Suzuki Splash 1.2 SZ4 5dr Car Review - February 2012

Getting comfortable behind the wheel is an easy task thanks to the adjustment available on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel. The dash has a simple and straight-forward design, and all the controls are easy to find and use. Visibility could be better, as it’s restricted a bit by the thick window pillars front and back.

The 95bhp 1.2-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve petrol engine fitted in this model gives decent performance. It’s peppy enough around town but you’ll need to work it a bit harder out on the open road as it produces its maximum pulling power of 87lb-ft of torque higher up the rev range. Good average fuel economy of 55.4mpg, a top speed of 109mph and being able to do 0-62mph in a respectable 12 seconds makes it pretty capable all round.

There’s also a 67bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine version available, which is also very capable.

The Splash’s handling is reminiscent of the bigger Suzuki Swift, which should be no surprise, as the Splash was largely based on the Swift. Cornering ability is excellent with amazing grip and very direct steering, making it superbly agile. There is some body-roll, but it’s nothing extreme. It’s a calm but firm ride overall with only the roughest surface unsettling it.

The engine can be heard when it’s revved hard, when you’re accelerating, but driving around the city or cruising on the motorway it’s fine. Wind and road noise are nicely suppressed inside the cabin, and are never intrusive.

The Suzuki Splash isn’t particularly distinctive or dramatic when it comes to looks. It has more of a classic, clean, fuss-free exterior appeal and the cabin follows suit, being equally well designed – simple, clear, functional and modern looking.

The Splash is positioned towards the upper end of the supermini class and so it’s pretty well equipped. The SZ4 comes with power steering, leather-trimmed steering wheel, remote central locking, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, immobiliser and CD as standard.

Metallic paint is available as an optional extra.

There’s impressive space inside the Splash for what looks like a small car from outside. Its high roofline gives ample headroom both upfront and in the rear, and legroom in the back is good too. The boot is small with only 178-litres of space with the rear seats in position, but this can be extended to 573-litres with the seats folded down.

EuroNCAP gave the Splash ratings of four-stars for occupant safety, three-stars for child safety and three-stars for pedestrian safety. The Splash has plenty of safety features such as front, side and curtain airbags and stability control as standard on all models - more than many others in its class.

Anti-theft measures include deadlocks and an engine immobiliser.

The cabin and interior trim is smart-looking even though it’s hard plastic. It all looks well built and durable and since Suzuki has an enviable reputation for reliability you can expect trouble-free mechanicals as well.

The Splash comes with Suzuki’s three-year-60,000 mile warranty and regular service intervals of 9,000 miles.

With a price of £10,535 the Suzuki Splash SZ4 is not cheap in its class, but you do get lots of equipment for your money and good safety features. Decent fuel economy and performance along with reasonable CO2 emissions of 122g/km (Road Tax band C) make it an attractive option, insurance is in group 11.

You could also consider the cheaper S3 version, which still comes with a good level of equipment, and is better value for money.