Suzuki Splash 1.2 (2007) CAR review

It looks quite small. Where will the Splash sit in Suzuki’s range?

It’s a replacement for the unloved and unlovable Wagon R+ and built on the underpinnings of the current Swift. It’s the same size as the Swift but it’s been designed to appeal to a slightly more conservative (read older and more sensible) bunch of buyers so it’ll be a bit cheaper than the supermini. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that Suzuki wants to move on from the slow-selling Wagon R+ and build on the success of the latest Swift.

It certainly looks different to the Wagon R+…

Astonishingly, considering its ungainly appearance, that car has topped the best seller list in Japan. But that box-on-tiddly-wheels look with enough headroom for a party of undertakers complete with their hats didn’t appeal to European audiences so they’ve come up with the Splash, a much better looking motor all round. It’s particularly handsome from the front and the rear lights have a hint of Mercedes A-Class about them. However from certain angles that upright back end and flared rear wheel arch have a hint of Daihatsu Materia about them…