Pak Suzuki launched the 8th-generation Suzuki Alto in Pakistan in June 2019, succeeding the 30-year-old Mehran (2nd-gen Alto). The 8th-gen model has now been on the market for over 5 years. With no true competition in the market, the Alto stands alone as the only mass-produced entry-level hatchback available, leading to its unmatched success.
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From the outset, the Alto experienced strong sales despite its rather unappealing design and notorious Pak Suzuki quality issues, including mismatched paint on various body panels, rust, poor quality control, and misaligned panels. Alto quickly emerged as the bestselling car in the country (dethroning the Toyota Corolla) while breaching several sales records for the company in the process.
Another key reason for Suzuki Alto’s massive success is the country’s dwindling economic scenario. Despite its unrealistically high price, it’s still the cheapest mass-produced car one can buy. And due to the extremely high cost of new vehicles, even those who would typically consider entry-level sedans and 1000cc hatchbacks are gravitating towards the Alto in large numbers.
The overwhelming success of the Alto has also significantly impacted the sales of its 1000cc stablemates. The once-popular Cultus and Wagon R are now struggling to attract buyers, with annual sales crashing to around 3,500 to 3,800 units only—less than a month’s worth of Alto sales. In fact, the yearly sales of the Alto are ten times higher than those of the Cultus and Wagon R.
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Alto’s plus points include impressive fuel efficiency and a spacious interior thanks to a longer wheelbase which is even more generous than relatively larger hatchbacks. Yet its compact outer dimensions make it easier to maneuver in congested traffic and even easier to park in tight spaces. Under the hood, it carries an R06A (658cc) naturally aspirated engine good for 39hp/ 56Nm that is paired to either a 5-speed manual or an AGS (AMT) gearbox option.
Suzuki Alto happens to be the first and the only locally assembled kei car in Pakistan, a vehicle category originally specific to the Japanese Domestic Market. The other two key players — Toyota and Honda — despite having some quality kei cars in their portfolio, have opted not to introduce a competing product, hence leaving the playfield open for Alto for total dominance.
As per the data available on the Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Association (PAMA) website, Pak Suzuki has sold 212,781 units of Alto between June 2019 and June 2024. This renders a yearly sales average of more than 42,500 units which is impressive, to say the least. At a time when nearly every vehicle in the country is experiencing declining sales, the Alto stands out as the only car that continues to sell in significant numbers.
Available in four trim levels, the price of Alto starts from PKR 23.31 lac for the bare-bone VX version and goes as high as PKR 30.45 lac for the top-spec VXL AGS variant.
Related: Alto Now Accounts for 70% of Pak Suzuki Sales
Suzuki Alto 660cc has achieved remarkable success in Pakistan’s automotive market and continues to enjoy an unchallenged position in the market. Its affordability, lack of competition, and practicality have made it a highly popular choice among a wide range of consumers. Despite some quality concerns, the Alto continues to enjoy strong sales, solidifying its position as a key player in the country’s automotive landscape.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
