Voluntary import agreements mean that we only get to see a very small percentage of the weird and wacky cars built in Japan. That is changing because the agreements that limited Japanese imports to fairly mainstream stuff have been relaxed.

Car manufacturers are free to experiment by dipping a toe in the water with some of the more unusual models in their back catalogues, which is one of the reasons why Suzuki has decided to bring over the funky-looking Ignis.

A strange hybrid of hot-hatchback, rally-car wannabe and mini-MPV, the Ignis is already a bit hit in the Far East.

There's plenty of Wagon R beneath the surface but to look at it's like nothing else.

About its closest rival in European terms are things like the VW Lupo and the SEAT Arosa - small cars with bags of attitude.

In GL guise the Ignis has a deep front spoiler with built-in spotlights, chrome door handles, mirrors and rear-light surrounds, a sporty exhaust, fake bash plates that disappear beneath the sump, and polished alloy wheels with wider-section tyres.

It looks as though it should be fitted with a turbocharged engine but anyone expecting high performance is likely to be disappointed. In the UK at least, every Ignis comes with Suzuki's standard-issue 1.3-litre four-pot.

Still, it's perfectly adequate for day-to-day driving and the sweet-shifting five-speed gearbox makes the Ignis perfect tool for city driving. At motorway speeds the low gearing produces a bit more noise but never enough to overwhelm the radio-cassette unit.

The interior doesn't feel as special as the exterior. Apart from some clever work on the fascia, where usually redundant areas have been sculpted to make cup holders, it feels pretty standard Japanese fare. The instruments are perfectly clear and everything works as it should.

There's room inside for two adults and two youngsters. The comfortable front seats tip forward to allow access to the back and the rear seats also tilt - a feature that liberates more luggage space when you are only two-up. They also tilt forward, but not the seat base.

The boot is covered by a clipped plastic cover and the floor lifts out to reveal a useful plastic moulded tray for smaller items and tools.

I enjoyed the Ignis and felt I could easily live with its few faults.

The engine is peppy enough for most occasions and the bouncy ride only adds to the car's fun factor.

I would have to swap the radio-cassette and extra cash would be needed for an alarm, but starting at less than £7,000 the Ignis is something of a fun-filled bargain.

16/02/02