Thread: Maruti Suzuki Splash

Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch its new compact car - Splash - in a month from now. And taking a cue from big brothers Swift, SX4 and the Grand Vitara, the new car comes with radical looks and a roomy cabin. With the WagonR LPG outselling its petrol variant, and the Zen Estilo not burning up the sales chart, the company will have its hopes pinned on the Splash to maintain its lead in the hatchback segment.

For a little more, the new car promises an up-market image and a modern day tall-boy feel, ideal for young urban families. The company claims the car is called Splash for its fresh, youthful look. This new hatchback boasts of a new C-pillar design with tail lamps angled inward, similar to the second-generation Renault Megane. The big, cat eye shaped headlights go well with the Splash's aerodynamics and give the car a space-age look. It may not look very sporty like the Swift, but its bold front grille lends a strong masculine touch. The Splash is based on a shortened version of the Swift's platform, smaller by 30mm to be precise. A modern tall-boy hatch with a length of 3,715mm and width of 1,680mm, it offers sufficient legroom for a family, unlike the Swift.



Suzuki has made sure there is plenty of leg room all round, and four tall adults can travel in reasonable comfort in this car. Cabin storage is good, with the rear seats splitting 60:40 and folding completely flat. Additional space can be easily created even though the hatchback has a limited 178litres of boot space. Still, despite the availability of extra stowage space under the main boot floor, family shopping days might see bags deposited on the rear seats.

Some of the Splash's cabin elements are straight lifts from the Swift and the SX4. These include the steering wheel, gear knob, door handles and indicator switches. So, the caris functional, uncluttered and very much tried and tested. The company has also paid a lot of attention to safety in the car's design and the Splash boasts of an impressive list of optional safety features such as anti-lock braking (ABS), brake assist (to boost braking effectiveness during emergency braking), electronic brake-force distribution and dual airbags. The Swift's 1.3-litre petrol and diesel engines will also be available on the car, so expect it to have enough pep.