Suzuki is no stranger to micro cars, and the Alto five-door hatch is the return of a model available in the late 1990s. Sitting below the Swift, this is a decidedly entry-point Suzuki that, with a starting RRP below $13,000, is cheap and economical. The 50kW/90Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine’s meagre output is compensated by light weight and a claimed average consumption figure of 4.8l/100km. Quality is competitive and interior space about what you’d expect tight for four large adults. All versions get six airbags, ABS, air-conditioning and CD player, and offer five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmissions.

On a personal note, I was very impressed when I took one for a short test drive. It was nippy, felt fast, and it hit the local speed limit without me realising it. My normal car is a 3 litre V6, so I was very surprised to be so impressed.  It must be down to the weight to power ratio.

Vehicle Cost

An NRMA survey of more than 1,200 vehicles found that the Suzuki Alto GL is Australia’s cheapest car to run.
With an average weekly fuel bill of only $24, and another $69.81 per week to cover the purchase price, depreciation, maintenance and insurance, the total cost came to an average of $89.81 per week, when costed over five years.

Weekly costs based on 5 years and 15,000k per year

* All costs includes Depreciation, Registration and Insurance costs.

ANCAP Crash Test results:

Occupant Protection Score: 25.55 out of 37 (4 stars from max 5)
Pedestrian Protection Rating: 12.78 out of 36 (2 stars from max 5)
NRMA

For comparison: the much larger Toyota Camry results are:

Occupant Protection Score 33.13 out of 37 (5 stars)
Pedestrian Protection Rating 14.5 out of 36 (2 stars)

Drive Away Price at Feb 23, 2011:

$11,790 Price Guide Value
$   1,895 Dealer Delivery
$      354 Stamp Duty
$      340 CTP
$      238 Rego Fee
$14,617 Rec. Drive Away Price
-$2,627 Discount
$11,990 Drive Away Deal Price from www.discountnewcars.com.au

Options:

• $1,500 Automatic
• $    475 Metallic Paint

Warranty:

• 3 years, 100,000 km

Specifications:

• Fuel Consumption Combined: 4.7 (l/100km)
• Compression Ratio: 11.00
• Cylinders: 3
• Valves per Cylinder: 4
• Maximum Torque: 90
• Torque RPM End: 4800
• Power: 50.0
• Power RPM End: 6000
• Fuel Type: Petrol – Unleaded ULP
• Towing Capacity with Brakes: 200kg
• Towing Capacity without Brakes: 100kg
• Length: 3500mm
• Width: 1600mm
• Gross Vehicle Mass: 1250kg

Features:

• 6 Speaker Stereo
• ABS (Antilock Brakes)
• Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt only
• Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
• Airbag – Driver
• Airbag – Passenger
• Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
• Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
• Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
• Audio – Input for iPod
• Audio – MP3 Decoder
• Body Colour – Bumpers
• Body Colour – Door Handles
• Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
• Brake Assist
• CD Player
• Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
• Clock – Digital
• Control – Electronic Stability
• Control – Traction
• Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
• EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
• Engine Immobiliser
• Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
• Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x2
• Independent Front Suspension
• Intermittent Wipers
• Power Steering
• Power Windows – Front only
• Rear Wiper/Washer
• Remote Boot/Hatch Release
• Remote Fuel Lid Release
• Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
• Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
• Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
• Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 4 seats
• Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
• Spare Wheel – Full Size Steel
• Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
• Tacho
• Trim – Cloth