Making a splash

We're going to avoid making the trite name associations that fall so easily from the pen when the word splash

is mentioned. But, gee, it's hard not to. Suzuki making a Splash, new wave of Suzuki models, a tide (last one, promise) of great reviews too.

 

This super mini city car is a collaboration between Suzuki and Opel and debuted as a concept car at the Paris Motor Show in 2006. The following year the production model was shown at the Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows and it finally went on sale in New Zealand last year. And believe it or not, an updated version will be available in New Zealand in the last quarter of this year.

 

The Splash originates from a truncated Swift platform but has many more right angles than its bigger sister. It's box-like and meant to be, thus creating a small on the outside and rather roomier inside appearance-more room in fact than you'd guess a little car witha1.2 engine ought to have.

 

There are two models available, the entry level 1.2 GLX (manual and auto) and the 1.2 LTD (auto only).

 

It has a snub nose and virtually no rear overhang so it's easy to park and because the wheels are set on the edge of the bodywork it looks as if it's about to pounce like a triple jumper taking off from the Olympic start board. And it's just as nippy when it gets going.

 

It's designed unashamedly asacity car and can look a little awkward on the road given its square appearance and high seating position. The back seat passengers actually sit higher than the front of car inhabitants yet the Splash handles the open and winding road with unexpected aplomb. Inside it's relatively prosaic but with splashes (couldn't help it) of colour to add a dash of panache.

 

An engine of this size of course is remarkably fuel-frugal. It delivers an average of around 5 litres/100 kilometres and with careful driving even that can track downwards. The auto is slightly thirstier but can still achieve under 6 litres per 100k which is better than some expensive hybrids and is one of the key selling points with the Splash.

The other is super value for money. What you get for a starting price of $18,990 is fairly good luggage space, a very healthy specification list and incredible fuel economy packed intoabit of fun and flare. Probably frustratingly for dealers the toughest competition would come from within the family in the shape of the competent Swift.