Suzuki cars have been in South Africa for a little over a year now. In this time they have introduced four models in the passenger and sports utility vehicle (SUV) markets – the Suzuki Swift, SX4, Jimny and Grand Vitara. And Suzuki Auto SA (SASA) has not been resting on its proverbial laurels either. In October last year, just 5 short months after entering SA, they achieved total sales of 468 vehicles – just over 2% of total market share for the passenger and SUV segments. To add some perspective, at the time, out of all the Suzuki’s sold in South Africa, just less than 50% were cars, while the other 50% were Suzuki motorcycles, which have been on our roads for a good few years already. Equally impressive was the inclusion of the Swift 1.5 GLS and SX4 2.0 in the list of nine finalsts for the 2009 SA Car Of The Year award.
Known for their compact car heritage, what we have here then, are credentials which make the launch of the new Suzuki Alto subcompact hatchback all that more exciting. South African’s were among the first in the world to view the new Alto, when it was introduced at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) last year, just weeks after its international debut at the Paris Motor Show.
The Alto is undeniably aimed at the budget conscious among us, however, Suzuki has two Alto models available, providing buyers with a choice of a no-fuss stylish city run-about, or all of the above plus a few additional luxuries adding a touch of class and comfort.
The Alto is powered by a 1,0-litre 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC petrol engine, which produces 50 kW at 6 000 rpm and 87 N.m of torque at 4 500 rpm. Despite its low curb weight of just 895 kg’s the Alto accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a leisurely 16 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 145 km/h – if you can find a long enough road. It’s fair to say that we don’t expect the Alto to win any robot-to-robot challenges, but with fuel consumption of just 5,7 l/100km it may be a case of “The Tortoise and the Hare”.
The Alto’s subcompact dimensions of 3,5 metres long and 1,6 metres wide, coupled with power assisted steering as standard and a turning circle of 9 metres, give the new Suzuki Alto its manouverability and agility around town.
As the entry level model, the Alto GL offers sets the benchmark in terms of value for the Alto range. Standard features include driver and passenger front airbags; side-impact protection beams, ISOFIX child seat preparation; factory-fitted immobiliser; air-conditioning with pollen filter; tinted glass; halogen headlights and a full-sized 14-inch spare wheel. Other convenient features include a 12-volt power socket for charging accessories such as your GPS, a one-piece folding rear-seat and cup holders for both front and rear passengers.
For those looking to take advantage of the Alto’s subcompact characteristics, but with a more upmarket feel, the Alto GLS provides both exterior and interior enhancements. Distinguishing it from its GL sibling, the Alto GLS features 14-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, colour coded door handles and side mirrors. Remote-controlled central locking provides easy access to the GLS, where inside you’ll find a height adjustable steering wheel, electrically operated front windows and a 6-speaker AM/FM radio with single MP3 CD-player for your pirate- we mean portable music collection. The Alto GLS also receives folding rear seats in a 50:50 split configuration and in terms of safety the subcompact hatch is equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The Alto GL goes on sale at R104 900, with the more upmarket Alto GLS retailing for R119 900. Both models have 15 000 km service intervals and are sold with a three-year/100 000 km warranty.
