Suzuki Alto debuts in Malaysia
Students, junior executives, and lady drivers looking shopping for a chic and funky supermini now have a new option to consider – the Suzuki Alto 1.0, arriving fully imported from India and launched earlier today by Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd.
Available with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, the Alto is powered by the 996cc three-cylinder K10B engine. Equipped with 12 valves and multi-point injection, the Alto produces 67hp @ 6,000rpm and 90NM @ 3,400rpm.
In terms of price, the Alto goes head on against the Hyundai i10, which we just reviewed last week, and is also looking to turn the heads of some Proton and Perodua buyers. Three grades are on offer: the entry-level GA model with manual transmission costs RM44,888 before insurance, while the two automatic transmission models, the GLX and GXS, cost RM49,999 and RM54,888 respectively on the same terms.
According to Suzuki, the Alto is made from high-tensile steel, giving it a highly rigid and light chassis. It features a conventional suspension setup for the segment, MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam behind. Braking is provided by vented discs up front and drums behind. Automatic transmission models get ABS & EBD thrown in as well.
In terms of equipment, the Alto is decently equipped for the market segment. Dual frontal airbags are standard along with seat-belt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX mounts, and side impact beams. It should be noted that the Alto is openly designated as a four seater, with Suzuki only providing four 3-point seat belts.
As usual, auto versions have a greater amount of kit, with power windows, tachometer, tilt-and-telescopic steering adjusting, and split-folding rear seats being standard fare. The manual version makes do with manual windows and a single-folding bench rear seat.
The Alto is Suzuki’s fifth global model available for sale in Asia and in Europe. The global production hub is in Maruti Suzuki’s new plant in Manesar, India, although production has also recently commenced in China. Plans are afoot for a possible CKD operation in Malaysia alongside the Swift, but that is not going to arrive too soon.
