Taking comfort first, the Suzuki has an effective heating and ventilation system that includes air conditioning as standard. The three-piece targa roof is a masterpiece of design, enabling fully open convertible motoring (the rear window folds into its own recess) or half and full targa positions.
Inside, the occupants may find themselves rubbing shoulders because of an ultra-narrow cabin, but worst of all is the boot which is only big enough to swallow two briefcases. In this respect the Cappuccino is worse even than that paragon of weekend transport, the Caterham 7.
The roof assembly fits so well that very little wind noise penetrates the cabin at 70mph on the motorway. Instead it's tyre roar that disturbs the peace more than any other factor. A fair amount of turbo whistle and the persistent vacuum cleaner-like buzz of the three-pot engine mark the Suzuki down in this category.
The Cappuccino has passed UK type approval crash tests but it's interesting to note that the amount of forward seat travel had to be limited to keep the steering wheel the required distance from the driver's head during impact. An airbag is not available although side impact bars are fitted in the doors.
We were disappointed to hear how much the Cappuccino costs. Call it blindness, but no-one expects to pay nearly £12,000 for such a small car. At least the equipment count includes air conditioning, a quality stereo and electric windows. The absence of central locking is annoying but the fuel filler cap can be released from inside the central cubby.
The lack of an anti-theft system and an insurance grouping of 13 don't help matters but Suzuki offers a special scheme to bring the rating down to group 10 if yearly mileage is restricted. Servicing involves a change of oil every 3000 miles and a new oil filter every 6000 miles.
