As previously mentioned, performance enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere unless their financial means dictate a more conservative ride, as the Esteem Wagon puts out an adequate but hardly stimulating 95 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 99 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm in 1.6-liter guise, the way fitted for the first two years of production.
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| The 1998 and 1999 Esteem Wagon puts out an adequate but hardly stimulating 95 horsepower. Years 2000 through 2002 received a major boost to 122 horsepower. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
Later in model year 2000, a standard 4-valve per cylinder, DOHC 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 117 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm made the little family hauler much more enjoyable. Still, compared to today's base engines the little runabout would be at the bottom of the performance charts when comparing numbers at least. Actual performance is not too bad if not loaded with passengers and cargo, as the updated car's curb weight remained at an identical 1,070 to 1,140 kg (2,359 to 2,513 lbs) - depending on trim level and model year - when compared to the outgoing 1999 model.
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| Due to a low curb weight, actual performance of the Suzuki wagon is not too bad if not loaded with passengers and cargo. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
The only negative that came with the added displacement and resultant performance is a noticeable increase in fuel consumption, from the miserly 1.6-liter Esteem Wagon's 7.8 L/100 km (30 mpg) in the city and 6.4 L/100 km (37 mpg) on the highway to the 1.8-liter car's 8.7 (27) city, 6.9 (34) highway rating.
The standard 5-speed manual gearbox is best for optimizing performance, with an optional 4-speed automatic for those not willing to shift for themselves. Both transmissions are good, with the automatic an especially smooth shifter.