Friday, August 21, 2009 27theboltonnews.co.uk/cars - for hundreds of cars in Bolton
THE Suzuki Alto has been a
popular city car for over 30
years.
Now on its seventh generation,
the UK sales alone have
topped 42,000. Originally the
Alto with its lawn-mower sized
543cc three-cylinder engine
was sold only in Japan.
Today's versions continue the
three-cylinder theme, but with
a sophisticated 68PS 12-valve
unit that takes up minimal
space, has a combined fuel
consumption of 64.2 mpg, eco-
friendly emissions of only
103g/km which attracts the
lowest Road Fund tax of �35
and a mere group 1E
insurance rating.
Throw a price range of �7,295
-- �8,460 (�2,000 less under
the scrappage scheme) and it
might suggest that the Suzuki
Alto is little more than a basic,
ultra small city runabout.
Compact it is, but this neatly
trimmed, five-door hatch is
remarkably space-efficient with
loads of space for two adults in
the front although with
restricted adult rear seat leg-
room unless the front seats are
well forward.
Boot capacity is plenty for the
weekly shop, however
somewhat minimalist for
holiday luggage unless the
split/fold rear seat is dropped
for then lots more cargo space.
The Alto is very much a
machine that is easy to live
with and uncomplicated to
drive. The 3.5m (11.5 ft) overall
length and stubby bonnet
make it easy to position and
park; instrumentation is kept to
a minimum with little more than
a big speedometer and inset
fuel gauge; convenient floor-
mounted levers near the
driver's seat can flick open the
boot or fuel filler and there are
manual-adjust door mirrors.
Air-conditioning (effective in
some of the hottest weather of
the summer) is standard as are
powered front windows, power-
assisted steering, ISO FIX child
seat anchorages, remote
central locking and
immobiliser.
Driving around town the little
Alto felt fully at home, being
decently nippy and easy to
manoeuvre. The relatively long
wheelbase and a good choice
of suspension settings
provided a comfortable ride
over a wide range of surfaces.
The car was is surprisingly
good for long trips. I did one
200 mile stretch and was
impressed with the handling
and comfort. Ventilated-disc
front brakes combined with
drum rear brakes gave plenty
of stopping power.
These Suzuki three-cylinder
engines thrive on revs and go
best over about 2000rpm; at
lower rpm one must not be shy
at using the gearbox, but this
slick-changing five-speed unit
and smooth clutch present no
problems. (An automatic
version is available.)
The overall impression was of
a sweet little, yet practical
machine with endearing
qualities. Roy Brooks
Get into
the City
with Alto

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