Suzuki Splash 1.2 GLS

Sep 12 2008 Malcolm Robertshaw

EARLIER this year, Suzuki set out to make more than a few ripples in the mini MPV sector, with the Splash taking up the baton from the Wagon R+.

The Splash is billed as an all-new Mini MPV. Thanks to a relatively tall body, it is a generously spacious family-style car which also houses loads of practicality.

Suzuki offers two engines to power the Splash, a 1.3-litre 74bhp diesel with CO2 emissions at just 120g/km and the feisty and very capable 85bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine. There are also pretty generous trim levels in GLS, GLS+ and DDiS grades.

All Splash models come with air con, sound system with CD plus MP3 player and steering wheel mounted audio controls, six airbags, central locking and a leather-covered steering wheel as standard.

Heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors are also standard fit across the range as is the provision of electronic stability programme and ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution, plus security is good with the provision of an engine immobiliser and deadlocks.

Step up a notch from GLS to either GLS+ or DDiS and the standard manifest adds 15-inch alloys, front fogs and privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate.

The high seating position makes for easy entry into a sturdily built cabin which, although quite comfortable for occupants, is perhaps more solid and serviceable than fancy, despite the use of some attractively stylish and sporty silver trim elements on the steering wheel, speedo, centre console and air vents.

Despite rake-only alteration to the steering wheel there is sufficient driver?s seat height movement to create a driving position with good overall vision to suit most folk, while the dashboard has been neatly and logically laid out.

There is also a nicely designed and easily navigated centre console. Occupant space is pretty impressive, with decent amounts of head and leg room front and rear to allow four adults to travel in reasonable comfort.

However, despite plenty of places for personal items dotted around the cabin, cargo spaceis decidedly tiny, the luggage area, including an underfloor compartment, providing only 178-litres of space with all seats taken, a situation which does extend to 573-litres with the 60:40 rear seats folded.

Paired with a five-speed manual gear change which sits high on the dash as in the Honda Jazz, the 1.2-litre petrol engine shows itself capable of some pretty decent performance levels from its 85bhp.

Spinning in lively, yet reasonably well hushed fashion, this 16-valver proves pretty swift off the mark, the 0-62mph milestone being attainable in around 12 seconds, which did seem quicker, while there is the promise of a very decent 51.4mpg on average.

Despite its high stance, the quite radically shaped, wheel-at-each-corner the Suzuki Splash handles in agreeable fashion with not too much body roll in evidence. The power steering is direct and the car?s immense grip helps to deliver some fine handling into and out of corners.

FAST FACTS

Suzuki Splash 1.2 GLS 5dr

Price : £8,999

Mechanical : 85bhp, 1,242cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 109mph

0-62mph : 12.3 secs

Combined mpg : 51.4

Insurance group : 3

CO2 emissions : 131g/km

BiK rating : 15%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 12yrs anti-rust