Will Maruti make a 'Splash'?

Look hard and you can see the next Wagon-R for India! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Suzuki Splash concept that was shown at last year's Paris Motor Show has been chiselled and tapered for the robots at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary to churn out 60,000 of them each year.

To be badged the Opel Agila for Europe, the Splash might also be produced in India by Maruti Suzuki for their export commitment to Nissan Europe, totalling 50,000 units.

Based on an all-new platform, the production version has some hints of the Swift and SX4, interspersed with a C-pillar design that harks back to the concept. Unlike traditional hatchbacks, the rear end has allowed for a thicker C-pillar and made provision for a smaller quarter glass that is not very different from the Swift.

The tailgate has an inward obtuse angle to it, something seen more often on French hatchbacks. Given stricter safety requirements, Suzuki has done a good job of marrying regulations with design. Overall, the design is pleasing... we would say it is quite bold for the Japanese small car manufacturer.

On the inside, the Splash continues the raid on Suzuki's parts bin with the steering wheel, gear knob, door handles, indicator switches, etc first seen on the Swift/SX4. Though, that is where the raid ends.

The Splash uses two new petrol engines and a common-rail diesel. A 1000cc, 65 bhp 3-cylinder and a 1200cc, 86 bhp 4-cylinder engine will power Suzuki's gasoline aspirations while the 1248cc, 75 bhp multi-jet engine manufactured at Manesar in India will complete the engine lineup. All these engines will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox and will be within Europe's much debated C02 emission cap of 140g/km.  

The production model is slated for a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year and the first of the Maruti Suzuki manufactured Nissan cars should roll out by 2008.

Considering Maruti will itself export 1,00,000 cars to replace the Alto (now discontinued in Europe) and retail 50,000 units in India, one can expect it to be simultaneously launched around April-May next year with the new generation engines. So will it make a Splash? You bet.