Australia's Price Leader
Six airbags, traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, CD sound and more for under $13K sounds impressive and the Suzuki Alto hatchback delivers
For young singles, two-car families and empty nesters, the combination of price, features, economy - and the security of a full new car warranty - make a strong argument for the Alto over buying a used vehicle.
What You Get
Alto is available in two model grades - GL and GLX. Entry to the lineup is the GL manual priced at only $12,490.
It's a compact five-door hatchback (overall length 3500mm) but you get a lot of car for the coin with GL boasting air-conditioning, CD stereo sound system with MP3 auxiliary input, remote central locking, ABS anti-lock brakes, front power windows and six airbags including head protecting side curtain airbags.
GLX models (priced from$14,490) gain alloy wheels, front fog lights, a six-speaker sound system and ESP stability control.
The optional four-speed automatic transmission adds $2,000 to those prices (GL auto $14,490, GLX auto $16,490).
Car Showroom put two GL models through our testing routine - a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.
Under The Hood
'Green' was a high priority in the Alto's development and the 1.1-litre engine's meager 4.8l/100kms fuel consumption is impressive - almost matching the Honda Civic Hybrid (4.6l/100kms). Suzuki says the Alto is Australia's most fuel-efficient petrol four-seater and with a 35-litre fuel tank, the range between refills will easily exceed 600kms.
CO2 emissions are similarly low - just 113g/km which easily conforms to the strict Euro4 legislation.
It's a three-cylinder engine which delivers 50kW of power at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 90Nm at 3,400rpm.
The Interior
Suzuki's design team has done a good job of maximizing the interior dimensions of the Alto. Intended as an urban hatchback, Alto is not the car for four full-size rugby players but its clever layout provides adequate versatility for families - luggage space with the 50:50 split rear seat folded down is up to 345 litres.
Front seats share the same frame as Suzuki's Swift and SX4 models and slide through 240mm with a drivers seat height adjustor on the GLX model. Most of our team found the driving position good although some of our testers found the cushions to be a little narrow and lacking support.
The high roof design and nice two-tone trim materials provide an airy feel to the interior. It looks and feels surprisingly luxurious - the tactile surfaces are actually superior to some high-priced, larger cars.
Storage bins for small items are numerous - including an illuminated center tray purposefully sized for iPods.
The center console controls for the audio and air are simple and easy to use.
Access to the rear seat is ample and the child/booster seats for the Car Showroom juniors were easily installed.
Exterior & Styling
With compact hatchbacks a burgeoning market segment in both Japan and Europe, and - keen for the Alto to be a global success - Suzuki actually started development with styling clinics in Milan and Paris.
The result is a modern, youthful look, complimented by some contemporary new colours - our 'Fortune Rose' test car was complimented by the mums at school pickup.
Large, sculptured front headlights and the large front grille plus the shapely, bold and high-mounted rear lights are in keeping with the contemporary design themes adopted by most automotive brands.
Equally, the steep upward slope of the rear windows to the C-pillar dominates the side view.
On The Road
Fuel economy is the go for Suzuki's 1.0-litre three cylinder. Inherent in three-cylinder engines are noticeable vibrations at idle - you soon become accustomed. It's a pugnacious worker and in manual form sounds quite sporty as it revs to over 6,000rpm.
Alto rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension with an anti-roll bar while the rear is Suzuki's three-link design. Ride is a tad firm in a European/sporty way.
Around town the Alto is a handy unit with a miniscule 9.0 metre turning circle affording great maneuverability.
Over our high-speed mountain route (in both wet and dry conditions) the Alto was pleasant if not spectacular. The 155/65 tyres provided reasonable grip
Challenges
When driven on poor secondary roads and across tram/train track crossings the Alto rode firmly with too much noise intrusion and harshness.
Verdict
The bottom line is: you get a lot of car for the money with the Alto. Suzuki is to be congratulated for its uncompromising quest for safety in this budget-priced hatchback which resulted a four-star NCAP rating
For a second family car, for young first car buyers or for downsizing empty nesters, is a similarly priced used car - lacking the Alto's features, safety, economy and new car warranty - really a sound idea?
And in today's environmentally conscious environment, Alto is again a smart choice. The European Union End of Vehicle Life Certification requires all new cars to be 85 per cent recyclable by 2015 and Suzuki says the Alto already meets that benchmark.
The Competition
With its $12,490 entry point, Suzuki's Alto has taken the high ground in Australia's budget-price new car segment.
Kia's Rio is listed at $14,990 but dealers will sharpen their pencils for sure. It looks nice and rives well.
The Hyundai Getz and Proton Savvy both start at $13,990 but of the two we'll give the nod to the Getz because of its 1.4-litre powerplant (1.2-litres in the Proton).
Likes
Lots of kit; safety; green credentials
Dislikes
Front seats lack support; lacks a little refinement
