Powered by a 660 cc engine, the vehicle also gets a commercial variant.
The new Suzuki Alto was launched recently in Japan and priced at 847,800 Yen onward (INR 4.46 lakh). After about 4.83 million units of the Alto (spread over seven generations, this is the eighth variant) sold since its launch in the year 1979, Suzuki has decided to adopt a new platform for the car pictured here.
The new Alto will be available in two engine choices, both being variations of a three-cylinder 660 cc petrol engine: a regular version that makes 48 hp at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 58 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and a VVT (Variable Valve timing) equipped unit but making 51 hp and 63 Nm of maximum torque at the same revs.
While the former (non VVT) comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the latter is offered with either a 5-speed automated gear shift (AMT) or a CVT automatic transmission. As for the fuel economy claims, Suzuki states that the 2WD CVT-equipped version can return up to 37 km/l, while the manual gearbox, 4WD version is claimed to return 25.2 km/l.
Boasting a wheelbase of 2,460 mm, the new Alto comes equipped with safety features like collision avoidance system, ESP, and hill hold function (not available with manual gearbox). The new platform makes it lighter (by about 60 kg), and more driver oriented, thanks in part to the new suspension. It measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, and 1,475-1,500 mm in height (depending on the variant).
In terms of drivetrain, two versions of the vehicle are available in each engine-gearbox configuration: a 2WD (front-wheel drive) basic version and a 4WD (all-wheel drive) variant. The vehicle is available in 12 paint options, which includes eight single colour choice and four dual-tone paint schemes. Five trims, namely F, L, S, X exist for the Alto while there's a commercial version VP, too.
Also read: Suzuki Wagon R Stingray J Style launched in Japan
The Alto sold in Japan is exclusive to the Japanese market, and will not be sold elsewhere.
