SUZUKI Splash Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

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.

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.