The Suzuki Alto is a small car (kei car) designed by Suzuki. Its selling points include low price and good fuel economy. The model was introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide.
1st generation (SS30/40)
European Suzuki Alto SS40
Suzuki Alto
Alto Van (SS30)
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Suzuki Fronte
Production 1979—1984
The 1st generation (SS30/40), introduced in 1979, was a 3-door cargo version of the Fronte passenger car, equipped with a folding rear seat. The Alto used either the T5A two-stroke 539 cc (SS30) or F5A four-stroke 543 cc (SS40) three-cylinder engine, producing 28 hp (21 kW) and 31 hp (23 kW) respectively. In export markets, the Alto name was used for the passenger car versions as well as commercials, while the van was marketed as the "Suzuki Hatch" in Australia. The four-doors were not proper hatchbacks, only featuring an opening rear window.
While Suzuki held on to the two-stroke engine concept for over a decade longer than any of its Japanese competition, eventually market pressures and ever tightening emissions regulations spelled its end in the Alto by September 1981. The Jimny, however, did use the same 539 cc engine as late as 1987.
2nd generation (CA71)
Suzuki Alto CA71
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Maruti 800
Suzuki Mehran
Production 1984-1988
Related Chang'an SC7080 Alto
JN Auto (CN) / Zotye JN AUTO (USA)
Iran Khodro Alto (IR)
SAIPA Nasim (IR)
Peugeot JN Mini (TN)
The 2nd generation (CA71/72) was introduced in 1984. It continued with the SS40's engine, but was also available with turbocharged and multi-valve engines in the "Works" series. A 5-door body (identical to the Fronte's) became available in 1985. A Cervo on the SS71 base was introduced in 1988, with a new 547-cc engine. Four-wheel drive was also available. The car still remains in production in India and Pakistan. While the Indian version utilizes a 796cc MPFI engine, the Pakistani version still uses a 1980s era 796cc Suzuki SS80 carburetor based engine. Another version called Zotye JN AUTO is still in production for the Chinese, Central and South American markets. The production site of this 2008 reworked version is in Phoenix, Arizona and is intended only for export. The Zotye JN AUTO is the direct successor of the Chinese JN Auto. Both car modells are products of the ZhangJianGang JiangNan AutoMobile Manufacture CO.,LTD (or short: Jiangnan Automobile). Petrol engine are used in the US version. The entry-level model comes with a three-cylinder engine and has a displacement of 796 cc and a power of 26,5 kW. However, the top engine is a four-cylinder engine with an displacement of 1051 cc and an output of 38.5 kW. The JN Auto was between 1983 and 2005 the vehicle with the highest production of units in the People's Republic of China. Every year, the company has produced more than 240,000 units of the JN Auto. This and a very cheap price are the reasons why this model still dominates the daily image of the roads in China.
3rd generation (HA215)
Alto Works HA21S
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Production 1988-1994
The 3rd generation (CL11/21/22) replaced the CA71 in 1988. It had strikingly angular styling, with an unusual glazed C-pillar on the 5-door. Initially it used the SS71 Cervo's engine, but when the kei-car standards were changed in 1990 the capacity was increased to 657 cc. This was the last generation of Alto to have an associated Fronte model. An unusual feature of this generation was the availability of a version with sliding doors, the Slide Slim, intended to make it easier to enter and exit in tight spaces. Suzuki also produced a version (the Hustle) with a high roof behind the front seats, which was unusual in that it used a modification of the Alto's body rather than a completely new body; this made it possible to link the Hustle with the Alto, but made the styling rather unharmonious. Its appearance was similar to the Nissan AD Max van.
4th generation (HA11)
4th generation Suzuki Alto (1997 - 1998) HA11
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Chang'an SC7080 City Baby
Production 1994-1998
The 4th generation (HA11) appeared in 1994. The 657-cc engines were joined by a new high-performance 658-cc. The styling displays an interesting blend of features: the tailgate and rear doors are still fairly angular, but the front is beginning to be more rounded - a trend which would be continued in later years.
5th generation (HA22)
Suzuki Alto HA22
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Chang'an SC7090 Zen
Production 1998-2004
2000-(Pakistan)
The 5th generation Alto (HA12/22) was introduced in 1998. The styling was generally more rounded, the shape of the cabin showing the Alto's relationship with the new Kei. The 658-cc engine was produced in a version without a turbocharger, joining the turbocharged version and the 657-cc engines. Several derivatives were produced from this generation. Suzuki produced two "classic-style" versions: the Alto C with a deep chrome grille and a curious headlamp arrangement by which circular main lamps were joined with ovoid sidelights and indicators, which was shared with the Alto Works ; and the Alto C2 which had separate headlamps and sidelights and a wider grille. Mazda also sold the standard Alto as the Carol, and Mitsuoka used the Carol as a basis for their Ray.
6th generation (HA24)
Suzuki Alto HA24
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Chevrolet Alto
Maruti-Suzuki Alto
Production 2004—Present
The 6th generation (HA24) was introduced in 2004. The bonnet and headlamps curved down at the front, giving a similar effect to the Toyota WiLL Vi or the Citroen C2. The Alto was re-aligned within the range to accommodate new models such as the Cervo and Alto Lapin. In Japan, this version of the Alto was rebadged as the Nissan Pino and the Mazda Carol.
7th generation (2009-present): Maruti Suzuki A-Star
Maruti Suzuki A-Star
Manufacturer Maruti Suzuki
Also called Suzuki Alto
Suzuki Celerio
Changhe-Suzuki Alto
Nissan Pixo
Assembly Manesar, Haryana, India
Predecessor Maruti Alto
Class City car
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback
Engine(s) 1.0L I3 MPFI Petrol
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length 3,580 mm (140.9 in)
Width 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
The 7th Generation is known in India as the Maruti Suzuki A-Star, but is also known as the Suzuki Celerio or Nissan Pixo in other places worldwide. It was launched in December 2008 by the Indo-Japanese auto maker Maruti Suzuki. It is the next generation Suzuki Alto and is exported worldwide. It is available in European markets as Nissan Pixo. The car was rolled out to the Indian customers in December 2008 and exports began in April 2009. A-Star means Alto-Star.
It comes in three variants - LXi, VXi and ZXi.
The initial expected prices in the Indian market are INR345,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the LXI, INR372,000 for the VXI and INR406,000 for the ZXI. With this price tag, the car is targeted at customers with budgets somewhere between the Zen Estilo and the Swift.
With a totally new body and engine, Maruti hopes to bring freshness to the Indian car market, of which it already holds a major share. Initial reviews have been positive. It has a fresh new dashboard, with a unique protruding tachometer besides the usual meter cowl (only in the ZXi trim). It is the fourth model after Swift, SX4 and Grand Vitara which has helped Maruti to make stylish cars, something which it was unknown for during older models.
Though the drive is comfortable for the front row, rear seating is a little small for taller passengers. The interiors have been reported to be a bit cramped as compared to the Hyundai i10, its closest competitor. It has the new K10B series engine, which Suzuki says is technically highly developed and gives a balance of fuel efficiency and power. The ZXi is the fully loaded version with all the expected features like power windows, central lock, ABS, rear wiper, fog lamps, CD player, airbags etc.
It is claimed to be the only car which will be available in 200 variants. It has won Best Small car award 2009 from AutocarIndia and Topgear. Technology of the Year from Overdrive.
On 23 February,2010 Maruti Suzuki announced a recall of about 100,000 cars due to a fault discovered in the fuel pump of the car.
Maruti Alto
Maruti Alto
Manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India Ltd
Parent company Maruti Udyog
Production 2000–present
Predecessor Maruti 800
Successor Maruti Suzuki A-STAR
Class Subcompact
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 796 MPFI engine with 32bit ECM
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length 3,495 mm (137.6 in)
Width 1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height 1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Kerb weight 720 kg (1,587 lb) (Kerb)
Fuel capacity 35 L (8 imp gal; 9 US gal)
Related Maruti Suzuki A-STAR
Maruti 800
Suzuki Alto
The Maruti Alto is the Indian-built Suzuki Alto version, manufactured by Maruti Suzuki in India. It was launched in the local Indian market on September 27, 2000 although the Alto nameplate was very successfully being used to export the Maruti Zen to Europe from India since around 1994 having captured over 40% market share in Belgium and 33% in Netherlands by 1998. It is the best-selling hatchback in India. Since 2006, It is India's largest selling car and crossed the 1 million production figure in February 2008 becoming the 3rd Maruti model to cross the million mark in India after Maruti 800 and Maruti Omni and 4th overall joining Hyundai Santro. Besides being exported to Europe from 1994–2004, it has also been exported to several other countries.
Specifications
The Alto is powered by a 796 cc gasoline engine with 3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder MPFI engine with 32bit ECM.
Maximum Power: 47 PS (35 kW)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: approximately 20 seconds
Top Speed: 137 km/h (85 mph)
Variant
The Alto is offered in the following variants
Base model - (non-ac, launched in 2004, Mumbai price approx. 2.4 lakh Rs. as of December 2008)
LX - Base model with A/c, cup holders, fabric seats , remote fuel lid opener and few small changes, Mumbai price approx. 2.7-2.75 lakh Rs. as of December 2008
LXi - Same as LX with power steering, Mumbai price 2.85-2.9 lakh Rs. as of December 2008
There used to be a VX/VXi model with a 4-cylinder 1061 cc engine (64 bhp/80 Nm torque) launched in April 2001. This has now been discontinued. But this VX model is still sold in certain European countries. The Alto VX model also featured a tachometer which was absent in LX model. All models are equipped with 5-speed manual transmission.
The popularity of the Alto has increased over the past few years, mainly due to the reduction in prices. This reduction in prices has mainly come in due to the reduction in excise duty over time. Alto was the first brand In Indian Domestic Automotive History to sell over 200,000 units in a single financial year, the last 100,000 units being sold in 5 months. Alto was the only brand to sell over 22,000 units in a single month, making it the largest selling car in India.
Second generation
Generation II
Production 2008–present
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
The second generation Maruti Alto is based on the new Suzuki Alto, and is unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It is based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept global car.
Performance versions
Performance versions of the Alto started to appear in 1985 when a turbocharged engine was made available. The CA71 gradually acquired more performance-related modifications until the Works version was introduced in 1987. The Alto Works was the first kei-car to reach the legal limit of 64 hp (48 kW). It acquired considerable popularity, and models of it are still made by Fujimi.
The performance models continued in the Alto's later versions; as technology and the kei car regulations changed more performance became available, and incarnations such as the RS/X and RS-Z were released. By 1999 the top engine was a light-alloy 658-cc with turbocharger, DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, which produced 64 Ps (2,000 Ma) and 80 lbf·ft (110 N·m).
As Suzuki introduced new models into the kei car class, it began to spread the performance engines to other models and designate the Alto as a less costly model. The current Alto is only available with 54PS in Japan; the 64ps engine is now provided in models such as the Kei Works and the Alto Lapin SS.
Export markets
European Suzuki Alto (= Cervo Mode)
European 2004 Suzuki Alto GL with aftermarket fog lights added
The Suzuki Alto European market version of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star
Early Altos were exported with few changes apart from enlarged engines and bodywork and different nomenclature. So the SS40 became the SS80 with a 796-cc engine. (Some Fronte models were also called Alto in Europe.) However, as Suzuki made agreements with companies such as Maruti to build their models, it began to be possible to sell different models to different areas:
The CA71 is made with the 796-cc engine in India as the Maruti 800, in Pakistan by Pak Suzuki as the Mehran 800, and in China by (among others) Chang'an, Jiangbei and Jiangnan. This model, rather than the CL11, was exported to Europe until 1994.
The CL11 was made in Korea, Romania and Uzbekistan as the Daewoo Tico, and in China by Anchi.
In 1994 the CA71 Alto was replaced for European consumption by the Maruti-built version of the Cervo Mode, which was sold as the Alto until 2002.
The HA12 is made in India as the Maruti Alto (in a longer and wider form with 796- or 1061-cc engines, with 5 doors), and this was exported to Europe as the Suzuki Alto from 2002. It is also made by Pak Suzuki in Pakistan, and was formerly made by Chevrolet in Colombia.
The current Alto is exported with a 996-cc engine producing 65 hp (48 kW).
Thus the European Suzuki Altos are really:
1979-84: SS40 Altos with 796-cc engine
1984-94: CA71 Altos (coded SB308) and CA91 (also coded SB308) with 796-cc 3-cylinder F8B engine developing approximately 34 hp (25 kW), with 4-speed manual or 2-speed automatic transmission.
1994-2002: Maruti Zens (based on the Cervo Mode), with 993-cc engine.
2002- ? : Maruti Altos (based on the HA12 Alto), with 1061-cc engine.
2009 to date Maruti Suzuki A-Star, with 996-cc engine.
The Suzuki Alto European market version of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It was developed to be a global car and will be made at Maruti Suzuki's plant in Manesar, Haryana, India. It is stylistically based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept.The Alto was conceived as a response to high petrol prices and global warming. The vehicle’s emissions will be only 103g of CO2/km. It will be an eco-friendly car priced from £6,795 OTR. The Maruti Suzuki A-Star is also produced for the Nissan, its version is called Nissan Pixo.
Suzuki Alto GoGet Share Car in Sydney, Australia
The GoGet car share scheme provides 2009 model Suzuki Altos as part of its fleet of share cars in Australia.
The locally-made versions of the various Altos have had long production lives, and have sometimes won great popularity, as with the Maruti 800. In particular the CA71 generation has been produced in many countries, and can frequently be seen being offered as a cheap city car among several more newly-designed products.
1st generation (SS30/40)
 |
| Suzuki Alto 1st generation (SS30/40) |
European Suzuki Alto SS40
Suzuki Alto
Alto Van (SS30)
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Suzuki Fronte
Production 1979—1984
The 1st generation (SS30/40), introduced in 1979, was a 3-door cargo version of the Fronte passenger car, equipped with a folding rear seat. The Alto used either the T5A two-stroke 539 cc (SS30) or F5A four-stroke 543 cc (SS40) three-cylinder engine, producing 28 hp (21 kW) and 31 hp (23 kW) respectively. In export markets, the Alto name was used for the passenger car versions as well as commercials, while the van was marketed as the "Suzuki Hatch" in Australia. The four-doors were not proper hatchbacks, only featuring an opening rear window.
While Suzuki held on to the two-stroke engine concept for over a decade longer than any of its Japanese competition, eventually market pressures and ever tightening emissions regulations spelled its end in the Alto by September 1981. The Jimny, however, did use the same 539 cc engine as late as 1987.
2nd generation (CA71)
 |
| Suzuki Alto 2nd generation (CA71) |
Suzuki Alto CA71
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Maruti 800
Suzuki Mehran
Production 1984-1988
Related Chang'an SC7080 Alto
JN Auto (CN) / Zotye JN AUTO (USA)
Iran Khodro Alto (IR)
SAIPA Nasim (IR)
Peugeot JN Mini (TN)
The 2nd generation (CA71/72) was introduced in 1984. It continued with the SS40's engine, but was also available with turbocharged and multi-valve engines in the "Works" series. A 5-door body (identical to the Fronte's) became available in 1985. A Cervo on the SS71 base was introduced in 1988, with a new 547-cc engine. Four-wheel drive was also available. The car still remains in production in India and Pakistan. While the Indian version utilizes a 796cc MPFI engine, the Pakistani version still uses a 1980s era 796cc Suzuki SS80 carburetor based engine. Another version called Zotye JN AUTO is still in production for the Chinese, Central and South American markets. The production site of this 2008 reworked version is in Phoenix, Arizona and is intended only for export. The Zotye JN AUTO is the direct successor of the Chinese JN Auto. Both car modells are products of the ZhangJianGang JiangNan AutoMobile Manufacture CO.,LTD (or short: Jiangnan Automobile). Petrol engine are used in the US version. The entry-level model comes with a three-cylinder engine and has a displacement of 796 cc and a power of 26,5 kW. However, the top engine is a four-cylinder engine with an displacement of 1051 cc and an output of 38.5 kW. The JN Auto was between 1983 and 2005 the vehicle with the highest production of units in the People's Republic of China. Every year, the company has produced more than 240,000 units of the JN Auto. This and a very cheap price are the reasons why this model still dominates the daily image of the roads in China.
3rd generation (HA215)
Alto Works HA21S
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Production 1988-1994
The 3rd generation (CL11/21/22) replaced the CA71 in 1988. It had strikingly angular styling, with an unusual glazed C-pillar on the 5-door. Initially it used the SS71 Cervo's engine, but when the kei-car standards were changed in 1990 the capacity was increased to 657 cc. This was the last generation of Alto to have an associated Fronte model. An unusual feature of this generation was the availability of a version with sliding doors, the Slide Slim, intended to make it easier to enter and exit in tight spaces. Suzuki also produced a version (the Hustle) with a high roof behind the front seats, which was unusual in that it used a modification of the Alto's body rather than a completely new body; this made it possible to link the Hustle with the Alto, but made the styling rather unharmonious. Its appearance was similar to the Nissan AD Max van.
4th generation (HA11)
 |
| Suzuki Alto 4th generation (HA11) |
4th generation Suzuki Alto (1997 - 1998) HA11
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Chang'an SC7080 City Baby
Production 1994-1998
The 4th generation (HA11) appeared in 1994. The 657-cc engines were joined by a new high-performance 658-cc. The styling displays an interesting blend of features: the tailgate and rear doors are still fairly angular, but the front is beginning to be more rounded - a trend which would be continued in later years.
5th generation (HA22)
Suzuki Alto HA22
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Chang'an SC7090 Zen
Production 1998-2004
2000-(Pakistan)
The 5th generation Alto (HA12/22) was introduced in 1998. The styling was generally more rounded, the shape of the cabin showing the Alto's relationship with the new Kei. The 658-cc engine was produced in a version without a turbocharger, joining the turbocharged version and the 657-cc engines. Several derivatives were produced from this generation. Suzuki produced two "classic-style" versions: the Alto C with a deep chrome grille and a curious headlamp arrangement by which circular main lamps were joined with ovoid sidelights and indicators, which was shared with the Alto Works ; and the Alto C2 which had separate headlamps and sidelights and a wider grille. Mazda also sold the standard Alto as the Carol, and Mitsuoka used the Carol as a basis for their Ray.
6th generation (HA24)
 |
| Suzuki Alto 6th generation (HA24) |
Suzuki Alto HA24
Suzuki Alto
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called Chevrolet Alto
Maruti-Suzuki Alto
Production 2004—Present
The 6th generation (HA24) was introduced in 2004. The bonnet and headlamps curved down at the front, giving a similar effect to the Toyota WiLL Vi or the Citroen C2. The Alto was re-aligned within the range to accommodate new models such as the Cervo and Alto Lapin. In Japan, this version of the Alto was rebadged as the Nissan Pino and the Mazda Carol.
7th generation (2009-present): Maruti Suzuki A-Star
 |
| Suzuki Alto Maruti Suzuki A-Star |
Maruti Suzuki A-Star
Manufacturer Maruti Suzuki
Also called Suzuki Alto
Suzuki Celerio
Changhe-Suzuki Alto
Nissan Pixo
Assembly Manesar, Haryana, India
Predecessor Maruti Alto
Class City car
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback
Engine(s) 1.0L I3 MPFI Petrol
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length 3,580 mm (140.9 in)
Width 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
The 7th Generation is known in India as the Maruti Suzuki A-Star, but is also known as the Suzuki Celerio or Nissan Pixo in other places worldwide. It was launched in December 2008 by the Indo-Japanese auto maker Maruti Suzuki. It is the next generation Suzuki Alto and is exported worldwide. It is available in European markets as Nissan Pixo. The car was rolled out to the Indian customers in December 2008 and exports began in April 2009. A-Star means Alto-Star.
It comes in three variants - LXi, VXi and ZXi.
The initial expected prices in the Indian market are INR345,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the LXI, INR372,000 for the VXI and INR406,000 for the ZXI. With this price tag, the car is targeted at customers with budgets somewhere between the Zen Estilo and the Swift.
With a totally new body and engine, Maruti hopes to bring freshness to the Indian car market, of which it already holds a major share. Initial reviews have been positive. It has a fresh new dashboard, with a unique protruding tachometer besides the usual meter cowl (only in the ZXi trim). It is the fourth model after Swift, SX4 and Grand Vitara which has helped Maruti to make stylish cars, something which it was unknown for during older models.
Though the drive is comfortable for the front row, rear seating is a little small for taller passengers. The interiors have been reported to be a bit cramped as compared to the Hyundai i10, its closest competitor. It has the new K10B series engine, which Suzuki says is technically highly developed and gives a balance of fuel efficiency and power. The ZXi is the fully loaded version with all the expected features like power windows, central lock, ABS, rear wiper, fog lamps, CD player, airbags etc.
It is claimed to be the only car which will be available in 200 variants. It has won Best Small car award 2009 from AutocarIndia and Topgear. Technology of the Year from Overdrive.
On 23 February,2010 Maruti Suzuki announced a recall of about 100,000 cars due to a fault discovered in the fuel pump of the car.
Maruti Alto
 |
| Suzuki Alto Maruti Alto |
Maruti Alto
Manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India Ltd
Parent company Maruti Udyog
Production 2000–present
Predecessor Maruti 800
Successor Maruti Suzuki A-STAR
Class Subcompact
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 796 MPFI engine with 32bit ECM
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length 3,495 mm (137.6 in)
Width 1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height 1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Kerb weight 720 kg (1,587 lb) (Kerb)
Fuel capacity 35 L (8 imp gal; 9 US gal)
Related Maruti Suzuki A-STAR
Maruti 800
Suzuki Alto
The Maruti Alto is the Indian-built Suzuki Alto version, manufactured by Maruti Suzuki in India. It was launched in the local Indian market on September 27, 2000 although the Alto nameplate was very successfully being used to export the Maruti Zen to Europe from India since around 1994 having captured over 40% market share in Belgium and 33% in Netherlands by 1998. It is the best-selling hatchback in India. Since 2006, It is India's largest selling car and crossed the 1 million production figure in February 2008 becoming the 3rd Maruti model to cross the million mark in India after Maruti 800 and Maruti Omni and 4th overall joining Hyundai Santro. Besides being exported to Europe from 1994–2004, it has also been exported to several other countries.
Specifications
The Alto is powered by a 796 cc gasoline engine with 3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder MPFI engine with 32bit ECM.
Maximum Power: 47 PS (35 kW)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: approximately 20 seconds
Top Speed: 137 km/h (85 mph)
Variant
The Alto is offered in the following variants
Base model - (non-ac, launched in 2004, Mumbai price approx. 2.4 lakh Rs. as of December 2008)
LX - Base model with A/c, cup holders, fabric seats , remote fuel lid opener and few small changes, Mumbai price approx. 2.7-2.75 lakh Rs. as of December 2008
LXi - Same as LX with power steering, Mumbai price 2.85-2.9 lakh Rs. as of December 2008
There used to be a VX/VXi model with a 4-cylinder 1061 cc engine (64 bhp/80 Nm torque) launched in April 2001. This has now been discontinued. But this VX model is still sold in certain European countries. The Alto VX model also featured a tachometer which was absent in LX model. All models are equipped with 5-speed manual transmission.
The popularity of the Alto has increased over the past few years, mainly due to the reduction in prices. This reduction in prices has mainly come in due to the reduction in excise duty over time. Alto was the first brand In Indian Domestic Automotive History to sell over 200,000 units in a single financial year, the last 100,000 units being sold in 5 months. Alto was the only brand to sell over 22,000 units in a single month, making it the largest selling car in India.
Second generation
Generation II
Production 2008–present
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
The second generation Maruti Alto is based on the new Suzuki Alto, and is unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It is based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept global car.
Performance versions
Performance versions of the Alto started to appear in 1985 when a turbocharged engine was made available. The CA71 gradually acquired more performance-related modifications until the Works version was introduced in 1987. The Alto Works was the first kei-car to reach the legal limit of 64 hp (48 kW). It acquired considerable popularity, and models of it are still made by Fujimi.
The performance models continued in the Alto's later versions; as technology and the kei car regulations changed more performance became available, and incarnations such as the RS/X and RS-Z were released. By 1999 the top engine was a light-alloy 658-cc with turbocharger, DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, which produced 64 Ps (2,000 Ma) and 80 lbf·ft (110 N·m).
As Suzuki introduced new models into the kei car class, it began to spread the performance engines to other models and designate the Alto as a less costly model. The current Alto is only available with 54PS in Japan; the 64ps engine is now provided in models such as the Kei Works and the Alto Lapin SS.
Export markets
European Suzuki Alto (= Cervo Mode)
European 2004 Suzuki Alto GL with aftermarket fog lights added
 |
| Suzuki Alto Export markets |
The Suzuki Alto European market version of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star
Early Altos were exported with few changes apart from enlarged engines and bodywork and different nomenclature. So the SS40 became the SS80 with a 796-cc engine. (Some Fronte models were also called Alto in Europe.) However, as Suzuki made agreements with companies such as Maruti to build their models, it began to be possible to sell different models to different areas:
The CA71 is made with the 796-cc engine in India as the Maruti 800, in Pakistan by Pak Suzuki as the Mehran 800, and in China by (among others) Chang'an, Jiangbei and Jiangnan. This model, rather than the CL11, was exported to Europe until 1994.
The CL11 was made in Korea, Romania and Uzbekistan as the Daewoo Tico, and in China by Anchi.
In 1994 the CA71 Alto was replaced for European consumption by the Maruti-built version of the Cervo Mode, which was sold as the Alto until 2002.
The HA12 is made in India as the Maruti Alto (in a longer and wider form with 796- or 1061-cc engines, with 5 doors), and this was exported to Europe as the Suzuki Alto from 2002. It is also made by Pak Suzuki in Pakistan, and was formerly made by Chevrolet in Colombia.
The current Alto is exported with a 996-cc engine producing 65 hp (48 kW).
Thus the European Suzuki Altos are really:
1979-84: SS40 Altos with 796-cc engine
1984-94: CA71 Altos (coded SB308) and CA91 (also coded SB308) with 796-cc 3-cylinder F8B engine developing approximately 34 hp (25 kW), with 4-speed manual or 2-speed automatic transmission.
1994-2002: Maruti Zens (based on the Cervo Mode), with 993-cc engine.
2002- ? : Maruti Altos (based on the HA12 Alto), with 1061-cc engine.
2009 to date Maruti Suzuki A-Star, with 996-cc engine.
The Suzuki Alto European market version of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It was developed to be a global car and will be made at Maruti Suzuki's plant in Manesar, Haryana, India. It is stylistically based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept.The Alto was conceived as a response to high petrol prices and global warming. The vehicle’s emissions will be only 103g of CO2/km. It will be an eco-friendly car priced from £6,795 OTR. The Maruti Suzuki A-Star is also produced for the Nissan, its version is called Nissan Pixo.
Suzuki Alto GoGet Share Car in Sydney, Australia
The GoGet car share scheme provides 2009 model Suzuki Altos as part of its fleet of share cars in Australia.
The locally-made versions of the various Altos have had long production lives, and have sometimes won great popularity, as with the Maruti 800. In particular the CA71 generation has been produced in many countries, and can frequently be seen being offered as a cheap city car among several more newly-designed products.
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