Suzuki Splash

City Suzuki Splashes out

Suzuki's new Splash is almost ready for the showroom – and we’re now able to whet your appetite properly with full details of the entire range

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

12th July 2007

Following the first official image printed in Issue 961, the latest pictures give a clear view of how the new city car aims to topple Fiat’s Panda and the Nissan Note. Essentially the same as Vauxhall’s Agila, the Splash is set apart by unique styling features at the front and rear. Both models are fairly conservative and will
be built by Suzuki in Hungary.

A preview of the new supermini-MPV’s styling was showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, when Suzuki pulled the covers off the Splash concept. The production version is based on the Swift platform, but the Splash is 30mm shorter than its stylish supermini brother.

Buyers have two petrol engines and one diesel powerplant to choose from. Developed and designed exclusively by Suzuki, both petrol units have four valves per cylinder and have been engineered for smooth low-end torque. Base models get a 64bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, while an 85bhp 1.2 four-cylinder will also be available. But the best economy will be provided by a 1.3-litre diesel, which produces 74bhp. Originally a Fiat motor, the oil-burner in the Splash will be made under licence in Suzuki’s Indian plant.

All variants come with a five-speed manual as standard, while the higher-powered petrol car gets a four-ratio auto. With the most efficient models producing 120g/km of CO2, the Splash is green, too.

Along with ABS, all Splashes will have ESP, six airbags and pedestrian-friendly energy-absorbing panels. Following its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Suzuki will go on sale here next spring.