Evolution of Suzuki Alto and 5 Million Sales in Japan

Suzuki Motors announced that it has sold 5 million units of the Alto hatchback in Japan. Suzuki Alto is company’s first model to have reached this sales milestone. To celebrate this feat, the company has introduced the Alto L and Alto S in three special colors: French Mint Pearl metallic, Coffret Pink Pearl metallic and Phone Beige metallic. These special colors will become available in Japan on 20^th December 2016.

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Suzuki Alto measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width and 1,475 mm/1,500 mm in height. It’s powered by the R06A 0.66-litre VVT three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 38 kW (52 PS) and 63 Nm of torque or 36 kW (49 PS) and 58 Nm of torque.

The Alto in special colors is available only in CVT models, but 5-speed manual and 5-speed automated manual transmission choices are available for regular trims. Four-wheel drive system is available in both trim levels. The fuel economy in JC08 test cycle is rated at 37 km/l (2WD) and 33.2 km/l (4WD).

Prices for these special colors Alto in Japan are:

• Suzuki Alto L 2WD – JPY 8,94,240 (PKR 8.04 lac)
• Suzuki Alto L 4WD – JPY 10,00,080 (PKR 9.0 lac)
• Suzuki Alto S 2WD – JPY 10,02,240 (PKR 9.02 lac)
• Suzuki Alto S 4WD – JPY 11,02,680 (PKR 9.92 lac)

History of Alto

The Suzuki Alto was launched back in 1979 as a kei car. Since then, the Alto has been constantly updated with modern hi-tech features sand safety equipment, and is currently in its 8th generation. In Pakistan, different models of Alto have been sold with different names, hence people don’t realize that it’s the same car. Let’s look at the different Alto generations that have been produced since 1979.

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First generation (1979–1984)

The first generation Alto (SS30V/40V) was introduced in May 1979. It was available in 3-door, 5-door and 3-door van body styles. The engine deployed for the export markets was 796cc F8B unit. However the first generation Alto was available in Pakistan between 1983 & 1988 and was called as the Suzuki FX.

Second generation (1984–1988)

The second generation was produced between 1984 and 1988. With a 796 cc F8B engine, the stripped down version of this car with a very basic leaf spring suspension setup was launched in Pakistan in 1989 and continues to be sold even today. The 2^nd generation Alto with nearly 28 years of production span in Pakistan is called as the Suzuki Mehran.

Third generation (1988–1994)

The third generation Alto (CL11) came with a 657 cc F6A engine and was more angular in styling. It appeared in our market via the Prime Minister’s Yellow Cab scheme in early 90s. It was vastly known as the Mini Alto in Pakistan.

Fourth generation (1994–1998)

The Fourth generation Alto (HA11) was launched in 1994 and carried a 657 cc F6A and 658 cc K6A engine. This generation was the first to come equipped with an optional airbag. The 4^th generation was not available in Pakistan.

Fifth generation (1998–2004)

The fifth generation Alto was launched globally in 1998 and within a couple of years was launched in Pakistan too. This is one of such rare instances when Pak Suzuki had introduced any car within a couple for years of its global launch. With a 970 cc F10A engine this generation of Alto continued to be sold in our country till 2012 with minor cosmetic changes.

Sixth generation (2004–2009)

The 6^th generation (HA24) Alto can be seen on our roads in decent numbers, and different names, thanks to the used JDM imports. Equipped with a 658 cc K6A engine, this Alto is rebadged as Mazda Carol and Nissan Pino and all 3 nomenclatures exist in our market.

Seventh generation (2009–2014)

The 7^th generation (HA25) Alto is also available in the market as a JDM import. It comes with 658 cc K6A, 658 cc R06A, and 998 cc K10B engine. This is the first Alto to have Suzuki’s ENE-CHARGE system, with this technology, fuel economy of Alto has now improved to 33.0 km/L based on Japan’s JC08 Mode test cycle.

Eighth generation (2014–present)

The 8^th generation can also be seen on Pakistan roads, as an import. It was designed to have very low fuel consumption, this was achieved using “Suzuki Green Technology” for the body and the engine, and resulted in the car having a claimed fuel consumption of 37 km/L. The 8^th gen Alto is 60 kg lighter than the previous model. Equipped with a 658 cc R06A engine, the car comes with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission.

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The Alto has been a very successful car, both in Japanese domestic as well as export markets. The locally produced Alto models have lagged far behind the world in terms of built quality, fuel efficiency, safety and the use of tech gadgetry.

While there are unconfirmed reports of Pak Suzuki launching the 8^th gen Alto in Pakistan, it will be interesting to see if the locally produced Alto is comparable to the Alto available in global markets.

UsmanAnsari

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