Why did I buy this? Well, it was time for a change and the Wagon R was being advertised all over the place with easy finance etc. Did a test drive of the Wagon R and tried the Versa too on friends advice. Strange, I didnt think of it on my own! The image I had was of a ridiculously overpriced Versa that was sold in the days of old. What a surprise it was. The handling around corners was a tad better than the Wagon R. It is in fact narrower than the Wagon R (slightly) and just 15cm longer.
Sitting high with all the space around me and a wonderfully perky engine was...literally ... a high. The back mid row took 3 people with ease, and wind down windows allowed a cinemascope view of landscape, wind in-your face style. I felt that I could fit in anywhere with tight parking. I actually feel its a one up over those who upsize going the three-box way, when really those vehicles do nothing in terms of space-to-wheelbase.
Look at all those C segment vehicles. There was another plus.... being a kind of monospace, it allowed for good customization. I was sold! Okay so I bought it. It works well as a van to cart all my friends around on weekends. It is the back up van when we do long trips as convoys, everyone asking to throw in a bit of their luggage because they are cramped in their own vehicles. It does well to carry around my models of washing machines and prototypes (I am a product designer) without my having to hire another truck. I am over the moon!
Now the negatives -
1- Its ride is terribly bouncy on rough roads. This comes with light truck tyres which add to the stiff suspension. Changing to normal car tyres should improve the ride.
2- It is a bit aesthetically challenged.
3- Engine raucous at higher revs....cant hear my stereo system unless its loud. Its much better for the passengers behind who somehow dont hear the engine, but as the driver sits bang on top of the engine, theres no way out. Suzuki have done a decent job as they could to stifle noise....
Who should buy this -Those who do not follow the rat race...whats in and whats out, snob appeal etc should enjoy this. Those who have versatile demands and do not want to be trapped in a large ambling SUV should like this.
Those who like a perky engine should like this. Those who can understand what luxury appeal space can bring..( on such a small wheelbase) will like it. Those who appreciate maneuverability in city conditions will appreciate it...for the price it comes at, ITS A SUPER DEAL. It is not for doing fast corners or being one-up on your neighbours, be clear on that.
If you belong to my category of people, try it.
You will be surprised.