Suzuki has issued the following press release:
An exciting Suzuki project to follow the new Swift, Grand Vitara, and SX4 is now under way. Named ’Project Splash’ to signify a new sensation, it’s making its debut in ’clinic model’ form’the first tangible step toward a production model’at the 2006 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile.
Based on the concept of a car for everybody in the family, Project Splash is a multipurpose vehicle intended to deliver satisfaction to all customers regardless of lifestyle, age, and gender in driving situations ranging from relatively short shopping trips to cross-country excursions.
Project Splash represents an unprecedented set of automotive values.
A platform shared with the new Swift means Project Splash combines Swift-derived performance with the driveability for which Suzuki is renowned. Driving is accordingly enjoyable around town and over longer distances. — Suzuki Makai concept.
A relatively tall body affords ample occupant comfort within manageable exterior dimensions. It incorporates a panoramic glass roof that creates an airy feeling in the cabin.
The cabin has a contemporary design that’s based on gentle curves. Its equipment includes an innovative multi-display that aids the driver regardless of whether he or she is a relative novice or someone who relishes a more involving driving experience.
Exterior
The exterior design of Project Splash embodies the energy, youthfulness, and delight suggested by a splash of water. Sharp lines, bold contours, and chrome accents give the body a sporty, emotionally appealing look.
Seen from the front, Project Splash has a strong-looking ’face’ incorporating long, slim, slanting light-emitting-diode (LED) headlights and a large grille. The panoramic glass roof, which realizes a roomy, open-looking cabin area, is also visible. — Tokyo Show sustainability concepts.
The side view is distinguished by floating-look chrome A-pillar covers and by chrome side mouldings that complement emotionally appealing body contours. The side mirrors each incorporate a turn-signal lamp and a rear-view camera. And a stable, sporty stance is realized by positioning of the wheels and flared fenders in the extreme corners of the body.
A dynamic, rounded rear-end design incorporates LED rear combination lamps and integrated dual exhaust tailpipes.
Interior
The interior design reflects a focus on enjoyment and ease of use.
At the front of the cabin, the driver’s area offers practical, visual, and tactile benefits: A single, high-legibility meter in a blue-coloured, floating-look instrument panel incorporates a speedometer and an information display showing the shift position, a fuel gauge, a clock, an odometer, a tripmeter, the average fuel consumption, and the driving range on remaining fuel. A large, central multi-display gives navigation, side-rear-view, audio, and climate-control indications. The gearshift control has an intuitively usable ball-shaped, instrument-panel-mounted design. And a leather-wrapped steering wheel incorporates controls for audio and display functions. — Volkswagen space up! concept.
The entire cabin is distinguished by a blue-based colour scheme. The driver and passengers enjoy a sense of openness thanks to the panoramic glass roof. And they enjoy comfort on short and long journeys alike thanks to contemporary, refined, leather-upholstered seats that offer superior support.
Safety
To help the driver avoid hazards, Project Splash has a range of active-safety technologies including an anti-lock braking system, an Electronic Stability Program, and large front and rear ventilated disc brakes. And in case of an unavoidable collision, it incorporates a collapsible steering column, foot-protection-design brake and clutch pedals, front-seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, energy-absorbing trim, and front, front-side, and curtain airbags, all combined with a crashworthy body structure.
Specifications
Vehicle type: Concept car
Powertrain layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive (two-wheel drive)
Seating capacity: Five persons
Tyres: 215/45R18
Wheels: 18-inch, five-spoke, aluminium-alloy
Engine: Newly developed 1.2L, 16-valve, four-cylinder
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Overall length: 3,780mm
Overall width: 1,780mm
Overall height: 1,650mm
Wheelbase: 2,360mm
Body colour: Lagoon Blue Pearl Metallic
