Buyers can choose from three engines. The 64bhp 1.0-litre and 85bhp 1.2-litre are capable of worthy performance, but you'll only tap into it once the revs rise above 4000rpm. Both are smooth, though, so giving them plenty of revs is no hardship. The 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel is a bit more flexible, but it's pricier.

The Splash is based on the bigger Swift, so it's no surprise that there are some similarities in the way they drive. Direct steering and immense grip give the Splash a surprising amount of ability in corners, and although the tall body leans over a bit more than the Swift's, it's not too excessive. There's a firm edge to the ride, especially at low speeds, but only the worst surfaces will upset the calm.

The rev-hungry nature of the petrol engines mean they're a bit vocal when you're accelerating - especially the 1.0-litre - but they're fine when you're pottering around town and settle down at motorway pace. The diesel engine remains reasonably hushed. You can hear a bit of wind and road noise in the cabin, but neither reaches an unreasonable level.

You might expect a car like this to cost peanuts - it doesn't. Still, you get plenty of equipment for your money thanks to the Splash's upmarket aspirations. Fuel economy isn't bad at all - the 1.0-litre petrol returns 56.5mpg and the 1.2 manages 51.4, while the diesel does 62.8. Carbon dioxide outputs aren't outrageous, either, so company car users won't hand over too much cash to the taxman.

The Splash's cabin plastics are hard to the touch, but a textured finish makes them look smart. They're sturdy, too, and should prove to be very hard-wearing. The tight panel gaps give you confidence about how carefully the car is made and, being a Suzuki, expect the mechanicals to be trouble-free.

The Splash is positively brimming with safety kit when compared with many cars in this class, and Suzuki should be applauded for it. All versions get twin front, side and curtain airbags, and, even better, stability control is standard on all models. It's not bad on the security front, either - all versions come with an engine immobiliser and deadlocks.

Drivers should be able to get comfortable, since the steering wheel and driver's seat adjust for height - although reach adjustment for the wheel would improve things. The dashboard is simple and well laid-out, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding the right button to press. It's not perfect, though: the rev-counter sits on a stalk on top of the dash, and it's distracting and hard to read. Both ends of the car have thick window pillars, too, so visibility isn't as good as it might be.

For such a tiny car, the Splash provides an impressive amount of space. The high roofline means there's loads of headroom whichever seat you end up in, and even those in the back get a reasonable amount of legroom - enough to keep lankier passengers happy. The boot is a bit small, but you can extend it by folding down the split rear seat.

Suzuki has aimed the Splash at the higher end of the supermini market, so it has plenty of kit to shout about. All cars have electric front windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, a CD stereo and a leather-covered steering wheel with audio controls. Higher-trim GLS+ cars add alloy wheels, front foglamps and rear privacy glass.