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>> 4/November/2009 - Great Result for Suzuki in Green Car Challenge

The Global Green Challenge is all but over. The winner of the Light car division is also the most affordable car, the Suzuki Alto, putting in one of the best performances with the lowest recorded economy figure of any car at 2.0L / 100km (achieved on the urban loop section).

These figures ensured that the Alto took first place honours in the ‘Light’ car division (petrol) of the inaugural event.

Starting with an official ADR figure rating of 4.8L per 100km, the Alto finished the week-long driving marathon with an 18 per cent consumption improvement to record a total average economy of 3.9L/100km. The improved percentage bettered all comparable small cars in the field including the fleet of diesel-powered urban cars each costing between $10,000 and $20,000 more than the standard Alto.

These figures were achieved with the air conditioning turned off, carrying two people and no extra luggage.

Crossing over one of Australia’s toughest highways and battling 43 degree heat, the Alto managed to use just 123 litres of fuel for the entire 3,150km journey. With the current price of petrol sitting at $1.30 this equates to a total spend of less than $160 to drive from Darwin to Adelaide.

Compare this with your average Australian car which, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics consumes fuel at an average of 11.5 litres/100km, the same road trip would double in cost to around to $335.

Similarly the Alto emitted just 89g/km of green house gases – a drop of 21 per cent on its standard rating – compared to the Australian vehicle fleet average of 250g/km.

Even though these may sound like impressive figures you have to ask yourself, is the Suzuki Alto going to be comfortable enough to drive from Darwin to Adelaide - especially after you have a couple of mates and some baggage crammed into the back. 

“The Global Green Challenge has been a fantastic opportunity for Suzuki to show its commitment to fuel efficient and low-emission vehicles driven in real-world conditions and readily available to all consumers,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“The Alto has shown that it can meet all the lifestyle needs of today's motorists and meet the pressing global need for environmental compatibility as a vehicle that is easy on the planet from the manufacture phase through to its drive and eventual recycle.”

“More importantly, the Alto’s strong performance in some of the toughest of motoring conditions is testament to Suzuki’s legendary reliability. The result proves the Alto is just at home as a city runabout as it is cruising the open road.”

“Throughout the long journey the Alto was complimented for its high comfort levels including good seats and easy visibility. Combine this with its outstanding environmental credentials and you have one of the best value cars on the market.”

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