Road Test Suzuki Alto
Suzuki Alto SZ2 £6,795
It’s time to think small as Suzuki brings its funkily-styled Alto city car to UK showrooms
Vastly improved cabin is both
comfortable and well kitted
out. Bold styling gives the new
model an edge over rivals
s Ford’s Ka under threat from the Suzuki Inside, a large speedo dominates the dash the remarkable fuel consumption fi gures.
Alto? Built in Delhi, it’s the result of a and the general fi nish is good. And while The gearing is longer than you would expect,
joint venture with Nissan. But while some of the plastics feel a little cheap, the which takes the edge off its responses. It also
Nissan won’t have its version – badged ambience is much improved over the old car. makes you double-check that you’re in the
Pixo – in showrooms until later this year, We particularly like the way the dashboard right gear. However, it’s impressively quiet at
Suzuki has jumped the queue and is planning fl ows neatly into the centre console. speed and makes light work of cross-town
to start deliveries of the all-new Alto later Three trims are available from launch, commutes. In corners, the Alto has plenty of
this month. with equipment levels on a par with class body roll, and while the steering is somewhat
The new version aims to banish memories rivals. Air-conditioning is standard on the vague at higher speed, it’s a big improvement
of the old car with improved looks and top two models – SZ3 and SZ4 – while ESP over the old car.
signifi cantly better safety and refi nement and curtain airbags are reserved for the Overall, the new Alto is a great little pack-
levels. Like the outgoing machine, it’s a range-topper only. All models come with a age and well worth considering.
fi ve-door model that packs a lot into a very decent radio that features a 3.5mm socket
small space. for connecting an iPod.
View it in the metal and it’s clear that Where the Alto really scores is penny
ROAD TEST DATA
Suzuki’s design team has put some serious pinching. The 67bhp 1.0-litre engine returns
Model tested Alto SZ2
thought into the styling. The big, bold 62.7mpg and emits 103g/km of CO2. These
Price £6,795
headlights give it a friendly face, while fi gures, according to Suzuki, make the new
Bodystyle City car
the squat rear end has echoes of Renault Alto the lowest emitting fi ve-door petrol
Engine power 67bhp
Twingo – no bad thing in a market increas- family car on the market. On the road, it’s
ingly concerned with cool design. clear how Suzuki has managed to achieve
Engine torque 90Nm
Transmission 5-spd man, fwd
Boot capacity 129 / 367 litres
THE KEY RIVAL
Kerbweight 885kg
EuroNCAP rating n/a
Chevrolet’s Matiz undercuts Auto gearbox optional
the new Suzuki by a few
Insurance Gp n/a
hundred pounds and offers
similar levels of kit and
CO2 emissions 103g/km
performance. However, the
0-60mph 13.5 secs
Suzuki is bigger inside, more Top Speed 96 mph
entertaining to drive and
Fuel economy 62.7 mpg
features more in the way of
standard equipment
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
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