Suzuki Alto

Overview:

Maruti Suzuki has many strategical branches spread across Sri Lanka along with this it provides authorized services covering major towns of the country. Also AMW(associated motorways(pvt) Ltd, acquired the Maruti Suzuki agency in 1991 to become the sole distributor of Suzuki vehicles and parts in the country creating a new chapter of automobiles in the country. With the launch of most popular hatch Maruti Suzuki Alto with its 800 and K10 models on the deck, it seems to work again with customer delight. The 5 speed MT all new cable type gear shift multi-injection point engine provides an efficient mileage of 24.7 Kmpl favoring Eco-friendly approach along with a power output of 48 PS @ 6000rpm to provide a decent performance for city driving. With solid disc front and rear drum brakes it is under the surveillance of an efficient braking assist helping to maintain high levels of fuel efficiency as well. The sleek design exteriors and interiors opened up with a unique wavefront design make a plus point in its charts and the pleasing interior quality are brought out by the refined fresh and spacious interiors. Alto with its unfading charm has captivated a lot of families who are looking to buy a budget car that does a reliable job.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

The hatch with the 5 speed MT all aluminum Lightweight 3 cylinder petrol engine provides a fuel economy varying over 19.0kmpl to 24.07kmpl depending on the driving conditions for delivering a performance that well defines the hatch efficiency.

Power:

The Alto 800 is not a powerful machine but it doesn’t disappoint either. With linear power delivery the Alto 3 cylinder 796 cc engine is capable enough to churn out 48 PS of peak power at 6000 rpm with torque figures reaching 69 Nm at 3500 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

Although this small hatch is not meant to be taken on the race tracks but the Alto 800 still manages to clock decent numbers as per its segment. It can reach a maximum speed of 130 Km/hr and can race to 100 km/hr speed from a halt in close to 17 seconds.

Exterior:

The exterior plethora is extroverted with a unique wavefront design possessing smooth long curves and a wavy roof with the sloping window side making impressive looks for this small car. The jewel-finish rear combination lamps with the petal shaped tall headlamps are aligned with stylish chrome accentuated front grille and bumper which makes Alto a pleasant looking car. The blackened side mirrors and a body colored B pillar does add some premium touch to this hatchback.

Exterior Measurements:

The Little one is defined in the entirety of its proportions as 3395mm in length with 1490mm extending width and a height of 1475mm as well with a wheelbase defined to be 2360mm which makes way for ample space for occupants inside the car.

Interior:

The Interiors are imbued with fresh and spacious 5 room capacity rolled up with the fabric seats drawing in a comfortable environment with a choice for grey or brown interiors. The comfort further comes up in the form of extra head and shoulder room front as well as back. There is also a utility space in the center console with a space for managing small things. Now the floor console itself holds front power window control. The silver accent used on the instrument panel clearly shows Suzuki’s attempt to up-market the Alto 800 and to which they have succeeded. The metallic finish 3 spoke power steering wheel with the silver accent in speedometer instills the love to drive as well.

Interior Comfort:

The 5 seater fabric rolled interior drawn the exotica of drive with the assist grips which provide for holding up your knick-knacks with the driver side storage space to paint a comfort scenario. The speedometer consists of a digital clock display with it to make the time stay right in front of you. Features such as remote lid opener, power steering, internally adjustable outside mirrors make life easy for the occupants.

Interior Measurements:

The hatchback is puffed with a boot space of 177L to help you with the luggage over spaced destinations. Considering the overall small dimensions of the Alto, the boot space offered is quite decent for small luggage.

Engine and Performance:

With a good engine capacity of 796cc it is ready to deliver an optimum performance delivering a balancing flat torque of 69 Nm @ 3500 rpm to prevent frequent shifting between gears and a peak power of 48 PS @ 6000 rpm.

Stereo and Accessories: One of the most essentials for any drive is the entertainment kit which in Alto series is a piano black colored standard audio unit with AUX, USB, bluetooth compatibility devices and is provided with standard CD and MP3 player.

Wheels:

Alto comes equipped with standard 12 inch set of wheels to make the car efficient. Opting for small tyres does have an advantage but it reduces the overall ride confidence of the car. Alto 800 tyres measure 145/80 R12 and are equipped with tubeless sets.

Braking and Handling:

The drive lands in safe custody of solid disc/ventilated rear drum brakes along with McPherson strut with torsion roll control device for front suspension along with coil spring. The gas filled shock absorbers with 3 link rigid axle trailing arm work with the friction to be in action perfect senses. Also the cable type gear shift mechanism provides a smooth gear shifting. The overall handling of the Alto 800 is very agile owing to its light weight body but once you cross speeds of 80 km/hr the driving pleasure takes the downhill route.

Safety and Security:

The safety side is kept intact with optional airbag assists for better occupant protection cover and enabled with child lock security enabled system. With safety features such as head light leveling, high mount stop lamp and immobilizer the Alto 800 does cover necessary aspects of safety but surely misses out on a lot of features that come as standard in a lot of cars.

Pros

1. Efficient Performance
2. Excellent fuel economy
3. Soothing Design

Cons

1. Safety features
2. Engine lacks power
3. Stability at high speeds