Suzuki Alto 1.0 Comfort
Test Drive

Suzuki Alto 1.0 Comfort

Alto 30 years old

Suzuki Alto is the name of a model with one of the longest traditions still used by car brands. Suzuki first used the Alto name even in 1981 year for a car with three or five doors, engine, transversely in front, three-cylinder, 800 cc and 40 horsepower.

In fact, almost everything else is already like this three decadesEven after eight million copies, the Alto is still an important tool for Suzuki to gain market share. Well, not here, but both in Europe with the Alto Suzuki never convinced many buyers. Of course, the elders still remember Indian Marutia 800, which also got some satisfied customers in our country (and in the then ordinary country), where Indians, as mutual friends from the unclassified world, could send their licensed products.

Maruti later became wholly owned by Suzuki and the Alto became the most important vehicle for the development of Indian motorization, as it was bought the most. Well, even the current genus Alta that Suzuki started producing two years ago does in India.

Small outer dimensions, small heart

Not many Slovenians are enthusiastic about smaller cars. This includes the Alta, which otherwise has everything that even the larger ones have - a reasonably powerful engine, four side doors and a reasonably large tailgate. It's also simple 3,5 meter dolg and incredibly maneuverable for city driving and easy to park even in places where one could wish with a bigger car.

Enough already mentioned powerful engine it has only three cylinders and a little less than a liter of working volume, but it seems with 50 кВт Powerful enough to work with almost less tonne Alt on an equal footing in virtually all traffic flows. We can even write that you can go faster than the logic of the "small car" implies.

Also position on the road it seems pretty solid, although we can also relive memories of the old days of cars without electronic aids (restraints). The short wheelbase, of course, does not allow very high speeds in corners, you can quickly escape from behind, but the truth is, even pressing the accelerator pedal, you cannot do miracles. But this is a comment only for those who would like to squeeze this little Alta into the racing editions.

It is definitely not designed for this, although Suzuki is renowned for its good engines (more for two-wheelers). However, it is true that rotation does not harm it, even at higher speeds, and it accompanies you almost all the time you work. characteristic sound all three-cylinder. It may even be annoying at first, but only because it differs from most modern cars. We may get used to it again in the future, as as a result a number of European car manufacturers are already announcing new three-cylinder engines. 'reduction'!

Ease of use in front of pleasantly shaped eyes

With such small cars, we are not yet quite used to the fact that designers are trying to create an extravagant design. Until the new Chevrolet Spark, of course. On the other hand, Korean Americans climbed into the magic box and (albeit 14 cm longer than the Alto) made an interesting and unusual baby. The Alto doesn't achieve that look, but at least in terms of similar lighting design, it definitely does it now. more modern look.

Alto just above everything usefully designed, with wheels, if possible, at the extreme ends of the body and with a pair of side doors. The latter are not just virtual, the size is just right to make it as easy as possible for even larger passengers to sit in the back seat. There is enough space for shorter trips, only small passengers can last longer, and children will be taken care of Isofix attachment points... The driver and front passenger have relatively ample room, and the front seats are exemplary in size and comfort, so even larger passengers have ample thigh support.

Management is not a problem steering wheel otherwise, it cannot be adjusted longitudinally, but by adjusting the height, it can still be adjusted to suit the needs of different sizes of driving. Even normal operation does not satisfy too tightly set buttons. Less, however, the driver is impressed with the movement and precision. gear levers... During our test, they generally "spotted", since one of the traction cables fell out of the brackets, which transmits the movements of the levers to the gearbox. The case was quickly repaired at a Suzuki service center, but they immediately forgot to properly attach the leatherette cover to the center hump.

CD - what is it?

Suzuki Alto was serviced by radio with CD playerbut the sound quality of the built-in speakers and the loud noise inside the car, even in your dreams, do not encourage you to listen to higher quality music. These are similar to some of the accessories you can find in the Alto, but they fit the levels of a small car. For example: the front windows move electrically, while the rear windows open outward for only a few seconds. wider slot... Just like the trunk. This is enough for basic needs, even the back bench (single) can be folded down and load increase... Of course, the total luggage capacity is at the level allowed by the dimensions of such a small car.

Driving with Alto takes us back in time several decades ago (e.g. starting the engine with compressed gas or only with a key to unlock and lift the boot lid). But at the same time, it is also proof that such a machine is completely suitable for basic needs. Reasonably priced of course.

Conclusion: Suzuki hasn't had the final say with the Alto yet, but the less spoiled, sorry - "less evolved" ones are probably thrilled about it.

text: Tomaž Porekar, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Suzuki Alto 1.0 Comfort

Basic data

Sales: Suzuki Odardoo
Base model price: 7990 €
Test model cost: 8990 €
Power:50kW (68


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 15,3 with
Maximum speed: 155 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 5,8l / 100km
Guarantee: General and mobile warranty 3 years, varnish warranty 3 years, rust warranty 12 years
Systematic review 15000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 1294 €
Fuel: 7494 €
Tires (1) 890 €
Loss of value (within 5 years): 2814 €
Compulsory insurance: 1720 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +1425


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 15637 0,16 (km cost: XNUMX


€)

Technical information

engine: 3-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - front mounted transversely - bore and stroke 73 × 79,4 mm - displacement 996 cm³ - compression ratio 11,1:1 - maximum power 50 kW (68 hp) ) at 6.000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 15,9 m / s - specific power 50,2 kW / l (68,3 hp / l) - maximum torque 90 Nm at 3.400 rpm – 2 camshafts in the head (chain) – after 4 valves per cylinder
Energy transfer: engine-driven front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,45 1,90; II. 1,28 hours; III. 0,97 hours; IV. 0,81 hours; v. 3,65; – differential 4,5 – rims 14 J × 155 – tires 65/14 R 1,68, rolling circumference XNUMX m
Capacity: top speed 155 km/h - acceleration 0-100 km/h 14,0 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 5,5 / 3,8 / 4,4 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions 103 g / km
Transportation and suspension: limousine - 5 doors, 4 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, mechanical parking brake on rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 3,25 turns between extreme points
Mass: empty vehicle 930 kg - Permissible gross vehicle weight 1.250 kg - Permissible trailer weight with brake: n.a., without brake: n.a. - Permissible roof load: n.a.
External dimensions: vehicle width 1.630 mm - front track 1.405 mm - rear track 1.400 mm - ground clearance 9 m
Inner dimensions: width front 1.350 mm, rear 1.320 mm - front seat length 510 mm, rear seat 480 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 35 l
Box: Floor space, measured from AM with a standard kit:


5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 4 pieces: 1 air suitcase (36 L), 1 backpack (20 L)
Standard equipment: driver and front passenger airbags - side airbags - ISOFIX mounts - ABS - power steering - air conditioning - front power windows - radio with CD and MP3 player - remote central locking - height-adjustable steering wheel - rear split bench

Our measurements

T = 1 ° C / p = 991 mbar / rel. vl. = 58% / Tires: Toyo Vario V2 + M + S 155/65 / R 14 T / Odometer status: 4.330 km
Acceleration 0-100km:15,3s
402m from the city: 19,9 years (


112 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 18,8s


(4)
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 27,4s


(5)
Maximum speed: 155km / h


(5)
Minimum consumption: 5,1l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 7l / 100km
test consumption: 5,8 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 78,6m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 47,2m
AM table: 43m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear58dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear56dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear55dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear66dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear64dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear63dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear70dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear68dB
Idling noise: 40dB
Test errors: unmistakable

Overall rating (230/420)

  • The Suzuki Alto is just small, and if it had a slightly lower price tag it would definitely be a good buy. It does have to be compared to some of the larger ones that are offered at the same price, however, so the Alto doesn't have any basic options here.

  • Exterior (10/15)

    Suzuki does not pay attention to the appearance of cars, so Alto is also not respectable - it is designed for as many tastes as possible.

  • Interior (67/140)

    In fact, the interior perfectly satisfies the basic needs and does not stand out in any way.


    But he also has no noticeable advantages.

  • Engine, transmission (47


    / 40)

    Here, too, one cannot speak more than average.

  • Driving performance (43


    / 95)

    Reaching top speed is not the Alta's goal, and acceleration is sufficient for city driving.

  • Performance (12/35)

    Reaching top speed is not the Alta's goal, and acceleration is sufficient for city driving.

  • Security (13/45)

    Only four airbags and only three stars with EuroNCAP (2009).

  • Economy (38/50)

    Modest guarantee, exemplary fuel consumption, questionable price when selling a used car.

We praise and reproach

five doors

spacious front

responsive engine

satisfactory road position

enough storage space

spacious enough for rear passengers (depending on the size of the car)

solid materials in the interior

quite a lot of noise inside

check-in for only four passengers

single back bench

air conditioner in the Comfort package

manual adjustment of the outside rearview mirrors

opening the tailgate

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