Suzuki Splash 1.2 GLS+ (2008) CAR review

This is Suzuki's new Splash, and please, no jokes about making waves. Suzuki claims the name represents the refreshing change the Splash brings to the mini-MPV market, or something. Whatever – it's catchy enough, and a damn sight better than Agila; the new one of those is from the same platform as the Splash, and manufactured for Vauxhall by Suzuki. But don't think for a minute think that GM had anything to do with the underlying engineering – this car is all Suzuki.

So just what is the Suzuki Splash then? 

Despite what you might expect, the Splash is not the successor to the Wagon R+. At least, that's what everyone from Suzuki kept telling us. One mini-MPV replacing another might seem straightforward, but in fact the Splash was designed and engineered specifically for Europe. Rather than being a Japanese Domestic Market product hastily adapted like the old car.

And to be fair you only have to look at the thing to see the difference. Clever – baby A-class with an Audi grill – styling disguises any awkwardness about its MPV-typical 1.6 metre height. It looks good on the road – almost dashing, and even mildly sporty. Which seems to be exactly what Suzuki is aiming for, in an effort to attract young couples and small families to the brand.

A sporty mini-MPV? From Suzuki? That sounds a bit rich...

Perhaps, but the Splash borrows its basic platform from the Swift, which is a pretty decent car. Point it down a twisty bit of tarmac and the Splash gives its best. Inevitably the tall bodywork shows itself by earlier understeer and more lean than a regular hatchback – but the bodyroll is held in check by some firm damping. This feels fine on smooth French tarmac, but its composure will likely find UK roads a tougher test.