Opel tried to gain the small segment with a vehicle fit for the narrow Japanese streets and built it together with Suzuki in Hungary.
Opel and Suzuki joined their forces and produced the Agila/Wagon R in Europe. It was a bold idea, but the customers were not that happy. Even though that, on paper, it had all the necessary to meet the Europeans needs, it lacked the design that could make it a sales-winner.

The biggest problem was with the design. With a short length and a tall construction, the Agila was far to be considered handsome by the European customers. A flat and tall fascia with an almost non-existent front overhang was very useful in tight parking spots. In the back, a well-placed mirror could help the driver see the rear bumper, but that was not even on the options list.

The interior was minimalist, with a two-level dashboard, which featured a lower shelf for both front passengers. Opel supplied the Agila without a stereo unit to the dealers to install one and gain some extra money from the small MPV. On the base trim level, there were four cranked windows and no air-conditioning. Only the full-options versions received with power windows and an AC unit.

Under the hood, Opel installed a choice of four engines: three gasoline and a turbo-diesel. Fiat supplied the latter as part of an agreement with General Motors. The only transmission available was a five-speed manual.