Suzuki Alto has always enjoyed a healthy market share in developing countries mainly due to its economic price and fuel economy. The first generation was introduced in Pakistan in 1979 and instantly became popular. Initially known as Suzuki FX, it was the cheapest car in the market and came with three engine configurations: 539cc T5B, 543cc F5A, and 796cc F8B.
The second generation Alto was introduced in 1984, five years after the first one. It featured some upgrades in transmission and came with three new transmissions: 4/5 Speed Manual, 2 Speed Automatic, and 3 Speed Automatic. The base 539cc T5B engine was removed, and Alto featured several other improvements, which led it to earn the badge of being the most powerful Kei-car of its time with 64Hp.
The third-generation Suzuki Alto was launched in 1988, exactly four years after the 2nd generation. This generation featured some major changes, such as a sliding door in the 4-seater Alto and a 660cc engine which became a standard for all the generations to come.
The fourth-generation Suzuki Alto was released in the market in 1994. The sliding door was discontinued in this generation, but the exterior design remained the same. The original 543cc engine option was also discontinued. Later in March 1995, Suzuki introduced Alto SV. It was branded as the special fuel economy model and came with some modern features such as an air conditioner, power steering, ABS, and audio system.
The fifth-generation Suzuki Alto was introduced in 1998 and had an appealing design. With this model, Suzuki introduced the CVT transmission along with the automatic and manual transmission options. This generation also had larger dimensions than the previous generations and had a lot more weight. This generation was produced all the way until 2012 when due to some technical reasons, the company had to stop production.
Introduced in 2004, the sixth generation Alto was a failure. Its design was edgy and boxy and not at all appealing. This generation also did not have the turbocharged versions and had a limited engine choice of 660cc K6A engine. However, it came with several new features such as a UV glass panel, rear camera, infotainment system along with the standard equipment, etc.
The 7th generation Suzuki Alto tried to make amends with a highly improved design. The new exterior was curvier and housed a lot of modern features such as traction control and eco mode. The new Alto focused on improving fuel consumption, and its FWD with CVT variant gave an impressive mileage of 24.5 km/l.
The 8th generation Suzuki Alto was introduced in 2014 and came with a retro-style design. It has jam-packed features such as keyless entry, push-start technology, traction control, vehicle stability control, seven airbags, collision alert, and retractable side mirrors. It also came with Alto RS, a turbocharged variant with bigger wheels. The car set a new example with its exceptional fuel consumption of 37 km/l in Japan.
In December 2021, Suzuki launched the 9th generation, Suzuki Alto. It has a boxy design and comes with larger dimensions. It is also expected to have several modern features. It also comes with new engine options, with the base variant having an in-line 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated 660cc petrol engine and the upper variants having a mild hybrid system.
The Pakistani Suzuki Alto comes in four variants: VX, VXR, VXR AGS, and VXL AGS, with the VXL AGS variant usually enjoying high "OWN" or "ON" prices. Despite facing tough competition from other cars in its category, the Suzuki Alto has remained a popular choice for consumers in Pakistan, owing to its affordability, fuel efficiency, and easy availability of spare parts.
Suzuki Alto Exterior
- The Suzuki Alto's design features aerodynamic curves and lines.
- The front grille has broad vertical lines that make it stand out.
- The rear spoiler adds a stylish touch to the car's exterior.
- The VXL variant comes with electric retractable mirrors for added convenience.
- The Alto's exterior is both pleasing to the eye and functional.
Suzuki Alto Interior
- The Suzuki Alto 2023 offers different variants with different features
- VX and VXR variants have a single-tone interior color, while VXL has a dual-tone interior
- Keyless entry, security system and immobilizer are standard features for better security
- VXR and VXL have air conditioner, heating system, front defroster, side demister, antenna, and power steering as standard features
- Assist grips, cabin lights, and drink holders are standard features across all variants
- Power windows are only available in the VXL variant
- Audio systems vary between the variants; VX has a 1 Din audio system without any speakers, VXR has a 2 Din audio system with 2 front speakers, and VXL has an MP5 touch screen with 2 front speakers
- VXR and VXL variants have dual airbags and a front seat-belt force limiter for better safety
- All variants have a high mounted stop lamp, front disc brakes, childproof rear door locks, and central door locks
- Instrument panel displays low fuel warning lamp, accessory socket, door ajar warning light, and dial-type climate control
Alto Engine
Variant
|
Engine
|
Transmission
|
Drivetrain
|
Alto VX
|
658 cc
|
5-speed manual
|
2WD
|
Alto VXR
|
658 cc
|
5-speed manual
|
2WD
|
Alto VXL
|
658 cc
|
AGS
|
2WD
|
Alto Mileage
The Suzuki Alto current_year has an estimated mileage of 16 to 20 km/l.
Alto Maintenance
Alto is an age-old name in the Pakistani market and is popular for its cheap spare parts. By now, all the mechanics are well aware of the repairing and maintenance techniques of this vehicle. So, the maintenance of Alto 2023 is very convenient.
Alto Ride & Handling
Suzuki Alto current_year has following:
-
Nimble ride due to small size and weight
-
Easy to maneuver
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Minimal body roll
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Increased ground clearance
-
Wide wheelbase
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Performs well on various terrains
Alto Competitors
Suzuki Alto current_year competes with Suzuki Mehran, Daihatsu Mira, Nissan Dayz, United Bravo, and Prince Pearl in the Pakistani market.
Suzuki Mehran is a great alternative to Alto, especially for those consumers who cannot afford the latter. Mehran is a vehicle with basic features and is popular due to its durability. Due to this, it sometimes dominates the Alto.
Daihatsu Mira is another strong competitor for Alto. Mira comes with a more comfortable interior with better infotainment features and better performance than the Alto. When it comes to the price of Suzuki Alto in Pakistan, Alto easily beats Mira as Alto is a cheaper alternative
Competitors
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
Suzuki Mehran
|
Affordable, durable
|
Basic features, outdated design
|
Daihatsu Mira
|
Comfortable interior, better infotainment features, better performance
|
Higher price range
|
Nissan Dayz
|
Spacious interior, better fuel economy
|
Higher price range
|
United Bravo
|
Affordable, spacious interior
|
Basic features, low build quality
|
Prince Pearl
|
Modern design, spacious interior
|
Unreliable engine, low build quality
|
Suzuki Alto Specs
Engine:
0.6 liter 658 cc
FWD
Transmission:
VX and VXR - 5-speed manual transmission
VXL - AGS transmission