When the Splash is launched in spring 2008, it will come with a choice of three engines (two petrol and one diesel), each of which satisfies the Euro 4 emissions standard. The petrol engines were newly developed by Suzuki, and the diesel engine is produced at a new factory, Suzuki Powertrain India.

The smallest-capacity engine is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit that can develop output of 48kW (65hp) and torque of 90N•m using an average of just five litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and putting out only 120g/km of CO2. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h with the 1.0-litre petrol engine takes 14.7 seconds, and the top speed is 160km/h.

The most powerful engine in the range is a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit. It can deliver output of 63kW (86hp), and it offers 114N•m of torque, making for good pickup even at low revs. The top speed is 175km/h (170km/h with an automatic transmission), and acceleration from zero to 100km/h takes 12.3 seconds (14.9 seconds with an automatic transmission). Aluminium construction, multipoint injection, and dual overhead camshafts contribute to quiet running and to economical fuel consumption of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which equates to CO2 emissions of just 131g/km (with manual transmission).

The diesel engine is a 1.3-litre DDiS common-rail, four-cylinder unit that can deliver output of 55kW (75hp) and torque of 190N•m. It has a top speed of 165km/h and accelerates the Splash from zero to 100km/h in just 13.9 seconds. Combined fuel consumption with the diesel engine is an average of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. CO2 emissions are just 120g/km. With each engine, the fuel tank has a capacity of 45 litres.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with each engine, and a 4-speed automatic transmission (attractive for stop-start driving in town) is optionally available with the 1.2-litre petrol engine.

The platform of the new Splash bears the genes of the sporty Suzuki Swift. And despite the Splash’s tall body, a new development concept applied to the chassis ensures stable handling and high levels of driving comfort. The steering system, brakes, and other parts of the chassis were tuned according to new parameters and extensively tested on European roads as diverse as British cobblestones, winding Spanish tracks, and fast German autobahns.
An overall length of just 3.72 metres benefits environmental compatibility and economy by often enabling the driver to slip the Splash into a small parking space, rather than driving around looking for a larger one.

The independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and triangular suspension arms transmits as little wheel force as possible to the body. A torsion-beam suspension is used at the back to maximise traction and save space.

A natural steering feel and easy manoeuvring and parking are essential, so the Splash has speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering that reduces the level of power assistance during high-speed driving for a sense of stability and increases it during lower-speed driving in town for optimal manoeuvrability. A minimum turning radius of just 4.7 metres further enhances manoeuvrability.