What does it cost?
Suzuki Splash Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
The Splash comes with a choice of a 67bhp 1.0-litre and a 93bhp 1.2-litre petrol engines. Both are capable of worthy performance, but they both need to be revved hard. They’re smooth, though, so giving them plenty of revs is no hardship.
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Ride & Handling
The Splash is based on the bigger Swift, so it's no surprise that there are some similarities in the way they drive. Direct steering and immense grip give the Splash a surprising amount of ability in corners, and although the tall body leans over a bit more than the Swift's, it's not too excessive. There's a firm edge to the ride, especially at low speeds, but only the worst surfaces will upset the calm.
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Refinement
The rev-hungry nature of the engines means they're a bit vocal when you're accelerating - especially the 1.0-litre - but they're fine when you're pottering around town and settle down at motorway pace. You can hear a bit of wind and road noise in the cabin, but neither reaches an unreasonable level.
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Buying & Owning
You might expect a car like this to cost peanuts - it doesn't. Still, you get plenty of equipment for your money thanks to the Splash's upmarket aspirations. Fuel economy isn't bad at all, and that means carbon dioxide outputs aren't outrageous, either, so company car users won't hand over too much cash to the taxman.
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Quality & Reliability
The Splash's cabin plastics are hard to the touch, but the textured finish makes them look smart. They're sturdy, too, and should prove to be very hard-wearing. The tight panel gaps give you confidence about how carefully the car is made and, being a Suzuki, expect the mechanicals to be trouble-free.
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Safety & Security
The Splash does very well for safety kit. All versions get twin front, side and curtain airbags, and, even better, stability control is standard on all models. It's not bad on the security front, either - all versions come with an engine immobiliser and deadlocks.
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Behind The Wheel
Drivers should be able to get comfortable, since the steering wheel and driver's seat adjust for height - although reach adjustment for the wheel would improve things. The dashboard layout is simple, 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, making it hard to read. Both ends of the car have thick window pillars, too, so visibility isn't great.
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Space & Practicality
For such a small car, the Splash provides an impressive amount of space. The high roofline means there's loads of headroom whichever seat you end up in, and even those in the back get a reasonable amount of legroom - enough to keep lankier passengers happy. The boot is small, but you can extend it by folding down the split rear seat.
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Equipment
All versions have electric front windows, remote central locking, a CD stereo and a leather-covered steering wheel with audio controls. Higher-trim cars add alloy wheels, air-conditioning, front foglamps and rear privacy glass.
What Suzuki Splash Hatchback owners say:
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Our pick of the range
Suzuki Splash Hatchback 1.2 SZ3 5dr
The entry-level 1.2 offers a fine mix of price, pace and space. It also comes with loads of kit and is good to drive.
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