9 February 2011
Some things are best left to the experts, and if history is anything to go by, one of the world's leading experts in small city cars is Suzuki.
Launched on the 20th anniversary of the original Alto, Suzuki recently unveiled its new baby for the 21st century, and using the old Alto nameplate makes sense as it's something we can readily identify with.
Designed in Japan and built in India, the little 5 door hatch offers a decent amount of space for 4 people and as expected, sips miserly amounts of fuel.
Most fuel-efficient dedicated petrol car in NZ
Suzuki claims the 5 speed manual version to be the most fuel-efficient dedicated petrol car available in New Zealand at 4.8L/100km, while the 4 stage auto isn't exactly a gas guzzler either, consuming 5.5L/100km. Emission levels are 113g/km of CO2 for the manual and 130g/100km for the auto.
Weighing in at just 855kg, with an overall length of 3,500mm, width of 1,600mm and a turning circle of just 4.5 metres, the 50kW 996cc 3 cylinder engine makes for surprisingly nippy performance around town, with noise levels being more than acceptable.
Luggage capacity, like most small hatchbacks is relatively limited at 367 litres with the rear seats folded flat and 129 litres with the seats folded flat, but it's fine for carting the groceries from the supermarket.
Electric windows are provided in the front and an audio system with single disc CD and auxiliary jack input provides the entertainment.
4 Star ANCAP rating, but no ESP
Safety-wise, the Alto achieves a 4 star ANCAP crash test rating, and safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ISOFIX seat anchorages in the rear, ABS brakes with Brake Assist. However, there's no ESP stability programme.
While this is a great little city commuter, it doesn't have the style, performance or space of Suzuki's own excellent Swift.
So while at first glance the pricing might sound sharp at ten dollars shy of $17,000 for the manual and $18,500 for the automatic, with the Swift starting at $18,500 for the manual and $19,990 for the auto, we wonder if the price separation between the two little Suzy's is enough.
The Swift is a more grown up, sophisticated car with styling that appeals to trendy young things. You're more likely to see the Swift parked outside a chic cafe and the Alto at the bowling club.
If you need "small" the Alto may be for you
That said, if parking space is limited or you live on a narrow street, the Alto is 260mm shorter, 90mm narrower and completes a U turn in 200mm less than the Swift. It uses 1.5L/100km less fuel and emits 13g/km less CO2, weighs 185kg less. But it is 25kW shy on power.
Don't get us wrong, there's nothing wrong with the Alto. It's a a perfect little shopping basket for a big city environment. But potentially, the Alto does run the risk of becoming a victim of the immense success of its slightly bigger, more attractive sibling the Swift.
There's no arguing that $16,990 for a new car today is exceptional value, it's just that it shares a showroom with a car that may be even better value.