Choose to be Economical. Choose to be Safe. Choose to be Green. Choose Alto
Suzuki has fired the first shot in the looming battle for Australia's least-expensive new car – the $12,490 Alto five-door hatchback.
Undercutting the Hyundai Getz and Proton Savvy by more than $1,000, the Alto also has impressive ‘green' credentials with fuel consumption as low as 4.8l/100kms (manual) and CO2 emissions of 113g/km. From a whole-of-life standpoint, Suzuki says the Alto meets European recyclability standards.
Power comes from a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine that delivers 50kW of power and 90Nm of torque.
Alto is sold in two models – GL and GLX. Transmissions are a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic and both variants carry surprisingly high levels of standard equipment including air-conditioning and CD sound systems with MPS and auxiliary inputs.
On the safety front, GLX models secure ESP (Electronic Stability Control) but both are equipped with front, side and curtain airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist plus Traction Control.
GLX models also gain alloy wheels, extra audio speakers, body colour exterior mirrors, drivers' seat height adjustment and a tachometer.
The Alto is sourced from Suzuki's plant in Manesar , India and its styling is pitched at European compact car buyers. Only marginally smaller than the Suzuki Swift, the Alto presents a contemporary look with large headlights, a steeply raked windscreen and sloping roofline.
Naturally, maneuverability is excellent with a miniscule 9.0 metre turning circle and standard power steering.
With seating for four and child seat mounting points in the rear, the Alto is a car ideal for city/urban buyers.
So for Australia's cheapest new car, head to your nearest Suzuki dealer, but with more budget-priced newcomers on the way, this market segment is about to get very busy.
