The All New 1.1 Litre Suzuki Alto GL 5-Door Is Announced
Published: 22nd January 2003
Economy and Ecology
As a compact, lightweight car, the Alto has always offered fuel-efficient operation. Now the new Alto takes frugality and environmental compatibility to new levels.Weight-reducing measures contribute to agile performance and minimise the overall environmental footprint by enabling the saving of materials and other resources.
The benefits are also reflected in superior emissions performance and fuel efficiency: At 119g/km the new Alto's CO2 emissions are among the lowest yet achieved by a petrol-engine car whilst its fuel consumption is an equally impressive 43.5mpg [urban]; 70.6mpg [extra-urban] and 57.6mpg [combined].
Suzuki's concerns about environmental issues are reflected in many wide-reaching measures. The use of lead in painting processes has been discontinued at Suzuki's car and motorcycle plants in Japan; parts are cleaned without the use of harmful chemicals; and emissions of paint thinner and other volatile organic compounds have been greatly reduced.
Various innovative measures minimise water and energy consumption. They include a recycling programme that minimises waste material by turning bumpers and other plastic components into new plastic parts for Suzuki vehicles; and cogeneration technology which maximises energy efficiency.
In fact Suzuki is a leader in efforts to minimise harmful airborne emissions from vehicles and production processes and the Corporation's environmental efforts have enabled all four Suzuki plants in Japan and the Maruti plant that builds the new Alto in India to achieve certification in accordance with the global standard for environmentally safe production, ISO14001.
Performance
The new Alto is powered by a newly developed 1,061cc, in-line-four-cylinder, 16-valve, SOHC engine with multi-point injection. Producing maximum output of 61.7bhp [62.5PS; 46kW] at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 62.7lb ft [8.7kg.m; 85Nm] at 3,200rpm, the new engine makes driving more enjoyable in all traffic conditions.
A five-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission is standard whilst a three-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is an option. With the manual transmission, the gear ratios are optimised to permit brisk responses in town and quiet, economical running at high speed.
Maximum speed with the 5-speed manual transmission is 96.3mph [155km/h]. With the automatic transmission, the electronic control system contributes to fuel efficiency while minimising shift shock for smooth, stress-free driving.
Improved performance capabilities have the further merit of realising a braked towing capacity of 1,653lbs [750kg], so the new Alto can haul a trailer carrying bicycles, motorcycles, or even a small boat. A 7.7gal [35-litre] fuel tank gives an ample cruising range.
Suspension is by MacPherson struts and coil springs at the front and Suzuki's original isolated trailing link and coil spring system at the rear. Its design ensures a comfortable ride and precise handling.
Packaging
Increased space efficiency makes the new Alto more functional and easier to drive than its predecessor and its major competitors. Overall length remains compact at 137.6in [3,495mm] but Suzuki has created more interior space by lengthening the wheelbase to 92.9in [2,360mm] and increasing the overall height to 57.3in [1,455mm]. A tight minimum turning circle of 30.2ft [9.2 metres] makes manoeuvring and parking easier in tight spaces.
The new Alto's luggage capacity has been expanded and with the rear seat back folded down it provides 432 litres [VDA]. When measured from the luggage floor to the roof, it is 725 litres. Even with the rear seat back raised, the Alto still offers 177 litres [VDA].
The rear seat back is split 50:50 to allow flexible use of available space whilst the large tailgate opening and an interior luggage-floor height of 30.8in [784mm] provides easy access.
Comfort and Convenience
The front seats are designed to provide firm support both have a slide and recline adjustment. The overall interior height of 47.3in [1,202mm] creates a feeling of spaciousness whilst higher seats - those at the front have a hip-point height of 21.4in [546mm] - give occupants a clearer view and make access easier.
There are storage pockets in the front doors; a driver's-seat ticket holder; cup holders; and a centre-console box.
Other features that contribute to comfort and convenience include power steering, electric front windows, central locking, a digital clock, a vanity mirror, lights on and key in reminders, tinted glass, a rear luggage cover; a 3-position cabin light, a cigarette lighter, and remote tailgate and fuel flap openers.
