Suzuki Alto: Tiny Carbon Footprint

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/February/2009

Melbourne, Australia – Joining the Suzuki Swift small car later in the year, the Alto made its Australian debut at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

The fifth and smallest member of Suzuki's unique range, the new Alto 'combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions' says the Japanese company.

Powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine, the ultra-compact and light weight vehicle could be a big hit for Suzuki in Australia as drivers look at downsizing and reducing expenditure.

Powered by an inline 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine developing 50kW of power and 90Nm of torque, the Alto will be very cheap to run. 

The Euro IV compliant engine uses just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100km travelled and produces only 103g/km of CO2 emissions, which will make it one of the greenest cars in Australia.

A 5-speed manual will be standard while a 4-speed automatic transmission will be available as a cost option.

"Alto is the answer for people wanting a quality vehicle offering great performance, high levels of safety and outstanding fuel economy," said Suzuki Australia's general manager Tony Devers.

Devers said the new Suzuki Alto would put a quality, environmentally friendly car within reach of all customers for the first time. 

The Suzuki Alto will go on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2009 and no price has been released yet, but it could be priced at under $10,000.

"Suzuki has long been a pioneer in the automotive industry, and the new Alto is pioneering a new sub-light car for Australia," said Devers.

"Alto will represent the essence of the Suzuki commitment of offering outstanding value for money," added Mr Devers.

Devers confirmed that the Alto would be available in two specifications, both packed with features.

"The entry level Alto will come standard with air conditioning, CD stereo system with MP3 auxiliary input, remote central locking, ABS brakes and six airbags.

"The top specification Alto adds alloy wheels, fog lamps, a tachometer and ESP stability control," said Suzuki's general manager.

The ultra-compact car is just 3.5 metres long and 1.6 metres wide, which should make it very easy to park. The compact car also has a turning circle of 9 metres which means it will have excellent manoeuvrability.

The cabin layout apportions most of the space to the front seats but still provides 'ample' space for four adults according to Suzuki.

It also has numerous storage spaces for small items located throughout the cabin.

Suzuki also claims there's a usable amount of luggage space behind the rear seats and folding down the rear seatback will expand the space into a roomy luggage area suited to daily use.

Built at Suzuki’s Manesar plant in India, the Alto was designed by Suzuki engineers and tuned for European customers based on an extensive test drive program.

Related Links:
- Suzuki Grand Vitara (2009)
- Suzuki Splash (2008)
- Suzuki SX4 (Road Test)
- Suzuki Grand Vitara Diesel DDiS (2008)
- Suzuki Makai Concept (2007)
- Suzuki Kizashi, SX4 WRC (2007)
- Suzuki Swift Sport vs. Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Hyundai Santa Fe vs Suzuki Grand Vitara (Road Test)