The Suzuki Splash, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2012, is a supermini hatchback primarily aimed at the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, it represents a significant offering in the compact, fuel-efficient vehicle segment. Positioned as an affordable and practical city car, the Splash was a collaborative effort between Suzuki and Fiat, sharing its platform with the Fiat Panda. The 2012 facelift brought styling updates and refinements to the original model, enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
Suzuki Splash (Facelift 2012): An Overview
The Splash, in its 2012 iteration, focused on providing a balance between functionality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It served as a key model in Suzuki’s European lineup, competing with vehicles like the Renault Twingo, Peugeot 107, and Citroën C1. The vehicle’s compact dimensions made it well-suited for navigating congested urban environments, while its relatively spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements offered a degree of practicality uncommon in its class. The 1.2-liter engine variant, producing 94 horsepower, was a popular choice, offering a reasonable compromise between performance and economy.
Engine & Performance
The 2012 Suzuki Splash 1.2 is powered by a 1.2-liter (1242 cm3) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K12B. This naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power output of 94 horsepower (Hp) at 6000 rpm and 118 Nm (87.03 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 11:1. Power delivery is adequate for city driving and short highway trips, though acceleration is not its strong suit. The Splash achieves 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 12 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph in approximately 11.4 seconds. Its top speed is rated at 175 km/h (108.74 mph). A five-speed manual transmission is standard, driving the front wheels. The engine’s focus is on efficiency, with combined fuel consumption figures of 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 118 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Splash is a five-door hatchback with a relatively tall and boxy design, maximizing interior space within its compact footprint. The 2012 facelift brought subtle changes to the front fascia, including a revised grille and bumper, as well as updated interior trim. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a functional layout. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity, offering flexibility for carrying larger items. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 178 liters (6.29 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to a maximum of 573 liters (20.24 cu. ft.) with them folded. Safety features, while basic by modern standards, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Splash’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, ride. The vehicle’s turning circle is a tight 9.4 meters (30.84 ft), aiding maneuverability in urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Splash |
| Generation | Splash (facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (94 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 94 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 4800 rpm (87.03 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K12B |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 74.2 mm (2.92 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.1 l (3.28 US qt | 2.73 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 | 573 l (20.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3775 mm (148.62 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.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 145 mm (5.71 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15 84H |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
The Suzuki Splash (facelift 2012) 1.2 represents a practical and economical choice for buyers in the European supermini segment. While not known for its performance or luxurious features, it offered a compelling combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, and usability, making it a popular option for city dwellers and those seeking a reliable and low-cost vehicle.
