Introduced in 2008 as a result of a joint-effort with Opel, the Suzuki Splash was the Japanese brother of the Opel Agila and benefited from the Fiat powertrain experience.
In 2011, the Splash needed a revamp. The sales were not that spectacular, and the world economic crisis affected the little car built in Hungary. The refresh affected both the exterior, the interior, and the engines.

On the outside, the bumpers were redesigned with a V-shaped grille extended from the hood to the apron, and, on the outer sides of the apron, a pair of side-pods was installed. While for the base level, the fog lights were on the options list, on higher trim levels, those were among the standard features. The rear bumper received a pair of air-vents on the outside. They didn’t evacuate the air from the rear wheel-wells but were installed only for the look.

Inside, the designers were inspired by motorcycles and installed a rounded instrument cluster with light strips for the coolant temperature and fuel level. As an unusual feature, the tachometer was placed on top of the dashboard, so the driver didn’t have to move its eyes from the road to see it.

Under the hood, the 2011 Splash was offered with a choice of two gasoline engines: an inline-three, 1.0-liter engine, or an inline-four 1.2-liter. The latter was available with a 4-speed automatic transmission while the standard was a 5-speed manual for both units.

The 2008 Suzuki Splash was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show September, with sales in Spring.
The Splash was based on the Swift platform and was designed by the same Akira Kamio that was part of the Swift’s design.

Designed to serve as a mini-MPV, the Splash came with all the advantages of a regular MPV, but smaller in size.

The high driving position allowed the driver to see over the top, while the feeling of airiness and flexibility was part of the package.

Although a small car, it offered great room for five occupants.

The Splash was available with 2 petrol engine options: a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder developing 65 hp and a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder with a maximum power of 86 hp. A diesel option was also available, a 1.3-liter with 75 hp.

All engine options were mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox with the exception of the 1.2-liter 4-cylinder which could be mated to a 4-speed automatic trnasmission. The CO2 emissions ranged between 120g/km and 140g/km to meet the requirements.

Suzuki paid great attention to the safety features available for the Splash and included ABS, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and ESP. Also, the Splash was equipped with 6 airbags and the passenger cell was very rigid.