The Suzuki Supermini - Does it Make a Splash

So you're in the market for a supermini car and the sheer number of options is confusing and scaring you? If so then you're not alone. The automotive industry seems to have gone a bit gung ho on producing hot hatches over the past few years and you can hardly blame them. In the current socio-political climate, who amongst us could conceivably drive a gas guzzling 4X4, when a perfectly serviceable supermini would do the job? Well, quite a lot of us do actually, but with better Co2 emissions and more economical fuel requirements, perhaps we should all be considering it. Enter the Suzuki Splash; Suzuki's answer to the ever pertinent supermini question.

First impressions of the Splash are pretty favourable; it combines the space of a mini MPV with sporty/chunky looks. As far as attractive hatchbacks go, the Splash is up there with the Corsa, Fiat 500 and the Toyota Aygo. The Splash is also generously equipped with enough safety and security gear to shame its competitors into following suit. It comes with a total of 6 airbags, ABS, stability control, engine immobiliser and deadlocks as standard.

The engine options available are limited in comparison to other superminis; there is only a 1.0 Petrol, a 1.2 Petrol and a 1.3 Diesel available. All three are quite vocal when tested, which can be slightly annoying during longer journeys. The 1.2 Petrol is probably the best choice, due to its eagerness and economical operation. There is only 86 bhp with the 1.2 but as there isn't much Splash to pull along this suffices nicely.

A considerable consideration for the supermini market is price and this is one of the more negative areas of the Suzuki Splash's appraisal. A basic price of £8,347 for the 1.2 petrol is slightly too pricey when compared with what other manufacturers are offering. For over a grand less the Ford Ka is offering a similar spec. Suzuki are obviously aiming the Splash at the higher end of the supermini market, but to do this more successfully they should readdress relatively significant drawbacks like the severe lack of boot space maxisys elite scan tool. However, this problem can be remedied at the cost of passengers, as the rear seat are split fold, which opens up the whole of the rear into a pretty sizeable storage space Autel MaxiSys Pro.

There are some major plus points to be mentioned though; namely the passenger space. It is a rare find to be able to comfortable sit 4 grown adults into a supermini, without someone ended up horribly and irretrievably contorted. In comfort terms the Splash is up there with the Yaris and the Micra.

The build quality one would expect from Suzuki is also evident in the Splash. All the plastics have a rigid feel and are made from good quality materials. The handling is as you would expect from a car in this range, responsive but not over twitchy.

The Suzuki Splash is yet another supermini model vying from an overcrowded hatchback marketplace. Similarly to its main rivals it has both its plus and minus points. If you are looking for a spacious and fairly zippy hatchback, then the Suzuki Splash should at least be amongst your considerations. It looks nifty, is a fairly eager mover and comes well equipped.

Pete J Ridgard is a writer and car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he gives his opinion on the Suzuki Splash. See The Suzuki Splash Here

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