The Splash is the latest hatchback from Suzuki that is aimed at families. Buyers will have the choice of two engines. The first will be an all-new 1.2-litre petrol engine, which is expected to be smoother and more fuel efficient than the current 1.3 in the Swift. The Splash will also get the 75bhp 1.3-litre diesel, which currently powers the Swift diesel. The Splash is based on the Swift, but the two cars are quite different in their personality. While the Swift makes a style statement, the Splash is all about practicality. It has more space and feels more user-friendly thanks to its cheery interiors, high seating position and light controls.



The dashboard is simple and well laid out, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding the right button to press. It's not perfect, though; the rev-counter sits on a stalk on top of the dash, and it's distracting and hard to read. The steering feels nice and positive but the tall body means that it does a lean a fair bit if you drive through corners. Maruti has aimed the Splash at the higher end of the hatchback market, so power windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, a CD stereo, a leather-covered steering wheel, and alloy wheels along with ABS and other goodies ought
to be on the options list.