The Suzuki Splash is a supermini hatchback produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki between 2008 and 2012. While not officially sold in the United States, the Splash was a significant model in the European market, designed as an affordable and practical city car. It was a rebadged version of the Opel/Vauxhall Agila, a result of a partnership between Suzuki and General Motors. The Splash aimed to compete with established players like the Fiat Panda, Renault Twingo, and Volkswagen Up!, offering a blend of compact dimensions, fuel efficiency, and reasonable interior space.
Suzuki Splash 1.2i: An Overview
The 1.2i variant, powered by a 1.2-liter gasoline engine producing 86 horsepower, was a mainstay of the Splash lineup. This engine provided a balance between performance and economy, making it suitable for urban driving and shorter journeys. The Splash’s five-door hatchback configuration and seating for five passengers further enhanced its practicality. The vehicle was positioned as a budget-friendly option, emphasizing value for money and ease of use.
Engine & Performance
The Suzuki Splash 1.2i is equipped with a 1.242-liter (75.79 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K12B. This naturally aspirated engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and produces a maximum power output of 86 horsepower at 5500 rpm. Torque figures stand at 114 Nm (84.08 lb.-ft.). The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 69.2 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.3 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.7 seconds. The Splash 1.2i has a maximum speed of 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 12.4 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 9.3 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Splash features a typical supermini hatchback design, prioritizing compactness and functionality. Its five-door layout provides easy access to both front and rear seats. The interior is designed to be practical and durable, with a focus on maximizing space within its small footprint. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity, ranging from a minimum of 178 liters (6.29 cubic feet) to a maximum of 1050 liters (37.08 cubic feet) with the seats folded. Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a hydraulic power steering system. The Splash’s relatively short length (3715 mm / 146.26 inches) and tight turning circle (9.4 m / 30.84 ft) make it particularly maneuverable in congested urban environments. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1065 kg (2347.92 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 420 kg (925.94 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Splash |
| Generation | Splash |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2i (86 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 86 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 114 Nm (84.08 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K12B |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1065 kg (2347.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 420 kg (925.94 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 178 l (6.29 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1050 l (37.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3715 mm (146.26 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2360 mm (92.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14 |
The Suzuki Splash, particularly the 1.2i model, represented a practical and economical choice for buyers in Europe seeking a compact city car. While never officially available in the US market, its design and features reflect the demands of the European supermini segment, prioritizing fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and affordability.
