SUZUKI is making waves with some stylish summer refinements to its mini-MPV for couples and young families, the Splash.

And the Japanese manufacturer has extended its VAT-free offers across the entire Splash range, while pegging prices at the present level.

It means the new-look 1.0-litre SZ2 model is available from £7,777 complete with the likes of new bonnet and grille design, fresh seat fabrics, Piano Black finish to the centre console and black cloth finish to the front door armrests.

The car is also slightly longer as changes in bumper design has resulted in an overall increase in length of 60mm, taking Splash to a still compact 3,775mm. Sparkling Blue metallic has now also been added to the colour range as an option.

Two petrol engines - a 68PS 1.0-litre three cylinder and 94 PS 1.2-litre unit first used in the new Swift - power the line-up, both engineered with an emphasis on cost-effective motoring.

The smaller unit offers a combined fuel consumption of 60.1mpg while the 1.2 can return 55.4mpg (automatic 49.6mpg).

CO2 emissions from the 1.0-litre are 109g/km meaning it qualifies for £20 annual road tax, free in the first year. Manual transmission 1.2 litre models with emissions of 118g/km cost £10 more in annual VED, again free in the first year.

Five models make up the Splash range, the 1.0-litre available in SZ2 and SZ3 trim, the 1.2 model in either SZ3 or SZ4 grades, with optional automatic transmission available on the SZ4.

Standard spec includes four airbags, CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, leather-trimmed steering wheel, remote central locking, front electric windows with driver's auto-down, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, height-adjustable front seats, tilt adjustable steering wheel and an info display.

Stepping up from SZ3 1.2-litre to SZ4 adds ESP, curtain shield airbags, 15-inch alloys, front fog lamps, keyless entry and start and privacy glass for the rear side windows and tailgate.