The second generation Opel Agila is a car which we will see early next year and it is a car for all occasions. It is bigger than the outgoing model, the length has increased by 210 mm, but it is still small enough to be manoeuvrable in tight parking spaces and offers the flexibility of five doors and five seats. The boxy look is gone and it now comes with an all-new chassis and two new engines, a 1-litre three-cylinder with 65PS output and a 1.2-litre four-cylinder with 86PS output. The larger unit is available with an automatic gearbox, an option which will be popular with urban owners.

The new Agila is ideal for a weekend away or just a Saturday shopping trip as it has all the storage space necesary with an impressive luggage capacity of 1150 litres . . . the best in this sector. With the rear seats folded there is a completely flat floor, with a compartment beneath providing additional space.

The interior design allows for plenty of smaller storage spaces while the tall roofline creates an airy, spacious feeling. The high seating position gives good visibility and it is easy to get in and out. Opel say engineers have created a quality interior to give a good driving experience. There is a high-placed gear stick and remote controls on the steering wheel for the audio system.

The safety package comprises front and side airbags and anti-lock brakes as well as an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as an option.

The Agila will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September and will arrive here early in 2008.

Prices and full specifications will be revealed closer to the launch.

Production ofthe Agila and its sister model, the Suzuki Wagon R+ moves from the General Motors plant in Poland to the Suzuki plant in Hungary.