AFTER making rapid strides in the UK and Europe with the acclaimed Swift supermini, Suzuki is diving in at the deep end with its second European-built model.
Appropriately called Splash, the all-new compact model will be built at the Japanese maker's factory in Hungary where the Swift is also produced for European markets.
It will also form the basis for the second-generation Vauxhall Agila which will use the same engines and running gear but will have a different bonnet, wings, headlamps and bumper at the front and its own distinctive tailgate, tail lights and rear bumper.
The Splash is being targeted at young families and, although it looks like a conventional hatchback it is billed as a mini MPV with space for up to five and their luggage.
There will be a choice of three engines - two petrol and a diesel. The petrol units are a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit producing 65PS and a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine developing 86PS while the diesel is a 1.3-litre common-rail direct injection unit producing 75PS.
All three engines are combined with a five-speed manual gearbox while the 1.2 petrol version can also be ordered with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The Splash will make its debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September, with sales commencing in Spring next year.