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Suzuki makes a Splash in SA budget buys

<b>NEW SUZUKI BUDGET HATCH:</b> Suzuki adds a new budget hatchback, the Splash, to its local line-up.<i>Image: Suzuki</i>
<b>NEW SUZUKI BUDGET HATCH:</b> Suzuki adds a new budget hatchback, the Splash, to its local line-up.<i>Image: Suzuki</i>

  • New Suzuki Splash in SA
  • Splash becomes eighth local model
  • 1.2-litre engine, two gearbox options
  • Two specification levels
 
JOHANNESBURG - Suzuki launches its eighth model to its local line-up with the addition of its new Splash hatchback in South Africa.

The Splash model range consists of three models (GA or GL manual or auto), all powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol but with a choice of two transmissions. The Splash measures 3.7m long, 1.6m wide and 1.6m tall with a 2.3m wheelbase. All Splash models ride sport 14" steel wheels.

'LOW RUNNING COSTS'

Francois van Eeden, national marketing manager at Suzuki Auto SA, said: “The new Suzuki Splash usefully fills a gap between our popular, entry-level Alto minicar and the highly successful Swift subcompact hatchback.

“It provides a level of space and practicality not usually available in the minicar segment. But it’s also fun to drive, thanks to its agile road manners and composed ride. At the same time, its efficient drivetrain keeps running costs low.”

The entry level Splash 1.2 GA, only available in five-speed manual guise, is equipped with a digital clock, aircon, central locking, cloth seats and 60/40 split rear seats. All specifications have dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, side impact protection, front and rear head restraints, inertia-reel seatbelts and rear child locks.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 Suzuki Splash

The Splash 1.2 GL is offered with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto. The 1.2 GL gains colour-coded, door releases, fog-lights and a sporty spoiler, rev counter, a four-speaker CD/audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs as well as audio controls on the tilt-adjustable three-spoke steering wheel.

In addition, GL models gain keyless entry, power windows and a heatable rear screen with wipe/wash system. The front passenger seat also gains an under-seat stowage tray.

According to Suzuki SA: "The extended roofline is a key feature of the new Splash. It allows the seating positions to be raised, which benefits all-round visibility, while it also means that the doors are larger, which benefits convenient entry and exit."


INSIDE

The white-faced dial also incorporates a digital information display, indicating range, average fuel consumption and instant fuel consumption, as well as incorporating dual-trip meters.

The controls for the air-conditioning and the integrated audio system (in the case of the GL models) are centrally located. Front door binnacles with integrated bottle holders, front and rear cup holders, and seatback pockets are standard.

DRIVETRAIN AND SUSPENSION

All three models in the South African Suzuki Splash range are powered by the same 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine. Its 1197cc unit has a maximum output of 63kW/113Nm borrowed from its larger Swift sibling.

The standard transmission is a five-speed manual gearbox, driving the front wheels, but a four-speed automatic transmission is also offered.


Its rack-and-pinion steering is electrically assisted with a turning circle of 9.4m.

In terms of suspension, its uses MacPherson struts and an anti-roll bar at the front and a torsion beam with coil springs and dampers at the rear.

In five-speed manual guise, the hatchback accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.3 seconds, to a top speed of 160 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 5.6-litres/100km (manual) and 6.4-litres/100km for the auto while CO2 emissions levels are 133 and 150 g/km respectively.

The Suzuki Splash is sold with a three-year or 100 000 km warranty and a two-year or 30 000km service plan. Service intervals are 15 000km.


PRICES


Suzuki Splash 1.2i GA MT SP1- R124 900
Suzuki Splash 1.2i GL MT SP2 - R134 900
Suzuki Splash 1.2i GL AT SP3 - R149 900

Click here for 2014 Suzuki Splash full specifications

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