I said that before but in case they forgot, here's a quick recap;

With the R06A engine combined with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, this new ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and at least some level of power assist to the internal combustion engine while it can also run certain electrical equipment. With all that technology, the new Wagon R can get up to 28.8km/l in Japan's JC08 driving cycle (67.8mpg US, 3.5lt/100km or 81.4mpg UK).

That makes sense? Good. On the new Mazda Flair and the Mazda Flair Custom Style, they both have the same fuel-saving technology and the 28.8km/L fuel economy. So what are you waiting for? If you are living in Japan, best to rush at your nearest Mazda dealer to check them out by yourself.

PRICE LIST:

660 XG - 1,151,850 Yen
660 XG 4WD - 1,269,450 Yen
660 XS - 1,270,500 Yen
660 XS 4WD - 1,388,100 Yen

660 Custom Style XS - 1,354,500 Yen
660 Custom Style XS 4WD - 1,472,100 Yen
660 Custom Style XT - 1,472,100 Yen
660 Custom Style XT 4WD - 1,634,850 Yen

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Fifth Generation Suzuki Wagon R (MH34S)

While nearing for its 20th anniversary next year, Japan's cult favorite kei car, the Suzuki Wagon R, is now on its fifth incarnation and with all that regeneration do come with a surprise.

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

We heard that right ladies and gents. By regenerating the Wagon R into a completely new form, this new model now comes with the a new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge') and an energy-saving electric air conditioning system dubbed "ECO-COOL". With the R06A engine combined with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, this new ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and at least some level of power assist to the internal combustion engine while it can also run certain electrical equipment. With all that technology, the new Wagon R can get up to 28.8km/l in Japan's JC08 driving cycle (67.8mpg US, 3.5lt/100km or 81.4mpg UK).

2013 Suzuki Wagon R interior

All that physics and science lesson about using hybrid-car like technology on this kei car is a bit absurd. Some people would think that they're driving a hybrid kei car but no. There's no such thing as a hybrid kei car because it's so absurd. The most fuel efficient petrol car in the world as of now was the Alto Eco with its fuel economy of 30.2km/L in Japan's JC08 Driving Cycle, which is .2km/L more than the Daihatsu Mira e:S. This story about Daihatsu vs. Suzuki is becoming a history in the making because as I observed about Daihatsu and Suzuki throwing everything they've got to become the most fuel efficient car brand in the world and since the implementation of the JC08 cycle in the autumn of 2011, things have changed. Mira e:S is once the most fuel efficient car in the world for being 30km/L but in the 2011 holiday season, it was short-lived with the arrival of the 30.2km/L Alto Eco. 

Well, that was a long story short but anyway, the all new fifth generation Wagon R's 28.8km/L fuel economy though, it was sure enough to slit the throat of Daihatsu's TNP27 Move. I should call this one the TNP28.8 because it's more efficient than the Move. Another round for Suzuki in the game of "Who's the most fuel efficient car maker in the world?"

For the pricing, well, you won't be disappointed. It's 1,109,850 Japanese Yen for the FX model and it's 1,249,500 Japanese Yen for the FX Limited. I think this new model has more value than the Daihatsu TNP27 Move's pricing so what do you get for your spare change? Your guess is as good as ours, folks.

To clarify; the normal Wagon R has two trim levels; the FX and the FX Limited. Both of them are 2WD but they can have an optional 4WD powertrain for added stability but not quite a punch indeed. Colors? Let's see...Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic, Innocent Pink Pearl Metallic, Superior White, Pearl White, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Luna Grey Pearl Metallic*, and Mysterious Violet Pearl*.

*available only on FX Limited

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

So, what about this? The Stingray version of the new Wagon R? Of course, you get the same SUZUKI GREEN Technology I've mentioned above, well you know, the ENE-CHARGE and the ECO-COOL system as told but for style wise, this is like the Daihatsu Move Custom with a Suzuki badge on it. I mean if I park this new Stingray next to the current Daihatsu Move Custom, they look exactly the same from every angle and they both have the same 660cc Turbo engine developed exclusively for them. Of course, the new Stingray does have a turbocharged R06A DOHC VVT engine that produces 64PS of power, 12 more than the Natural Aspiration engine and the fuel economy is now dropped to about 26.8km/L.

The base model, the X, costs 1,333,500 Yen while the turbocharged T model costs 1,496,250 Yen and they both come with an optional 4WD powertrain. Exclusive for the Stingray was this Phoenix Red Pearl color.

For a phenomenal kei car that is nearing its 20th anniversary next year and it slits down the TNP27 Daihatsu Move's throat, the all new Wagon R is a Japan-only kei car that represents the brand that is striving to be the most fuel efficient car maker in the world. Once again, the Daihatsu vs. Suzuki battle goes on and on and on and on until one of them will have to throw in the towel. If I said Japan-only, I DO MEAN IT so back off, idiots living from India and Pakistan. These cars are not for you. Thank You.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation