Pak Suzuki introduced the 8th gen Alto 660cc in Pakistan back in June 2019 replacing the 2nd gen Alto (Mehran) after nearly three decades. Now, however, despite being on the market for nearly six years, the 660cc Alto has seen no significant updates or improvements, remaining largely unchanged.
As a general practice, automakers worldwide typically run a model for a six-year cycle. Around three years after the initial release, they introduce a facelift that brings some functional improvements, updated features, enhanced equipment, and visual upgrades. These changes refresh the model, keeping it competitive against rivals and appealing to buyers until a new-generation model replaces it.
However, this isn’t the case in Pakistan, as competition barely exists, and automakers generally have no urge to upgrade their models. Both currently available and past models provide ample evidence of vehicles that remain unchanged for years, and in some cases, decades. The same applies to the Alto 660cc, which faces virtually no competition in the market. And with soaring sales, the company sees no pressing need to introduce improvements to this entry-level hatchback.
Related: 5 Years of Suzuki Alto 660cc in Pakistan
This generation of the Alto was sold in Japan from 2014 to 2021, remaining largely unchanged throughout its lifespan, except for minor cosmetic enhancements to the performance variant. Given this, it’s hard to expect Pak Suzuki to introduce significant changes.
However, in the past, they made small updates, such as tweaks to the bumpers, headlights, and taillights on the Mehran as well as the previously sold 1000cc Alto. Such changes were usually designed as bolt-on fits, allowing owners of older models to effortlessly upgrade their vehicles by installing newer bumpers or lights. A similar update for the Alto 660cc is possible, but whether the company will actually implement it remains uncertain.
Historically, many Pak Suzuki models in Pakistan have remained on the market for over a decade, including the Khyber, Margalla, Cultus, Mehran, Alto 1000cc, Bolan, Swift, and currently the Ravi and Wagon R. It seems likely that the 660cc Alto will follow a similar path, lasting as long as Suzuki can milk it, especially given the lack of competition in its segment.
The most the company is likely to do is introduce minor updates, such as adding new exterior colors or launching a new variant with equipment shuffled from other variants. Anything beyond that is highly unlikely, especially considering Pak Suzuki’s track record in Pakistan.
Related: Pak Suzuki’s 2024 Sales: Alto Lead with 65% Share
Despite its high price, the Alto remains not only the least expensive and the highest-selling car in Pakistan but also the top-selling Suzuki model, accounting for 65% of the company’s sales in the country. But with 6 years on the market, do you think the Alto is due for a refresh? Share your thoughts with us!
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
