Sold with a 15,000 km service interval and a three-year/100,000 km warranty, the A-Star has been introduced in South Africa as the Suzuki Alto.
Our friend Scott from SA Car Fan tells me the Alto was displayed at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS), held last year weeks after the car’s official debut at the Paris Motor Show. The Alto comes with the same 1,0-litre 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC petrol engine which we Indians get, that produces 50 kW at 6,000 rpm and 87 N.m of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Entry level Alto GL
The entry level Alto GL offers driver and passenger front airbags; side-impact protection beams, ISOFIX child seat preparation; factory-fitted immobiliser; air-conditioning with pollen filter; tinted glass; halogen headlights and a full-sized 14-inch spare wheel as standard features.
Upmarket Alto GLS
The upmarket Alto GLS features 14-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, colour coded door handles and side mirrors, remote-controlled central locking, height adjustable steering wheel, electrically operated front windows and a 6-speaker AM/FM radio with single MP3 CD-player.
The Alto GLS also gets folding rear seats in a 50:50 split configuration. In terms of safety, you have everything you require – it is equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) along with the safety equipment on the entry-level model.
Hmmm, nice come back Suzuki.
However I found my perfect match – A Hyundai i20 to be specific, got a quote from their site (www.hyundai.co.za) & a free test drive from a nearby dealership.
With the global recession, buying a car is a luxury – being a 20 something female, climbing the corporate ladder – breaking the bank for a car is not really part of my plan.
My parents (mid 60′s), have also taken a liking in the Hyundai brand and yes, they’ve ventured into getting a free quote and are soon to be test driving their; light on petrol, easy on the eye, pension affordable & reliable Hyundai.
I on the other hand am loving my new i20 (first car), my new best friend indeed! It is comfortable, low on petrol (thank goodness), is very cheek & I must say I’m confident stopping next to that “oh so expensive” car!
Fun, fun and more fun is what it’s all about –yep, your new best friend Hyundai i20.
I just love it – i read more about it on http://www.hyundai.co.za
We hope to have a full road test on the ‘new’ Suzuki Alto within a few weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
@Scott – Can’t wait mate.