IT is always interesting to study the results of the latest Warranty Direct reliability survey published by “What Car?” magazine.
This much anticipated annual event also carries even more meaning when you happen to be driving one of the front runners in the race for reliability recognition.
Over the years, Suzuki has justifiably earned a reputation for sound reliability and the “What Car?” current Reliability Index placed the Japanese car maker in joint third place behind Honda and Toyota while Suzuki’s average repair cost at £255 was one of the lowest in the field.
The Suzuki Splash has been on the UK scene since the spring of 2008 but a recent makeover has witnessed a number changes which include renaming of the trim levels to put the car in line with other models in the Suzuki line up, ergo, the car in the frame here is badged SZ4 as opposed to its previous name, a GLS+.
Using its extensive knowledge as small car experts, Suzuki has actually created a modern looking well put together small hatchback.
Much divorced from the boxy Wagon R which it originally replaced, the Splash uses the available space well and offers up room for five adults while some very clever styling, with extra height to consider, encouraged Suzuki to classify Splash a mini MPV or people carrier.
However, the virtually squared off rear does put luggage space for the passengers very much at a premium.
In fact, with all seats taken, luggage capacity is just 178 litres. Still, should you wish to operate the car as a van-like two seater, with one-touch rear seats folded, boot space does rise to 573 litres.
A relatively high roofline allows for some decent cabin height and relatively high seat positions.
Front and rear hip points have risen to 54 and 47mm respectively which makes for more comfortable entry and exit while the higher positioning of the rear seats helps passengers enjoy the view.
The provision of large supportive front seats alongside some big windows also make Suzuki Splash comfortable to occupy while ease of manoeuvre for passengers is not at all bad.
The dashboard mounted rev counter cannot be referred to as anything other than quirky or gimmicky, if you like, but siting of the other controls has been well thought through and, placed in eminently sensible positions, they are decidedly user friendly in operation.
Front, side and curtain airbags are also an agreeable sight in this size of car as are ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution and electronic stability programme with traction control.
Other impressive features include manual air con, four-speaker RDS sound system/CD player with MP3 player and one of my favourite driver safety aids, steering wheel mounted controls, plus, there are electric windows, heated door mirrors and remote central locking with deadlocks.
Also featured on the revised SZ4 are one or two neat touches from the Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary such as keyless entry and a tailgate with a clever electric catch for easy entry when struggling with shopping, however, the tilt adjustable only steering wheel may not suit everyone.
Powered by the 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, the five-door Splash cuts quite a dash whether tackling the urban trawl or long distance cruising.
Pleasingly agile, it drives well, delivering a sure-footed approach. And with ride quality and road holding proving very acceptable, this is a small car which proves fun to drive and can also pass as family transport thanks to agreeable pricing from £9,495 for the entry level 1.0 SZ3 to £10,535 for the SZ4.
In addition there are some pretty acceptable mpg figures of 55.4 over the combined driving cycle while its “green” qualities show a further plus with road tax being free for the first year of ownership and £30 per annum thereafter.
FAST FACTS
Suzuki Splash 1.2 SZ4
Price: £10,535
Mechanical: 94bhp, 1,242cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 12 seconds
Combined mpg: 55.4
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BiK rating: 10%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles