2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Small cars are trendy. The entry-level version of the Suzuki Splash with 65 hp offers everything you need for city traffic - no more but no less.
By Holger Holzer
With plenty of space and small dimensions, the Suzuki Splash is a practical city car. Externally, the five-door model with its stylish, rounded front clearly sets it apart from its box-shaped predecessor, the Wagon R. Driven by the 48 kW / 65 hp base engine, the five-seater costs from 9,990 euros.
Googly eye headlights
Large googly-eye headlights, a smiling front and the sweeping window line rising towards the rear give the Splash a dynamic, sporty touch. The interior is also attractive, with many round elements and materials that are pleasant to the touch. A large central instrument is located behind the steering wheel, the optional tachometer is located above the center console.
Numerous shelves hold daily odds and ends. The front-wheel drive, which is advertised as a five-seater, provides enough space for four adults, although the middle seat in the rear should only be occupied by one child, as is customary in this class. Adults sit comfortably on the two outer rear seats if the driver and front passenger do not move their chairs too far back. The front seats are very comfortable, but their thigh supports are too short, which limits their suitability for long journeys.
Problems for tall people
It is also difficult for tall people to find an ideal sitting position, as the steering wheel can only be adjusted in height, as is customary in this class. The main area of application of the 3.72 meter short Splash is likely to be in the city in most cases anyway. With a turning circle of 9.40 meters, the unusually clear body and the dimensions of the body, as well as the rather high seating position, it makes parking and maneuvering child's play.
The large rear doors and the standard Isofix child seat attachments make it easier for children to buckle up on the rear bench seat, while a foldable backrest makes it easy to store shopping. However, the Splash is not a charging miracle; When fully seated, the trunk takes just 178 liters of luggage, which corresponds to the contents of a larger sports bag. With the rear seat folded down, it is not exactly a record with 1050 liters. In addition, the very high edge of the trunk has to be overcome each time it is charged, which takes a lot of strength even with the corresponding weight.
No temperament bolt
While driving the 1.0-liter gasoline engine, the base model does quite well without being a paragon of temperament. If the engine speed is sufficient, however, it happily gets down to business and enables the car, which weighs only around a ton, to swim along in traffic. The somewhat clumsy manual five-speed gearshift barely interferes with driving enjoyment. Overall, the city runabout offers unproblematic driving behavior and is comfortable enough to iron away the roughest bumps.
If you want a little more power, there is an alternative in a 63 kW / 68 PS petrol engine. The 55 kW / 75 PS diesel is particularly suitable for frequent drivers and fleet customers. In terms of equipment, the basic version, which costs 9,990 euros, holds back: On board are, among other things, four airbags, folding rear seats and front window lifters. If you add around 2,500 euros, you get two more airbags, anti-skid ESP, air conditioning and rear seats that can be folded down in parts. This reduces the price gap to the more powerfully motorized version, which already has the mentioned extras on board as standard, to 500 euros.
In any case, a radio has to be bought separately. Motor vehicle liability, for example with the Axa, costs a comparatively high amount at 548 euros due to an unfavorable type class classification. Compared to its identical sister model, the Opel Agila, the Suzuki is definitely cheaper to buy, whereas the Opel should have an image advantage in terms of residual values.
The bottom line is that the Splash, equipped with five doors as standard, is a good and comparatively inexpensive city car. The pleasing design should be as popular as the good space for passengers. (Mid)
