Suzuki Wagon R+ is first a Suzuki

There's bound to be some confusion. Such as when is a Suzuki not a Suzuki?

When it's an Opel, of course.

And the Suzuki Wagon R+ did beget the Opel Agila, due here soon. But we've got to remember that the Wagon R+, and any similar motorised rose so sweet-smelling, was there first. Ergo, this Suzuki IS a Suzuki.

Except that the four years of joint effort with GM has rubbed Opel into its pores. Which is not all a bad thing.

First, though, the shape is the familiar box we've become familiar with here over the past few years, and which in native Japan they became VERY familiar with, as their version of the Wagon R (without the '+' because it's a little shorter) has been a best seller for some time.

The only differences are better-looking lights, those in front large and luxsome, those in back prettier than before. The grille and bumper also seem better merged with the whole thing than I remember. And the very Corsa-like rubbing strips on the side improve the otherwise slabby look.

It's not pretty. It's not ugly either. And on a short but intensive run on Irish launch day, I gained a respect, even a liking, for a car I expect will do better here now than it did before, after catching its breath, so to speak.

Sit inside, and the Opel influence is unmistakable ... the switchgear, dash design and steering wheel feel are all from the German co-operation. Which is good, because everything is solid, large, and unhidden. Door furniture and seating are also common to both marques.

I reckon the electric power steering, and the new detachable-in-a-crash footpedals also come from the GM side of the equation. The suspension, which nicely balances ride and roadholding in this tall and narrow vehicle, is Suzuki's own.

So too is the engine, for the moment just the 1.3-litre 16v unit that is reasonably perky, certainly in this size car, and will progress it and its occupants at a decently frugal 10 miles per litre of petrol (6.1 lit/100km for the purists), or 72p from Kilcullen to Newbridge and back for me ... tot up your own equivalent for wherever to live and drive to.

Tall and square means easy to fit people in, and given its length, it is pretty good in the room department. Certainly the lankiest of us has no problem getting a good driving position. And as long as it is someone less lanky driving, there's enough room behind for fair comfort.

From Galway Road truck convoy through bog road to Rhodes, and then onwards along the winding low hills of west Laois, the latest Wagon R+ brought me on a 125-mile route in what I thought was amazing comfort, surprising quietness, and without once causing me distress or anxiety ... which is saying something for what they're promoting as a 'commuting' car, a glorified shopping trolley.

It's more than that, mate. And I look forward to a closer and longer 'getting to know you' experience soon. If you can't wait, you can buy one now for £10,495.

A 1-litre version will be available in September.