The Japanese have always been a firm believer of less is more. As early as the 1950s, they created a 'big bang' with a family of small vehicles, called kei cars.
Initiated to boost the local car industry, this new classification of vehicles has to meet certain engine capacity and body size restrictions, and in turn they garner tax rebates, which make them more affordable to the masses.
Kei cars may have already seen their best days. But some of those principles may have stayed in Suzuki's bloodline when it conceived the SOLIO - a high roof urban hatchback designed with the broader audience in mind.Exterior
Measuring just 3,710mm from tip to tip, the SOLIO is shorter than the Suzuki Swift, which is considered small even by compact hatchback standards. In comparison, the cutesy little Toyota Yaris is longer at 3,885mm.
Initiated to boost the local car industry, this new classification of vehicles has to meet certain engine capacity and body size restrictions, and in turn they garner tax rebates, which make them more affordable to the masses.
Kei cars may have already seen their best days. But some of those principles may have stayed in Suzuki's bloodline when it conceived the SOLIO - a high roof urban hatchback designed with the broader audience in mind.Exterior
Measuring just 3,710mm from tip to tip, the SOLIO is shorter than the Suzuki Swift, which is considered small even by compact hatchback standards. In comparison, the cutesy little Toyota Yaris is longer at 3,885mm.
However, to give it better utility, the SOLIO's wheelbase has been stretched to 2,450mm - 20mm longer than the Swift's. The extended wheelbase gives the car short, snub overhangs at both the front and rear.
But like kei cars, the SOLIO's character isn't limited to its pint-sized dimensions. Instead, the tall roof adds a touch of funkiness, with the vibes of a hip bread van from the 80s.
Of course, the SOLIO isn't old or rickety in any way. In fact, it boasts a handsome slew of modern touches, such as transparent front grille with matching clear headlamp covers.
But like kei cars, the SOLIO's character isn't limited to its pint-sized dimensions. Instead, the tall roof adds a touch of funkiness, with the vibes of a hip bread van from the 80s.
Of course, the SOLIO isn't old or rickety in any way. In fact, it boasts a handsome slew of modern touches, such as transparent front grille with matching clear headlamp covers.
Interior
The SOLIO's funky character continues to flow in the cabin. For starters, there's a myriad of ways that you can alter the seating arrangement to fit your sport gears or fold-flat furniture.
For instance, the front passenger seat can be stowed for longer cargo. There is also a centre aisle that allows easy access between the front and rear quarters.
Push any of the one-touch buttons located on the door handles to work the power-operated sliding rear doors and you will be in for a big surprise. The sheer size of the cabin far exceeds what you'd expected of a hatchback this size.
The SOLIO's funky character continues to flow in the cabin. For starters, there's a myriad of ways that you can alter the seating arrangement to fit your sport gears or fold-flat furniture.
For instance, the front passenger seat can be stowed for longer cargo. There is also a centre aisle that allows easy access between the front and rear quarters.
Push any of the one-touch buttons located on the door handles to work the power-operated sliding rear doors and you will be in for a big surprise. The sheer size of the cabin far exceeds what you'd expected of a hatchback this size.
Even at its foremost position (rear seats are reach-adjustable), rear passengers get to enjoy proper legroom. And if the boot space is not required, seats can be pushed backwards for an even more relaxing experience.
But while the cabin deals generous head and leg room, fitting three adults abreast on the rear seats can be squeezy. The individual seats are also not the most comfy for the third adult seated in the centre.
Notably, the SOLIO's cabin bits feel premium despite its low-cost motives. Cheaper-looking plastics are 'hidden' in areas that are less accessed, with better quality, soft touch ones on the dashboard and door cards. It is evident, however, that many parts were taken straight from its stablemates, such as the Swift hatchback.
But while the cabin deals generous head and leg room, fitting three adults abreast on the rear seats can be squeezy. The individual seats are also not the most comfy for the third adult seated in the centre.
Notably, the SOLIO's cabin bits feel premium despite its low-cost motives. Cheaper-looking plastics are 'hidden' in areas that are less accessed, with better quality, soft touch ones on the dashboard and door cards. It is evident, however, that many parts were taken straight from its stablemates, such as the Swift hatchback.
The Drive
You can tell from first glance that the SOLIO isn't built for performance. Underneath the hood is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit that manages just 89bhp and 118Nm of torque - figures that are unimpressive in the modern era where most small capacity cars are force fed.
It does, however, brings you back to motoring's basics, where cars are fun even without eye-popping performance. There are no frills to how the small engine delivers its might, which feels surprisingly gutsy on the move.
The workhorse will also rev to cloud nine as you wish, in a willing and diligent manner, dishing out a cheap thrill that will put a grin on the driver's face. More importantly, few other cars in the market can deliver such a back-to-basics driving experience.
While we reckon a manual gearbox in the SOLIO would have hit the home run, the CVT is smooth enough to earn its place in the family-oriented hatchback.
When you switch to a more 'eco-friendly' driving style, the SOLIO will easily return a fuel economy of 15km/L, which makes it relatively cheap to run.
Compared to the Swift, the SOLIO doesn't feel any more softly sprung. The tall roof, however, does induce greater amount of body roll over corners.
Conclusion
Offering a good combination of versatility and character, the SOLIO is one of the few models in the market that sneaks just above the $100k mark (as of 7th August 2014).
Its unique high roof design, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the kei cars of yesteryears, will no doubt put it in the spotlight - not one of pure glamour, but rather in admiration of its humble character.
And even if you're not a fan of its funky character, you will find the ultra spacious cabin a charm of its own.
Conclusion
Offering a good combination of versatility and character, the SOLIO is one of the few models in the market that sneaks just above the $100k mark (as of 7th August 2014).
Its unique high roof design, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the kei cars of yesteryears, will no doubt put it in the spotlight - not one of pure glamour, but rather in admiration of its humble character.
And even if you're not a fan of its funky character, you will find the ultra spacious cabin a charm of its own.
