Suzuki Splash

The Suzuki Splash is a lot better than the old Wagon R+, but it’s still an unnecessarily boxy answer to the small-car question.

• Comfort

  Half a step up in size and refinement from the likes of the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo, the tall Splash has the space to rival the Yaris and Micra, and the engines are decently quiet too. A tall driving position and good view out gives a sense of reassurance to the nervous.

  

• Performance

  The Fiat 1.3 diesel goes well, but it's an expensive option. So that leaves the 1.2 petrol, and it does the job pretty effectively. It doesn't have much Splash to shove along, so 86bhp is sufficient. You can even have an auto if you want to confine yourself to old-biddy-city.

  

• Cool

  Not boxy enough to be quirky, not sleek enough to be sporty, and devoid of any brand presence. It's an appliance, and washing machines aren't cool.

  

• Quality

  The cabin is made of cheap materials but they're well shaped so the sense of well-being inside is quite decent for the market. Suzuki reliability is good, and we trust the factory in Hungary.

  

• Handling

  It's no track star obviously, but the steering is light and body roll and understeer kept under fairly tight control unless you're really pasting it. For pootling around town, it's agile and fun.

  

• Practicality

  Few cars this small can get the people in so comfortably. The cabin has plenty of storage slots and a split-fold seat is standard. It's all pretty well thought-through. Main problem comes from that pertly truncated tail: the boot is a bit small when all seats are in use.

  

• Running costs

  Low insurance, servicing, fuel and tax. This is why people buy new mini-cars isn't it? The Splash delivers on all counts.