Suzuki Alto 1.0 GLS
Suzuki quality from the fog lamps...
The
new Alto combines chick style and easy urban
mobility with great performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2
emissions, thereby meeting the lifestyle needs of today's motorists and the
pressing global need for environmental compatibility. Plus, it is one of the
most fun-to-drive city cars available - a great new example of Suzuki's "Way of
Life!" philosophy.
The new Alto is aimed mainly at urban people who want a small car that offers
style and enjoyment together with great environmental credentials, and it
reflects the ideals of the second phase of Suzuki's world strategy. At the heart
of the concept for the new Alto is Suzuki's belief that people should be able to
enjoy economical, eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style, comfort,
practicality, or performance... That was Suzuki's blurb.
to the exhaust
My blurb is... Mmm, impressive indeed. When they first dropped off the Suzuki Alto 1.0 GLS I was pleasantly surprised, surprised by the great looks, size and feel of the one-litre Alto. Was expecting a really small car, with no omph, after-all the Alto is only powered a tiny 996cc, three-cylinder mill, but instead was impressed by the internal size of the cab and the power of the little fuel-injected Suzuki engine (then again Suzuki does make some very strong and powerful motorcycle engines). Okay, you have to rev the motor to get the most out of it, but once you've reached cruising speed its quite easy to keep it there. Brakes are excellent. The Suzuki Alto GLS comes standard with safety SRS Air Bags, ABS, EBD, Power assisted Steering, Central Locking, Air-Con, and a good anti-theft Radio/CD Player.
Suzuki Mags with disc-brakes on the front hub
and drums on the rear
Driving the 996cc triple-cylindered Alto immediately shouts 'quality motorcycle builders'. The motor revs effortlessly and has that distinctive three-cylinder, turbine-smooth pitch about it. If you close your eyes while revving it you would be forgiven for thinking you were revving a larney, six-cylinder, German saloon.
good-looking rear end
nice, compact little car
With a wheel in each corner the Alto handles sure-footed, although the 155/14" tyres are thin, they can handle the meagre 50 KW of power easily. The drive it fun, smooth, predictable and very economical, Driving light-footed I managed to squeeze just on 600 kms out of the small 35 litre fuel tank.
neat clear layout of the simple dash
Looking into the cab, under the bonnet and in the boot, its evident of the build quality - what you'd expect from Suzuki.
I initially thought 120 big ones for the 1-litre Alto was expensive, but after looking at prices of other comparative cars, like the similarly priced and powered three-cylinder, 998cc Daihatsu Charade and Citroen C1, I concluded that this little Suzuki Alto was worth it... one very nice little four-wheeler commuter from Suzuki.
Words and photos by Kenn Slater
Thanks to Suzuki Auto South Africa for the drive,
the Alto is a cute and very economical little car... lekker!