2008 Suzuki Splash Photos, engines & full specs

Suzuki introduced the Splash lineup in late 2007 for the 2008 model year as a replacement for the aging Wagon R and produced it in Hungary together with Opel.

After the successful joint venture that resulted in the Suzuki Wagon R/Opel Agila duo, the two automakers continued their partnership and produced the Splash and the second generation of the Agila, respectively. These vehicles were produced in Hungary, Eastern Europe, and also in India and China for their markets. The new model was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show for the European version. It was designed mainly for city use, and it shared its platform with the small-sized hatchback Suzuki Swift.

The Splash featured a friendly-looking front fascia with tall headlights compared to the rest of the car. Between them, the automaker installed a broad grille extended downwards into the apron, being interrupted by a front bumper. In addition, the automaker added a set of side scoops, although those were just for decoration. Suzuki’s badge took center stage on the upper grille, being supported by four horizontal slats. The Japanese automaker tried to create the Splash to match the European customers’ tastes.

Since the Splash had to fit four adults inside a vehicle that was just 3.4 meters (146 inches) long, the automaker had to create a tall greenhouse. Still, that didn’t mean it had to give up any styling ideas, so it created an ascending waistline that started from the A-pillars and went up to the C-pillars on the upper section of the rear doors. Suzuki also created flared wheel fenders, which gave the car a sportier look even though it was not a sporty vehicle or a hot hatch. Finally, at the back, the Splash featured a vertical tailgate flanked by high-mounted taillights.

Inside, the Splash offered enough room for four adults thanks to the high-mounted seats. In front of the driver, Suzuki placed an instrument cluster fitted with a large speedometer and a fuel gauge for the fuel level. As an option, customers could get the car with a dashboard-mounted tachometer. The center stack housed the stereo and the available HVAC control unit. Furthermore, Suzuki mounted the gear stick onto the center stack. At the same time, the slim center console housed just a small storage area and the hand brake. In the back, the split-folding bench could accommodate two adults. The automaker didn’t want to make the car too expensive, so it only offered the Splash with fabric upholstery.

Under the hood, Suzuki installed a choice of three engines, either gasoline or diesel, depending on the market. The only turbo-diesel version was the 1.3-liter powerplant carried over from Fiat. Besides a 1.2-liter automatic version, all the others were paired with five-speed manual transmissions.