Likes
- Quite possibly the perfect city car.
- Immense practically and interior space.
- Hugely rewarding driving experience.
- Ultra fuel efficient, light on consumables, excellent reliability, the list goes on.
Used Suzuki Spacia review
2017 - 2023
Dislikes
- Styling not to everyone’s tastes.
- Not as refined as some of the competition.
- Expensive for such a tiny vehicle.
- Certain parts availability might become interesting.
Stuff you should know
The Suzuki Spacia is a Kei car, which, for those unfamiliar, refers to the compact, diminutive cars designed specifically for the Japanese domestic market. Due to their small size, they offer significantly lower running and ownership costs in Japan and are exceptionally well-suited for navigating through cities and densely populated areas.
As these cars are primarily intended for the Japanese market, they are only accessible outside Japan as grey imports. Like many cars from the Japanese market, the Suzuki Spacia comes in various versions.
The second-generation Spacia, introduced in 2017 and still in production, initially offered two styles: the standard Spacia and the Spacia Custom, each available in different trim levels.
These trim levels include the Spacia G and X, as well as the Spacia Custom in GS, XS, and XS Turbo variants. In 2018, a crossover variant called the Spacia Gear, available in XZ and XZ Turbo, was introduced. Additionally, 2022 saw the release of the commercial Spacia Base model.
Regardless of the trim level, the Suzuki Spacia adheres to Kei car regulations, featuring a 660cc 3-cylinder engine. Depending on the specific model, this engine may or may not be equipped with a turbocharger, and hybrid versions are also available. Most Spacia models have power delivered to the front wheels, although there are 4-wheel drive options. The transmission type, whether manual or automatic, varies depending on the specific model.
In late 2021, the overall Spacia range underwent a mid-cycle update, and many examples available in Australia offer a range of personalisation and accessory options.
Despite its small size, the Spacia is remarkably practical and incorporates excellent safety features. Several reports indicate that modern kei cars offer safety levels on par with locally available small cars.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
A few very sporadic reports of electronic gremlins but by no means common.
Like all grey imports, the availability of replacement body panels in the case of an accident could become a challenge to source.
Interior:
No issues or faults we would regard as common.
Mechanically:
The Suzuki Spacia is renowned for its exceptional reliability. It’s worth noting that Suzuki has established its reputation for superb reliability through its history of producing some of the finest motorcycle engines. Therefore, if any company excels at creating efficient small engines, it’s Suzuki.
Moreover, the kei car market in Japan is highly competitive, with manufacturers emphasising efficiency and reliability. Consequently, the Spacia, regardless of its mechanical configuration, consistently delivers impressive longevity.
Nevertheless, like all engines, there is always a possibility of typical issues like coil pack or water pump failures. The only potential challenge might be procuring the necessary parts for repairs. However, given proper servicing and maintenance, this is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
Exterior:
A few very sporadic reports of electronic gremlins but by no means common.
Like all grey imports, the availability of replacement body panels in the case of an accident could become a challenge to source.
Interior:
No issues or faults we would regard as common.
Mechanically:
The Suzuki Spacia is renowned for its exceptional reliability. It’s worth noting that Suzuki has established its reputation for superb reliability through its history of producing some of the finest motorcycle engines. Therefore, if any company excels at creating efficient small engines, it’s Suzuki.
Moreover, the kei car market in Japan is highly competitive, with manufacturers emphasising efficiency and reliability. Consequently, the Spacia, regardless of its mechanical configuration, consistently delivers impressive longevity.
Nevertheless, like all engines, there is always a possibility of typical issues like coil pack or water pump failures. The only potential challenge might be procuring the necessary parts for repairs. However, given proper servicing and maintenance, this is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
Exterior:
A few very sporadic reports of electronic gremlins but by no means common.
Like all grey imports, the availability of replacement body panels in the case of an accident could become a challenge to source.
Interior:
No issues or faults we would regard as common.
Mechanically:
The Suzuki Spacia is renowned for its exceptional reliability. It’s worth noting that Suzuki has established its reputation for superb reliability through its history of producing some of the finest motorcycle engines. Therefore, if any company excels at creating efficient small engines, it’s Suzuki.
Moreover, the kei car market in Japan is highly competitive, with manufacturers emphasising efficiency and reliability. Consequently, the Spacia, regardless of its mechanical configuration, consistently delivers impressive longevity.
Nevertheless, like all engines, there is always a possibility of typical issues like coil pack or water pump failures. The only potential challenge might be procuring the necessary parts for repairs. However, given proper servicing and maintenance, this is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
Should you buy it?
The Suzuki Spacia not only delivers outstanding driving enjoyment but also offers a generous dose of real-world efficiency and practicality. It radiates a genuine sense of fun and individuality.
Interestingly, vehicles that typically provide this level of enjoyment, like performance cars, or rugged off-roaders, often prioritise their capabilities and engagement for a style of driving that, for many, represents only about 10% of their time behind the wheel.
In contrast, the Spacia is committed to enhancing the remaining 90% of your time on the road with delightful experiences. It consistently offers more fun and enjoyment while flawlessly meeting all the practical requirements of everyday driving.
Should you contemplate buying a Spacia? Absolutely, you should. In fact, we should all consider it, as having more of these on the road would contribute to making the world a better place.
The Suzuki Spacia not only delivers outstanding driving enjoyment but also offers a generous dose of real-world efficiency and practicality. It radiates a genuine sense of fun and individuality.
Interestingly, vehicles that typically provide this level of enjoyment, like performance cars, or rugged off-roaders, often prioritise their capabilities and engagement for a style of driving that, for many, represents only about 10% of their time behind the wheel.
In contrast, the Spacia is committed to enhancing the remaining 90% of your time on the road with delightful experiences. It consistently offers more fun and enjoyment while flawlessly meeting all the practical requirements of everyday driving.
Should you contemplate buying a Spacia? Absolutely, you should. In fact, we should all consider it, as having more of these on the road would contribute to making the world a better place.
Should you buy it?
The Suzuki Spacia not only delivers outstanding driving enjoyment but also offers a generous dose of real-world efficiency and practicality. It radiates a genuine sense of fun and individuality.
Interestingly, vehicles that typically provide this level of enjoyment, like performance cars, or rugged off-roaders, often prioritise their capabilities and engagement for a style of driving that, for many, represents only about 10% of their time behind the wheel.
In contrast, the Spacia is committed to enhancing the remaining 90% of your time on the road with delightful experiences. It consistently offers more fun and enjoyment while flawlessly meeting all the practical requirements of everyday driving.
Should you contemplate buying a Spacia? Absolutely, you should. In fact, we should all consider it, as having more of these on the road would contribute to making the world a better place.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Kei Car
Engine Specs
- 658 cc 3-cylinder engine, 38kW/63Nm with DC electric motor, 1.6kW/40Nm
Transmission
- Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT)
Fuel Consumption
- 3.1 – 3.4L/100km
Length
- 3395mm
Width
- 1475mm
Height
- 1735mm – 1740mm
Kerb Weight
- 850 – 940kg (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Kei Car
Engine Specs
- 658 cc 3-cylinder engine, 38kW/63Nm with DC electric motor, 1.6kW/40Nm
Transmission
- Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT)
Fuel Consumption
- 3.1 – 3.4L/100km
Length
- 3395mm
Width
- 1475mm
Height
- 1735mm – 1740mm
Kerb Weight
- 850 – 940kg (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Kei Car
Engine Specs
- 658 cc 3-cylinder engine, 38kW/63Nm with DC electric motor, 1.6kW/40Nm
Transmission
- Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT)
Fuel Consumption
- 3.1 – 3.4L/100km
Length
- 3395mm
Width
- 1475mm
Height
- 1735mm – 1740mm
Kerb Weight
- 850 – 940kg (All Models)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- No warranty, grey import
Servicing
- 10,000 km / 12 months
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Oct 20, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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