SUZUKI UPDATES VALUE MODEL ALTO

Suzuki Auto South Africa has announced a package of updates to its popular Alto hatchback – including the addition of a new entry-level model. The newcomer makes purchasing a new Suzuki Alto even more affordable than before.
 

The new Alto variant will be badged the Alto GA, and is joined by the newly rebadged Alto GLX. Together, the duo replace the previous GL and GLS models.

At R97 800, the new Alto GA is the most affordable Suzuki on the local market. It also gets styled steel wheels, while the interior features a cubby hole, new trim colours, and a more contemporary fabric for the seats.

Standard equipment remains similar to the outgoing GL model, and includes air-conditioning and power steering, while dual airbags, inertia-reel seat belts and head restraints ensure high passive safety standards.

Despite its ultra-compact dimensions, the Alto GL offers ample legroom front and rear, while folding the rear seatback down creates a capacious 754 litres of luggage space.

While the Alto GA is Suzuki’s new price beater, the new GLX retains the previous GLS model’s higher level of comfort and convenience features. It also benefits from the same, fresher interior execution.

The Alto GLX boasts with an extensive array of standard features, including remote central locking, electric front windows, and an integrated CD receiver with four loudspeakers. Air-conditioning and power steering remain part of the package, too.

Safety is both actively and passively addressed via ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic braking assistance (EBA) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), as well as dual front airbags, inertia reel seat belts and head restraints.

The exterior and interior dimensions are identical for both models, but the GLX runs on smart 14-inch alloy wheels, shod with 155/65 R14 tyres.

Both the GA and the GLX retain the same mechanical underpinnings as their predecessors. A lively three-cylinder, 996 cc engine is credited with 50kW of maximum power at 6 000 rpm, while the torque peak of 87Nm is reached at 4 500 rpm.

With a five-speed manual gearbox and a kerb mass of just 850kg, the Alto delivers peppy performance and frugal fuel consumption. Top speed is 145km/h, while the Suzuki only needs 5.7 litres of unleaded petrol for every 100 km/h covered in the combined cycle.

The Alto colour palette has been adapted for 2012, with the deletion of Desert Brown metallic and Azure Gray Pearl metallic from the choice of hues, while Glistening Gray metallic has joined the list, bringing the number of colour options to nine.

Both Suzuki Alto models are covered by a three-year/100 000 km warranty. In addition, the Alto GLX comes standard with a three-year/45 000 km service plan. Service intervals are at one-year/15 000 km intervals.

STORY BY SUZUKI