Suzuki Alto

Introduction Although Suzuki Alto was first introduced in the market in 1979, it has come a long way with the introduction of Alto GL, which has taken the market with storm. It is a Japanese designed car which has satisfied customers all over the globe with unmatched performance. It is a Suzuki enterprise and belongs to Keicar class of cars. Suzuki Alto is famous all over the world as a low-price economic car with excellent services. Generally Suzuki Alto is powered by 1.1 litre straight 4 engine, 16 valve unit. It manages a reliable mileage of 62bhp and sometimes an extra mileage of 9 bhp. The top speed of the car is generally 150km/hr. A turbocharged model of Suzuki is called Alto RS—X. The fuel that is advised to use in Suzuki Alto is unleaded petrol.

Suzuki Alto is built in India by Maruti Udyog. Maruti 800, Maruti Zen and Maruti Alto are all based on the 1986, 1994 and 2002 models of the Alto. All Indian models are available with 5 doors. The Daewoo Tico was also based on the 1982 Alto and was sold by Mazda as the Mazda Carol. Generally all the Alto models use the Maruti 800’s proven and highly fuel efficient 3 pot motor with a four value head. In spite of being a small car, the Suzuki Alto is known to give great mileages. The fuel consumption is calculated on the basis of 100km/litre and for urban roads it is 43.5 litres. The fuel consumption for the extra urban roads is 70.6 litres and on an average basis the consumption is 57.6 litres. It is safe to drive a Suzuki Alto because the car is well equipped with twin airbags and side impact beams. All the controls are simple to use and the instruments clear and uncluttered. Driving a Suzuki Alto is almost like a child’s play now. The only disadvantage of the car is the small size and its cramped interiors.

At 119g/km, the Alto’s CO2 emissions are some of the lowest around while its fuel consumption is similarly impressive. A combined fuel figure of 57.6mpg is very good going for a petrol-engined city car. The Alto, despite its humble beginnings, is still a very significant model for Suzuki, a company that has built its reputation on affordable cars.




As the importers are open to new options they are giving much stress on the third world market. Suzuki has now opened more than 50 factories throughout the world, each one dedicated to achieving stringent Japanese quality standards. There are many joint ventures like the Alto programme which Suzuki shares with the Indian government. It has majorly boosted the automobile industry in India.

A total production of 6 million vehicles, has given the necessary nudge to the ‘Maruti’-badged Suzuki models an amazing 80% share of the Indian domestic market. It’s not just a hit on the subcontinent only. In Holland, the Alto is the number one selling city car.

The new head lamp leveling, walk-in sliding mechanism on the front seats of the three-door models have made the new Suzuki Alto an improved version and it has created rage among the urban consumers. Generally the price of UK based Suzuki Alto is £ 5,999 on road and the Indian model costs in between Rs 3 to 4 lakhs. The cars are available in both AC and non-AC versions.