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Making Waves: The Suzuki
Splash Mini-MPV
(05/02/2008) |
Splash is Suzuki’s all-new mini-MPV
with bags of practicality and youthful, vibrant styling designed
specifically for the European market.
At just over 3.7m long, Splash is
compact enough to manoeuvre with ease through narrow streets or to slot
into tight parking spots. Yet on the inside its elevated driving
position means it can comfortably seat five adults with plenty of
legroom and luggage space, at the same time providing a great view of
the road.
The eye-catching design, packed with
interesting shapes and curves, successfully pulls off that often tricky
combination of sporty styling and a relatively tall body. Strongly
flared wings, a bold nose and a flowing roof line are all key elements
in creating Splash’s friendly, endearing personality.
Inside, there’s an equally lively cabin
treatment, with stylish silver trim elements and, depending on the body
colour, a splash of added colour in the form of turquoise, blue, or
light grey inserts on the fascia, doors and seats. Further distinction
is provided by the sporty angled centre console, large diameter speedo
with black numerals on a white background and a novel tachometer that
sits on top of the dash in its own individual housing.
That high seating position makes for
easy entry and exit, while folding down the 60:40 split rear seat opens
up 573 litres of luggage space (VDA), including a handy waterproof
compartment beneath the boot floor. Naturally there are lots of cubbies
and places to stash possessions dotted about the cabin.
Petrol or diesel
Two spirited but highly economical engines are offered: Suzuki’s 86 PS
1.2-litre petrol engine and a punchy 75 PS 1.3-litre turbo diesel built
in Suzuki’s new engine plant in India under licence from Fiat, mated to
a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic is
also available for the petrol model.
Both engines are tuned and engineered
with an emphasis on everyday driveability and both offer cost-effective
motoring, with combined fuel consumptions of 51.4 (automatic 47.9) and
62.8 mpg respectively. The diesel also emits just 120 g/km of CO2
which means it qualifies for £35 annual road tax, while a diesel
particulate filter virtually eliminates any unburnt particles.
The Splash is designed to make
day-to-day city driving a pleasure, and it uses the highly acclaimed
Swift platform to deliver the same fun-to-drive character, with agile,
confidence-inspiring handling.
Four models make up the new Splash
range. The 1.2 model comes in either GLS or GLS+ grades; an automatic
transmission is available on the GLS+ model and the fourth model is the
1.3 DDiS whose specification is identical to GLS+ grade.
Sparkling performance and
either 51.4 or 62.8 mpg combined
Customers can choose between two highly economical engines: Suzuki’s own
1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine developing 86 PS (63 kW) and a 75 PS
(55 kW) 1.3-litre 4-cylinder common rail turbo diesel supplied by
Suzuki’s plant in India where it is built under licence from Fiat.
Both offer a sophisticated combination
of smoothness, good low-end torque and fuel efficiency. Specially-tuned,
high rigidity mounts, and a host of other measures keep noise and
vibration low. For their displacement, the engines are among the
smallest in size, yielding more interior space.
Since the Splash is likely to spend
much of its time in urban environments or on twisting country roads, the
two engines have been selected for their strong performance at low and
mid-range engine speeds. The characterful 1.2 with 5-speed manual
dispatches 0-62 mph in just over 12 seconds, is capable of a top speed
of 109 mph and sips fuel to give over 51 mpg combined.
The 1.3-litre turbo diesel’s superb
on-road flexibility is the result of a wide spread of torque peaking at
190 Nm between 1750 and 2250 rpm and effortless progress is matched by a
wallet-comforting frugality: combined fuel consumption clocks in at 62.8
mpg and carbon dioxide emissions are just 120 g/km to position the
Splash in Band B and annual road tax of just £35.
Both engines are combined with a
5-speed manual gearbox with satisfyingly firm and quick gear shifting,
while the petrol engine is also available with a 4-speed automatic
transmission. All ratios have been chosen to deliver smooth, comfortable
acceleration and fuel economy. The shift levers are mounted relatively
high at the bottom of the centre stack for easier, more relaxed
operation. Unusually for this category, the automatic has a gated shift
lever for a sportier shift feel and appearance.
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