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 Fiat Palio, a result of a collaborative agreement between Suzuki and Fiat. The Splash aimed to compete with established players like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, compact dimensions, and a relatively spacious interior for its class. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the 1.2i variant with an automatic transmission, a common configuration during its production run.
Suzuki Splash 1.2i: An Overview
The Splash represented Suzuki’s entry into the highly competitive supermini segment in Europe. It was positioned as a versatile vehicle suitable for both urban commuting and occasional longer journeys. The 1.2i model, equipped with an automatic transmission, was particularly aimed at drivers prioritizing ease of use and fuel economy. The car’s design focused on maximizing interior space within a small footprint, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike. The Splash’s relatively short production run didn’t diminish its impact as a budget-friendly and reliable option in its target market.
Engine & Performance
The Suzuki Splash 1.2i is powered by a 1.2-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K12B. This engine produces 86 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 114 Nm (84.08 lb.-ft.) of torque. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. The power-to-weight ratio is 12.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.7 kg/Nm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a transverse front engine layout. Coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Splash achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 14.9 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 14.2 seconds. Its maximum speed is 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The engine’s focus is on efficiency, as evidenced by its fuel consumption figures.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Splash is a five-door hatchback with a practical and functional design. It offers seating for five passengers and a relatively generous amount of cargo space for its size. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a straightforward layout. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 178 liters (6.29 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to a maximum of 1050 liters (37.08 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and hydraulic power steering. The Splash’s compact dimensions – a length of 3715 mm (146.26 in.), a width of 1680 mm (66.14 in.), and a height of 1590 mm (62.6 in.) – make it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1105 kg (2436.11 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Splash |
| Generation | Splash |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2i (86 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 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) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.7 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 | 1105 kg (2436.11 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 380 kg (837.76 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 | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 |
In conclusion, the Suzuki Splash 1.2i Automatic was a practical and economical supermini that offered a compelling package for buyers in the European market. While not known for its performance, it excelled in fuel efficiency and ease of use, making it a suitable choice for urban driving and everyday transportation. Its collaborative origins with Fiat highlight the increasing trend of partnerships within the automotive industry to share development costs and expand market reach.
