And with fuel-saving hybrid technology and a turbocharged engine – it's quite surprising to drive too

Suzuki are building really cool cars at the moment.

Cars like the Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Swift Sport come to mind as two locally-available options, but overseas – they offer even more.

Especially in its native country of Japan; where cars like this endearing Suzuki Spacia come from. It’s an upright hatchback that’s surprisingly compact externally; yet incredibly spacious internally.

Suzuki offers two versions of the Spacia: Spacia Custom, and Spacia Gear. The Spacia Gear has circlular headlights, whereas the Spacia Custom features more mature and masculine square ones. The tech / engine / hard parts are common between the pair.

This example – as a top spec XS Turbo Hybrid – is  also loaded with safety features, splashes of luxury (like heated seats) and fuel-saving hybrid technology.

The clever product packaging allows for a spacious first row of seating, a pair of sliding second row seats big enough for adults, and enough room to a fit bicycle with two guests up-front. There’s also ISOFIX mounting points for child seats in the back, with forward- and rearward-facing seats fitting with ease.

If you look underneath the front passenger seat, you’ll find a small plastic shopping basket to use! Another trick is to pull on the silver dashboard trims, as cup holders and storage trays will magically appear, too.

Aside from such pragmatics, there are little luxuries and safety systems too: electric sliding doors, automatic emergency braking (low speed forward and rearward), a heated driver’s seat, lane departure warning plus keyless entry and start.

It’s powered by a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid system. The Suzuki Spacia Custom hybrid features a small lithium-ion battery and combined starter motor / alternator / e-motor that sits attached to the engine to assist drive and reduce fuel use.

The result is a seamless way to save fuel whilst unlocking more low-down torque from its turbocharged engine. Combined with its low kerb weight, the Suzuki Spacia Custom has plenty of power for the freeway, and also features a comfort-led suspension tune with good high-speed stability.

It’s cosy, easy to drive and the ideal candidate for a second car in a multi-car household. This vehicle was hand-picked from Japan and purchased from the South-side of the island cluster.