Suzuki - Don't splash on me!

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 3.7 m 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.

Step up from GLS to either GLS+ or DDiS and you get 15 inch alloys, front foglamps and privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate. That's on top of an equipment list that includes a CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver's auto-down; manual air conditioning; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel; and an information display.

ESP® and curtain airbags standard

Splash will also be one of the safest cars in its class - all models are equipped with six airbags - including two full length curtain airbags - and ESP® electronic stability as standard - reflecting Suzuki GB's policy to make ESP® a universal fitment on all new models and all major facelifts.