THE old Suzuki Wagon R may have been a practical mini-people mover-but it was never going to win hearts as well as minds. With its tiny wheels and square profile, it looked a bit like a shoebox on wheels.

But, having dipped a toe in the water with the Wagon R, Suzuki is looking to make a big splash with its new small MPV.

Called the Splash, and based on the same chassis as used for the Vauxhall Agila, the latest model has borrowed some sytle tips from its bigger brother, the Swift, and, as a result, now looks a damn sight trendier.

Suzuki reckons its called the Splash because the design conveys a sense of freshness.

Squint a bit and you might just agree with the Japanese designers who reckon the rear lights look like splashes of water – or not.

Whatever the dubious reasons for the re-design, there’s no arguing that the Splash looks a much better car than the old Wagon R.

This is a small hatchback/MPV you could buy for a (lucky) teenager, safe in the knowledge they won’t throw the ignition key back in your face.

It’s a much better bet inside, too. For a cheapie, it felt impressively well screwed together, even if it does have that slightly flimsy feel you get with some Japanese cars.

But the fit and finish is excellent (as good as cars costing twice as much) and the plastics feel on a par with bigger superminis.

And you won’t feel short changed for your modest outlay.

The standard-fit audio system swallows CDs and has MP3 compatibility The radio tuner is decent and there are volume controls on the steering wheel. Sound quality is very good. Electric front windows, air conditioning and central locking are all standard.

A rev counter sits on top of the dashboard. It looks like a bit of an after-thought but adds a dash of flair to the cabin.

The chunky steering wheel adjusts for rake so you can tailor the driving position to suit yourself.

Suzuki has maximised the interior space by fitting tall seats – you sit high up, almost like in a 4x4.

I would have appreciated a bit more padding in my seat’s backrest, but the overall driving position is sound. The payback is ease of access; elderly passengers will have no trouble getting in or out.

Unfortunately, the boot failed my weekly supermarket shop – I had to sit a couple of bags on the back seat – but I could have used the large cubby hole beneath the false floor had I remembered in time!

Incredibly, the Splash has a genuine spare tyre. It’s a space-saver job, but not a cheapo can of foam like so many other low-cost cars these days.

On the road the 1.5 diesel engine feels lively, with a pronounced power step at about 1,500 rpm.

There is no need to wring the Suzuki’s neck, just change up early and ride the fat torque curve up to the legal limit.

At speed it is a quiet cabin and I didn’t have to raise my voice to be heard at 70mph.

The Splash feels stable at high speeds and holds its own on fast A-roads. There is a bit of extra bodyroll compared with the Swift, but nothing to get excited about.

It is certainly a lot better than the old Wagon R’s shake, rattle ’n roll ride.

After so long in the doldrums, Suzuki dealers must be cock-a-hoop nowadays.

Just as the recession comes along, Suzuki unleashes the Swift and the Splash, two excellent budget busters that cost little to run and are capable of punching well above their weight.

If the Japanese don’t make a splash with this little MPV, then they never will.

Specification

Price: £10,600
Engine: 1,248cc 4-cylinder
Max power: 75bhp @ 4,000rpm
Max torque: 140lb/ft @ 1,750rpm
Claimed mpg: 62.8mpg (combined)
0-62mph: 13.9 seconds
Top speed: 103mph
CO2: 120g/km (£35 road tax)
Equipment: Power steering, ESP, central locking, immobiliser, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric mirrors, electric front windows, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, driver/passenger/side airbags, CD player, split/fold rear seat, boot 178 litres.