FIRST DRIVE
Suzuki Alto SZ4 manual
Suzuki has been in the business of producing small cars for more than 50 years and the seventh generation Alto is the latest to come to market. The first Alto was launched in Japan in 1979, it was designed for families who desired a second car and was largely favoured by female drivers.
The latest model has all the features of a car from a higher segment, but it delivers good fuel economy and low emissions, perfect for the times we live in.
STYLING
The new Alto is available in one bodystyle, five door and although it was designed in Japan, design feedback was collected from two of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris and Rome.
This information created the basis for all subsequent aspects of the design for the new Alto. The design team also faced the challenge of creating a small car which incorporated appealing, user friendly packaging and styling.
A smooth flowing profile from the windscreen to the roof line combines with wedge shaped side windows to give this latest Suzuki a sporty look and by positioning the wheels at the four corners coupled with eye catching wheel arches, this provides the new Alto with a strong on road presence.
A single frame grille communicates a bold and sporty personality and the pronounced headlamps stand out.
INTERIOR
The sporty looks continue to the interior, which is functional as it has to transport four adults in relative comfort. The upper section of the instrument panel has a slim, wing like shape and the audio unit sits within silver coloured panels and a nice touch is the illuminated storage compartment, ideal for storing your iPod.
On the front passenger side of the cabin there is a large storage compartment underneath the instrument panel. Another pleasant touch, the door trim is shaped to complement the instrument panel with a wraparound look and adding further to the sporty look is a separate mounted rev counter.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the new Alto is a one litre petrol engine, already found in the Splash. The three cylinder unit delivers 68PS, which makes a glorious sound when the accelerator pedal is pushed hard.
With the choice of an automatic four speed transmission on the SZ4, you get relaxed driving, but in the sprint from rest to 62mph it loses out over the five speed manual which we tried. This version covers this distance in 13.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 96mph (where legal). The other two variants the SZ2 and SZ3 are only available with the manual transmission.
OWNERSHIP
The SZ4 with the manual gearbox starts from £7,960 while the auto is prced from £8,560.
Not only is the new Alto small in dimensions, just 3.5 metres in length, but it is easy on the pocket, for example the model tested gets an insurance group rating of 2E and if you want to save further on your motoring bill, the SZ2 and SZ3 has a 1E rating. Combine this with excellent fuel economy and you are on a winning streak.
The Suzuki Alto has a three year/60,000 mile warranty, while Suzuki Assistance with 24 hour UK and European roadside assistance, recovery and associated services all helps the budget.
AT A GLANCE
| Name/Price: | Suzuki SZ4 manual/ £7,960 |
| Engine/power: | one litre 12V/68PS |
| Co2 emissions: | 103 g/km |
| Official Combined fuel economy: | 64.2mpg |
IMN VERDICT
The new Alto with its good packaging, excellent safety equipment, the SZ4 even has ESP and curtain airbags can transport four adults, okay luggage space may be on the small side, but that goes with a car of this size. However to benefit from the full list of creature comforts you have to move up the range to the SZ4. The entry level SZ2 for example is minus air conditioning.
Ian Lynas