Suzuki Splash Road Test

Suzuki Splash

But it is the fuel economy that impresses most; 40.9mpg for the urban cycle, 60.1mpg for the extra urban and the combined is 51.4mpg. As expected, the direct-injection, diesel is even better with 51.4-, 70.6- and 62.8mpg for the same relative cycles. Emissions are 131g/km for the manual, petrol and 120g/km for the diesel making the annual VED just £35 for the oil-burner.

There are two trim levels; GLS and GLS+. The latter is the same as the DDiS specification and adds 15-inch alloys in place of steel wheels, front foglights and privacy glass, to the base features list. It may be base but it isn’t basic; highlights include a CD/radio/MP3 audio system with secondary controls on the rake-adjustable and leather-clad, steering wheel; remote control central locking, electric front windows, manual air conditioning, height-adjustable front seats along with electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors.

Prices for the Suzuki Splash range from £8,999 for the 1.2 GLS through to £10,510 for the 1.3 DDiS. In relation to the test car, the corresponding Vauxhall Agila is some £80 dearer at £9,595 and ESP is an extra £400. Short of going through every minute detail, which on the face of it, looks to be the same, there seems to be no obvious reason for the price disparity.

From the driver’s point of view, the fascia is the same in both cars, even down to the same materials and odd-ball rev counter, perched on a stalk that comes out of the dashboard next to the instrument nacelle, itself, containing a single, white-faced dial.

There are six exterior colours from which to choose. The more conservative customer might prefer the muted white, grey or black, as opposed to the bright red, Splash Green (lime) and Lagoon Turquoise. Apparently, the green and blue were selected to reflect the ‘energy’ of the Splash name and ethos. But, be warned, the turquoise comes with matching seat and door panels, along with a similar coloured surround for the centre console and high-level gearshift housing.

The front seats are well proportioned and supportive, while those in the rear have a short squab and are rather firm. Legroom is at a premium here, and more suited to children (ISOFIX anchors are standard). These seats have a 60:40 split and fold flat at the press of a button, thus increasing the meagre luggage capacity from 178- to 573-litres, including the sizeable under-floor compartment. Although the boot space is usefully boxy you would be hard pushed to accommodate a child’s buggy or a golf bag in the back.

That said, the Suzuki Splash is great around town where its size, high driving position and manoeuvrability make it easy to park and the fuel economy is a welcome bonus.

Suzuki Splash