Enlarge imageThe Suzuki Splash is all-new mini-MPV that is available with a 1.2 petrol or a 1.3 diesel engine, the latter delivering 62.8mpg, 120g/km CO2 (meaning just £35 annual road tax), and it even has a diesel particulate filter which virtually eliminates any unburnt particles.
The combined fuel consumption of the 4-cylinder petrol engine is 51.4mpg, equating to 131g/km CO2 (or 47.9mpg for the automatic). The 1.2 litre engine with 5-speed manual manages 0-62 mph in around 12 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 109 mph.
The 75 PS 1.3-litre 4-cylinder common rail turbo diesel is built in Suzuki’s new engine plant in India under licence from Fiat, and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic is also available for the petrol model.
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The Splash uses the Swift platform which should promise enjoyable handling even though this car is taller and has a higher seating position.The 1.2 petrol 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.
Suzuki GB is equipping all Splash models as standard with ESP®, part of a company policy to introduce the system progressively on all forthcoming new models and model facelifts. ESP® uses selective wheel braking and controls engine output as necessary to stabilise the vehicle if it detects understeer or oversteer situations which could possibly result in total loss of control. ESP® also incorporates a traction control feature to prevent wheelspin during standard starts or a loss of grip during sharp acceleration.
The car also features ABS, brake assist (to boost braking effectiveness during emergency braking) and electronic brake-force distribution.
The Splash and its very similar looking sister car, the Vauxhall/Opel Agila, were engineered in Japan with initial styling work, chassis development and driving evaluations carried out in Europe by Suzuki.
