Car Statistics: Suzuki - Splash Series 08 (3 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

The big eyes and cheeky-looking face of the Splash gives it a young appeal. It's not an outrageously stylish design, but the curvy body and chunky looks are simple and inoffensive.

Handling (3 stars)

The Splash is fun and feels quite agile both in the city and out of town. It avoids suffering too much body roll and is competent on the motorway too.

Comfort (3 stars)

The harsh plastics and robust seats don't make for the most comfortable of interiors. However, there is plenty of room in the Splash and enough adjustment in the front to get the best seating position. There's a bit of wind and road noise on the motorway, but nothing the stereo can't mask.

Quality (2 stars)

It has to be said that there are better quality cars around, and the Splash's interior doesn't feel up to the standards of the bigger Swift for example. We didn't get any creaks and rattles, but judging by the identically built Agila we drove, it is likely the Splash could develop some over time. Reliability is unlikely to be an issue however.

Performance (3 stars)

The best engine for performance is the nippy 1.2-litre petrol unit offering 86bhp. It will get the car to 62mph in just over 12 seconds and feels lively and eager around town. It also packs enough grunt to be decent on the motorway too.

Roominess (4 stars)

Despite the somewhat small proportions of the Splash, it is by no means a city car and is deceptively spacious inside. Its high roofline will benefit the taller adults, whilst in the rear there is enough room for adults on short journeys. The boot isn't anything to write home about, but split-folding seats allow for more load space if required.

Costs (5 stars)

Both engines in the line-up offer decent fuel economy. The 1.2 petrol will manage around 51mpg whilst the diesel claims around 62.8mpg. And with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km tax will be just £35 per year.

Value (2 stars)

The Splash doesn't seem to be great value for money, although it is decently equipped. It costs more - £100 more - than the identical Vauxhall Agila 1.2 petrol and choosing a diesel pushes the price up further.

Stereo (2 stars)

The stereo is easy to use and is a competent bit of kit, but the speakers sound a little tinny and the radio doesn't re-tune itself when it goes out of radio reception. It does get steering wheel mounted controls on all models, but Sat Nav is not available, even as an option.