The Suzuki Wagon R+ (EM) 1.0 i 16V Turbo, produced between 1998 and 2000, represents a significant iteration of Suzuki’s popular “kei car” philosophy, adapted for European markets. While the Wagon R series originated as a compact, affordable vehicle for Japan’s unique vehicle regulations, the Wagon R+ was specifically designed to appeal to European consumers seeking a practical and economical small family vehicle. This model, distinguished by its turbocharged engine, offered a surprising level of performance within the confines of its diminutive size and positioned itself as a competitor to other small MPVs and city cars.
Suzuki Wagon R+ (EM): An Overview
The Wagon R+ (EM) falls into the supermini or compact MPV segment, offering a surprisingly spacious interior for its external dimensions. It was primarily sold in Europe, where it gained a reputation for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and relatively low cost of ownership. The “+” designation indicated a longer wheelbase and increased interior space compared to the standard Wagon R, making it more suitable for family use. The 1.0 i 16V Turbo variant, producing 101 horsepower, was the performance-oriented version of the range, offering a more engaging driving experience than the naturally aspirated models.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Wagon R+ (EM) 1.0 i 16V Turbo is its 997 cc inline-four cylinder engine, designated the Z10XEP. This engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration and multi-port fuel injection, coupled with a turbocharger to boost power output to 101 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 118 Nm (87.03 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. This resulted in a power-to-weight ratio of 8.4 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 7.2 kg/Nm, providing brisk acceleration for a vehicle of its size. The engine’s relatively high specific output – 101.3 Hp per liter – demonstrates the effectiveness of the turbocharging system. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The Wagon R+ (EM) achieved a maximum speed of 175 km/h (108.74 mph). Fuel economy figures were respectable for the time, with urban consumption at 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg).
Design & Features
The Suzuki Wagon R+ (EM) is a five-door minivan characterized by its tall, boxy silhouette, maximizing interior space within a compact footprint. Its design prioritized practicality and functionality over outright aesthetics. The interior was designed to be versatile, with a seating configuration for five passengers and a generous 635-liter (22.42 cu. ft.) trunk space. Features included a steering rack and pinion system for responsive handling, ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and disc brakes on the rear, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The Wagon R+’s suspension utilized a spring strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The vehicle’s dimensions – 3410 mm (134.25 in) in length, 1575 mm (62.01 in) in width, and 1700 mm (66.93 in) in height – contributed to its maneuverability in urban environments. The turning circle measured 9.6 meters (31.5 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Wagon R+ |
| Generation | Wagon R+ (EM) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 i 16V Turbo (101 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 101 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 4000 rpm (87.03 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z10XEP |
| Engine displacement | 997 cm3 (60.84 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 68 mm (2.68 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 68.6 mm (2.7 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.1 l (3.28 US qt | 2.73 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 850 kg (1873.93 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max load | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 635 l (22.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 3410 mm (134.25 in.) |
| Width | 1575 mm (62.01 in.) |
| Height | 1700 mm (66.93 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2335 mm (91.93 in.) |
| Front track | 1360 mm (53.54 in.) |
| Rear track | 1355 mm (53.35 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.6 m (31.5 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/65 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
The Suzuki Wagon R+ (EM) 1.0 i 16V Turbo, while not widely known in the United States, represented a clever adaptation of Japanese “kei car” principles for the European market. Its combination of compact dimensions, practical interior space, and turbocharged performance made it a compelling option for buyers seeking an economical and versatile small family vehicle.
