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Motability

Suzuki Liana Hatchback 1.6 GL

For:
Good value with reasonable passenger space. High equipment levels and decent residuals make it a sound private purchase.

Against:
Awful ride quality ruins all of the Liana's plus points. Space for luggage isn't that clever, either.



Performance

The 105bhp 1.6-litre serves up enough performance to shoot the Suzuki past slower-moving road users and has no problems accelerating from town to motorway speeds. The problem is that you need to hang on to revs to build up speed.

Ride & handling

Almost every lump and bump finds its way into the cabin, through your seat and the steering wheel. Even on seemingly smooth Tarmac at cruising pace, you're plagued by constant jarring. The rest of the driving experience is perfectly acceptable. Body roll is well controlled for a high-sided hatch and it has fail-safe handling.

Refinement

Suzuki claims to have paid plenty of attention to isolating the Liana's occupants from external noises. It's only been partially successful. Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, even when you're up to cruising pace. Push the 1.6-litre engine beyond 4000rpm (where it needs to be for optimum power), though, and things get raucous.

Buying & owning

Suzuki dealers will hack quite a lot off the Liana's list price, but bear in mind that this has an adverse affect on resale values. Running costs should be reasonable, too, though dealers are thin on the ground so there's little chance of being able to shop around for the best servicing deal.

Quality & reliability

While the cabin ambience is a level higher than in other Suzukis, don't expect the Liana to be on a par with a Golf for quality. The marque has an enviable reputation for mechanical reliability, though, and the Liana came top of its class in the 2006 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.

Safety & security

Crash protection depends on what model you go for. Both have anti-lock brakes but while the base model comes with twin front airbags, a move up to the GLX adds side 'bags. Both models have deadlocks and an immobiliser to help thwart thieves, but an alarm isn't even an option.

Behind the wheel

The cabin marks a step forward for Suzuki. The dash layout is still some way from the flair of the Focus or good sense of the Civic, but the materials are better than those we've seen before and so is seat comfort. The layout of controls is conventional and logical, although a steering wheel that also adjusts for reach would improve the driving position.

Space & practicality

The high-sided bodystyle pays dividends for passengers. There's stacks of legroom and headroom, even for lofty adults in the rear. The split-fold seat back and base make extending the luggage bay an easy job, too. With the back bench in place, however, carrying capacity is compromised by a high boot floor and suspension turret intrusions.

Equipment

Suzuki is using value for money as one of the Liana's main selling points, so both trim levels come with plenty of equipment. The base GL has front and rear electric windows, electric door mirrors and a CD player. GLX trim adds alloy wheels, air-conditioning and rear centre three-point seatbelt.

Running Costs

Town mpg

31.7

Out of Town mpg

49.6

Average mpg

40.9

Tank Capacity (gallons)

11

CO2 Rating (g/km)

167

Insurance Group

6

Typical Insurance Quote

£374

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

28

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

37.19

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£823

Servicing Intervals

6000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Hatchback

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1586/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

102/5500

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

4230

Width (mm)

1690

Height (mm)

1550

Boot Space (min ltr)

296

Boot Space (max ltr)

1062

Turning Circle (m)

5

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1145

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