| All-New Model Preview | Frankfurt Motor Show | Suzuki Splash |

The Suzuki Splash will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. This versatile mini-MPV is essentially identical to its sister car, the new Vauxhall Agila, but is the result of a determined effort by Suzuki to achieve a balance of youthful styling, practicality and value, and it's aimed at young families.

Both cars will be built at Suzuki's plant in Hungary and use a shortened version of the Suzuki Swift's platform. The styling differs slightly from the Agila; the front bumper, wings, bonnet and headlights are changed, along with the tailgate, lights and bumper at the rear.

This fresh looking car from Suzuki will come with a choice of three engines: two petrol options and a diesel designed by Fiat. The entry-level petrol unit is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder 12-valve unit, which produces 64bhp and is likely to be pretty economical in this application. The four-cylinder 1.2-litre 16-valve petrol engine produces 85bhp. A Fiat-designed 1.3-litre common-rail diesel, which produces 74bhp and runs a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) completes the engine line-up.

All versions use a five-speed manual 'box as standard and the more powerful petrol model can be coupled with a four-speed automatic.

All engines are compliant with the Euro IV emissions legislation and CO₂ emissions are low, but not headline grabbing in this segment, between 120 - 140g/km.

There's a lot of safety kit on board the Splash including ABS, brake-assist, electronic brake-force distribution and stability control. Passive safety features include six airbags (dual front, side and curtain airbags), a crash-optimised rigid passenger cell, seatbelt-force limiters and pretensioners for the front seats. And we like the fact pedestrians are protected by front-end energy-absorbing structures.

Despite the Splash's size, Suzuki has designed the new car to accommodate five adults and luggage. The Japanese firm will market the car towards young couples with or without children, emphasising the cars flexibility.

Suzuki has yet to release details on pricing, but we suspect the new car will start at around £7500-£8000 for the 1.0-litre petrol model, and is expected to go on sale in spring 2008.

Richard Tanner - 12 Jul 2007