The Suzuki Wagon R is a kei car: a small car built to Japan's special size and engine rules (660cc engine, compact body). It has been one of Japan's best-selling cars for decades. The tall body gives surprising headroom and it is very cheap to buy, ship and run, which makes it a popular city car and first car.
The Mazda Flair is the same car sold by Mazda, so everything here applies to it too.
Kei Car Basics
- Engine: 660cc, three cylinders. Enough for town and moderate highway driving, but not fast when fully loaded.
- Size: small and light, so it takes up little space on the ship, which keeps freight low.
- Seats: four.
- Check how your country registers and taxes very small cars before you buy. Some classify them differently.
Grades (2017 onwards)
- FA: the basic grade, no hybrid system.
- Hybrid FX: adds Suzuki's mild hybrid, a small motor-generator that helps the engine and saves fuel.
- Hybrid FZ: better equipped, different styling.
- Hybrid T: the turbocharged version (usually badged Stingray), noticeably stronger on hills and highways.
Suzuki's mild hybrid is simple: there is no large battery pack to worry about, and the car drives like a normal petrol car.
What to Check
- CVT gearbox: ask about noise or judder.
- Mileage: Wagon Rs are often used for short daily trips. Check the auction grade and interior wear.
- Turbo (Hybrid T / Stingray): ask about smoke or noise noted by the inspector.
- Rust: kei cars from snowy regions can have rust underneath.
- Auction sheet: read how to read a Japanese auction sheet.
Age Limits: Which Countries Can Take One
Some countries cap the age of an imported car: Jamaica allows up to 5 years, Trinidad & Tobago 4 years, and Kenya and Guyana 8 years. The Bahamas, Barbados, Suriname, the Eastern Caribbean islands such as Saint Lucia and Antigua, Uganda and Tanzania have no strict age limit on our checker. Rules change, so always confirm with your clearing agent before you pay.
A recent Wagon R suits Kenya and Guyana, while older ones go to the no-limit markets such as Uganda, Tanzania and the Bahamas.
The table at the bottom of this page applies each country's rule to our live stock and shows the cheapest delivered price. For the full list see import age limits by country, and for duty and port fees see how to calculate the total cost.
Need a kei commercial vehicle instead? See Suzuki Every vs Carry.