Suzuki SplashThe Splash was launched in March 2008, and as the second model in the Suzuki price list, after the Alto, it’s a popular way to enter the Suzuki range. Why would you want to do that? Well, ask any owner, and it’s likely that reliability – a quality that’s consistently been one of Suzuki’s strengths – will figure almost as high as value for money in their reasons for ownership.Whilst it’s larger than the Alto, the Splash is nonetheless smallish; as a comparison Ford’s Fiesta hatch is almost nine inches longer. It’s built in Hungary, alongside the Vauxhall Agila which effectively is virtually the same car with a Vauxhall badge. Styling is in the mini-MPV mode, with a tall body that allows for tall human bodies even in the rear seat. The vertical rear end of this design style has the helpful quality of easing the chore of parking.Suzuki looked at the diesel/petrol arguments for small cars, and these in the main come down to a decision as to whether the increased cost of a diesel engine will be counterbalanced by the savings in fuel. Across the water in Europe they almost certainly would; here in Britain, where DERV is more expensive than petrol, it’s often a moot point for a small car. Suzuki certainly thinks so, for there is no longer a diesel option in the Splash. Petrol engines of 1.0 and 1.2 are what are on offer, and the larger of them – the same as that found in the Swift – has been revised for 2011, with improved fuel consumption and increased power. Interestingly, the combined fuel consumption is identical to that of the one-litre engine, so if you can afford the £500 which is the difference in price between the two engines, it’s well worth it to get almost 40% more power. Suzuki tell me that four out of five buyers are likely to choose the 1.2, and they also dropped a hint that we can expect a still more frugal engine to appear at the end of 2011.Changes to the interior in the latest model are limited to seat fabrics. Interestingly, when Lagoon Turquoise exterior colour is specified, a vibrant two-tone colour-matched interior treatment is included in the fabric seat and door trim inserts; the remainder of the cabin is trimmed in black. All other Splash exterior colours are complemented with black interior trim.The fully integrated audio system (radio thieves must curse the near universality of these) is apparently designed to match Splash’s ‘youthful image’. The CD tuner with MP3-compatibility and speed-sensitive volume adjustment can also be operated via remote buttons provided on the steering wheel spoke. Ahead of the leather-trimmed steering wheel, the instrument cluster is dominated by a large speedometer whose black lettering on a white dial makes for good legibility. Less successful is the LCD information display (providing outside temperature, instantaneous and average fuel consumption and range, as well as a digital clock), which is a far from clear black on fawn background.On the road the Splash is easy to drive, and even the large C-pillars don’t really affect the parking process, due to the large rear window. Ride is surprisingly firm, and though it isn’t harsh it’ll feel the cats’ eyes and cracks in the concrete motorway sections. I tested the 1.2 engine with manual gearbox (auto is available on the top spec model), and more than once reached for the ignition on thinking it had stalled. So refined is this engine that I simply couldn’t hear or feel it when it was idling, and for a 1.2 that’s saying a lot; possibly a little too about my hearing.Load space isn’t vast; the measurements are one metre wide by 47cm long (rather less at the sides). However, the official volume of 178 litres includes a useful 36-litre under-floor compartment suitable for storage of a first aid kit, small valuables and so on. Folding the one-touch rear seats forward – split 60:40 – creates a virtually flat load floor, and conveniently the headrests do not need to be removed, they simply have to be pushed down to their lowest level. The resulting load space holds a total of 573 litres (20 cubic feet) which again includes the under-floor compartment.Equipment levels are pretty good even at the lower spec level (known as SZ3), with central locking, alloys, air con, and electric mirrors/front windows. Move up to the SZ4 and you get a fair bit more, including ESP and the luxury of keyless entry.Size: 3.73m x 1.68mEngines: Petrol: 1.0 & 1.2 litres – 68 & 94PSGearbox: 5-speed FWDBest Consumption: 55.4mpg (both engines)Price at July ’11: from £9,495Full details of the Splash are available on the manufacturer’s website: www.suzuki.co.ukPeter Cracknell – July 2011
Suzuki Splash
The Splash was launched in March 2008, and as the
second model in the Suzuki price list, after the Alto,
it’s a popular way to enter the Suzuki range. Why
would you want to do that? Well, ask any owner, and
it’s likely that reliability – a quality that’s consistently
been one of Suzuki’s strengths – will figure almost as
high as value for money in their reasons for
ownership.
Whilst it’s larger than the Alto, the Splash is
nonetheless smallish;
as a comparison Ford’s
Fiesta hatch is almost
nine inches longer. It’s
built in Hungary,
alongside the Vauxhall
Agila which effectively
is virtually the same car
with a Vauxhall badge.
Styling is in the mini-
MPV mode, with a tall
body that allows for tall
human bodies even in
the rear seat. The
vertical rear end of this
design style has the
helpful quality of easing
the chore of parking.
Suzuki looked at the
diesel/petrol arguments
for small cars, and these in the main come down to a
decision as to whether the increased cost of a diesel
engine will be counterbalanced by the savings in fuel.
Across the water in Europe they almost certainly
would; here in Britain, where DERV is more
expensive than petrol, it’s often a moot point for a
small car. Suzuki certainly thinks so, for there is no
longer a diesel option in the Splash. Petrol engines of
1.0 and 1.2 are what are on offer, and the larger of
them – the same as that found in the Swift – has been
revised for 2011, with improved fuel consumption and
increased power. Interestingly, the combined fuel
consumption is identical to that of the one-litre
engine, so if you can afford the £500 which is the
difference in price between the two engines, it’s well
worth it to get almost 40% more power. Suzuki tell me
that four out of five buyers are likely to choose the
1.2, and they also dropped a hint that we can expect
a still more frugal engine to appear at the end of
2011.
Changes to the interior in the latest model are limited
to seat fabrics. Interestingly, when Lagoon Turquoise
exterior colour is specified, a vibrant two-tone colour-
matched interior treatment is included in the fabric
seat and door trim inserts; the remainder of the cabin
is trimmed in black. All other Splash exterior colours
are complemented with black interior trim.
The fully integrated audio system (radio thieves must
curse the near universality of these) is apparently
designed to match Splash’s ‘youthful image’. The CD
tuner with MP3-compatibility and speed-sensitive
volume adjustment can also be operated via remote
buttons provided on the steering wheel spoke. Ahead
of the leather-trimmed steering wheel, the instrument
cluster is dominated by a large speedometer whose
black lettering on a white dial makes for good legibility.
Less successful is the LCD information display (providing
outside temperature, instantaneous and average fuel
consumption and range, as well as a digital clock), which
is a far from clear black on fawn background.
On the road the Splash is easy to drive, and even the
large C-pillars don’t really affect the parking process, due
to the large rear window. Ride is surprisingly firm, and
though it isn’t harsh it’ll feel the cats’ eyes and cracks in
the concrete motorway
sections. I tested the 1.2
engine with manual
gearbox (auto is available
on the top spec model),
and more than once
reached for the ignition on
thinking it had stalled. So
refined is this engine that I
simply couldn’t hear or feel
it when it was idling, and for
a 1.2 that’s saying a lot;
possibly a little too about
my hearing.
Load space isn’t vast; the
measurements are one
metre wide by 47cm long
(rather less at the sides).
However, the official
volume of 178 litres
includes a useful 36-litre under-floor compartment
suitable for storage of a first aid kit, small valuables and
so on. Folding the one-touch rear seats forward – split
60:40 – creates a virtually flat load floor, and
conveniently the headrests do not need to be removed,
they simply have to be pushed down to their lowest level.
The resulting load space holds a total of 573 litres (20
cubic feet) which again includes the under-floor
compartment.
Equipment levels are pretty good even at the lower spec
level (known as SZ3), with central locking, alloys, air con,
and electric mirrors/front windows. Move up to the SZ4
and you get a fair bit more, including ESP and the luxury
of keyless entry.
Size:
3.73m x 1.68m
Engines:
Petrol: 1.0 & 1.2 litres – 68 & 94PS
Gearbox:
5-speed FWD
Best Consumption: 55.4mpg (both engines)
Price at July ’11:
from £9,495
Full details of the Splash are available on the manufacturer’s
website: www.suzuki.co.uk
Peter Cracknell – July 2011
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