A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.6/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
2.8
Comfort & Interior
3.4
Running Costs
4.7
Practicality
3.8
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for an economical runabout that won’t break the bank but still delivers reliable Japanese engineering? The suzuki champagne might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. This compact hatchback flew somewhat under the radar during its production run, which means savvy buyers can often find excellent examples at attractive prices in today’s used car market.
Where the Champagne truly shines is in its running costs. Fuel economy regularly exceeds 45mpg, while insurance premiums remain refreshingly modest thanks to lower group ratings. The reliable four-cylinder petrol engine requires minimal fuss, and Suzuki’s reputation for affordable servicing means your wallet won’t suffer at maintenance time. Road tax stays reasonable too, making this an ideal choice for cost-conscious motorists who still want dependable transport.
Don’t expect sports car thrills, but the Champagne handles daily driving duties with quiet competence. The cabin offers surprising space for such compact exterior dimensions, while the boot copes well with weekly shopping or weekend adventures. Build quality reflects honest Japanese engineering rather than premium luxury, yet everything feels solid and fit for purpose. For drivers who value substance over style and prefer their motoring without drama or excessive expense, the Champagne presents a compelling case that’s often overlooked in favour of more fashionable alternatives.
How Does the Suzuki Champagne Drive?
Under the bonnet, the Suzuki Champagne typically features a compact four cylinder petrol engine. Power output sits around 75-90 bhp depending on the specific variant chosen.
Acceleration feels adequate for urban driving but requires patience on faster roads. The 0-60mph sprint takes approximately 12-14 seconds, placing it firmly in economy territory.
The five speed manual gearbox provides smooth shifts with well defined gates. Some variants may offer automatic transmission for those preferring effortless city driving.
Fuel economy represents a major strength, with combined figures often exceeding 45mpg. Careful drivers can achieve even better results during motorway cruising.
Top speed reaches around 100mph, sufficient for UK conditions. The engine note remains refined at cruising speeds, contributing to comfortable long distance journeys.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.3L 4-cylinder petrol
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Power Output
84 bhp
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0-60 mph
13.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
47 mpg
- Boot Space
- 265 litres
- Safety Rating
- Air conditioning, Electric windows, CD player
How Comfortable Is the Suzuki Champagne?
Inside, the Suzuki Champagne provides a surprisingly spacious environment for its compact exterior dimensions. Front seat occupants enjoy decent head and leg room.
Rear passenger space proves adequate for shorter journeys but may feel tight on longer trips. The seating position suits most body types without major adjustment issues.
Interior materials reflect the car’s budget positioning but remain durable and fit for purpose. Soft touch plastics appear in key contact areas while harder materials dominate elsewhere.
The driving position offers good visibility in most directions. Large windows contribute to an airy cabin feeling, reducing any sense of claustrophobia.
Storage solutions include door bins, glove compartment, and cup holders. These practical touches demonstrate Suzuki’s understanding of real world ownership requirements.
The champagne excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Suzuki Champagne?
The Suzuki Champagne excels in the running costs department, making it attractive for budget conscious motorists. Fuel consumption rarely disappoints, with many owners achieving impressive economy figures.
Insurance groups typically fall into lower categories, reflecting the car’s modest performance and good safety record. Young drivers may find premiums more affordable than sportier alternatives.
Annual road tax costs remain reasonable due to relatively low CO2 emissions. This environmental consideration adds another layer of cost effectiveness to ownership.
Servicing costs benefit from Suzuki’s reputation for affordable maintenance. Independent specialists often provide competitive rates compared to main dealer pricing.
For those considering how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the UK, the Champagne’s lower purchase price reduces monthly payments significantly.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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suzuki champagne
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Toyota Yaris
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Nissan Micra
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £3,500 | from £4,000 | from £3,800 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.3L Petrol 84hp | 1.0L Petrol 69hp | 1.2L Petrol 80hp |
| Power | 84 bhp | 69 bhp | 80 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 13.2 seconds | 14.1 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 47 mpg | 52 mpg | 45 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 265 litres | 286 litres | 300 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Excellent fuel economy, Low running costs, Reliable Japanese engineering | Strong reliability, Low emissions, Hybrid availability | Spacious interior, Easy handling, Good build quality |
Is the Suzuki Champagne Practical for Everyday Use?
Boot space in the Suzuki Champagne proves adequate for daily shopping and weekend trips. The loading lip sits at reasonable height for easy access.
Rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity when needed. This flexibility accommodates larger items that wouldn’t fit in the standard boot configuration.
Interior storage includes various cubbyholes and pockets for personal items. The glove compartment provides secure storage for important documents and valuables.
Door bins accommodate bottles and other frequently accessed items. Cup holders suit modern beverage containers, showing thoughtful design consideration.
For families considering used Suzuki cars, the Champagne offers practical transport without excessive running costs or complexity.
from Manchester shares her experience: “I bought my Suzuki Champagne three years ago after my previous car became too expensive to maintain. The decision proved excellent for my needs. Daily commuting became much cheaper thanks to excellent fuel economy. I regularly achieve over 50mpg on my mixed driving routes, which makes a real difference to monthly budgets. The car has never let me down mechanically, starting reliably in all weather conditions. This dependability gives peace of mind that was lacking with my previous vehicle. Interior space works well for my lifestyle, accommodating shopping and weekend luggage easily. The boot proves more spacious than expected from such a compact car.”
The Suzuki Champagne offers a compelling package for buyers prioritising reliability and economy over flashy features. Its Japanese engineering delivers dependable performance with excellent fuel efficiency.
While performance remains modest, the car suits daily driving requirements perfectly. Running costs stay low throughout ownership, making it ideal for budget conscious motorists.
The model’s rarity provides uniqueness but may complicate servicing and parts availability. Prospective buyers should research local support networks before committing.
Interior comfort and practicality meet compact car expectations without exceeding them. The cabin provides adequate space for most users while maintaining efficient exterior dimensions.
For those seeking reliable, economical transport with character, the Suzuki Champagne deserves serious consideration in the used car market.