By: IOL Motoring Staff
Johannesburg - Forget what its name implies, Suzuki SA is hoping that its new city car will make "waves" rather than a mere Splash in the crowded budget hatchback market.
Yet we must admit to being a bit confused by Suzuki's product planning here as the new Suzuki Splash will also have to compete with another Suzuki in this neck of the woods, namely the larger Swift hatchback. Long story short, the Suzuki Splash models - starting at R124 900 - cost just R2000 less than the equivalent Swift hatchbacks with the same engine and similar features. As one of Suzuki's Japanese leaders said: "Let the customer decide."
STANDING TALL (AND ROOMY)
As is the A-segment norm, Suzuki is pitching the Splash at singles, young families and empty nesters and says that its relatively long wheelbase (2360 mm within an overall vehicle length of 3755mm) and tall stature result in a surprisingly roomy five-seat cabin. Luggage space amounts to 236 litres with the back seats in place and 462 litres with the 40:60 arrangement fully folded and you could even squeeze in up to 1050 litres worth of life belongings if you pack up to the roof.
The Splash weighs just over a tonne and is powered by the same 1.2-litre 16-valve engine found in the entry-level Swift models. The four-cylinder engine is credited with 63kW and 113Nm and can be paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or, if you choose the top model, a four-speed autobox. In manual form and at sea level, the car will pounce from 0-100km/h in a claimed 12.3 seconds, reach a top speed of 160km/h and sip 5.6 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, but obviously not while putting the former figures to the test. The auto, according to Suzuki, has a 6.4 l/100km thirst.
BASIC OR LOADED?
The most affordable model in the range wears the GA badge and it comes standard with air conditioning, power steering, key-operated central locking, dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
If you need more bells and whistles in your life, a little extra outlay gets you the GL model, which comes with a CD/USB audio system linked to steering wheel controls, electric windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking, tilt-adjustable steering wheel and a heated rear screen with wipe/wash system.
Both versions are fitted with 14-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, so the GL's peacock antics extend to colour-coded mirrors and door handles, front foglamps and a rear spoiler.
Now all that's left to decide is whether you want the Splash or Swift. What would you choose at this level?
PRICES
1.2i GA - R124 900
1.2i GL - R134 900
1.2i GL AT - R149 900
Prices include a three-year/100 000km warranty and two-year/30 000km service plan.