The is a kei car produced by Suzuki since 1979. The model, currently in its ninth generation, was first introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide. The Alto originated as a
commercial vehicle
A commercial vehicle is any type of motor vehicle used for transporting goods or paying passengers.
The United States defines a "commercial motor vehicle" as any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a public highway in interstate commerce to t ...
derivative of the Fronte, but over time the Alto nameplate gained in popularity and by 1988 it replaced the Fronte name completely. The Alto badge has often been used on different cars in Japan and in export markets, where it is considered a
city car
The A-segment is the 1st category in the passenger car classification system defined by the European Commission. It is used for city cars, the smallest category of passenger cars defined.
A-segment sales represent approx. 7-8% of the market in ...
.
Nameplate history
In Japan, the Alto badge was originally meant to be for the commercial use version of the Fronte passenger car. The word " alto" is a musical term. When introduced, the Alto was only available as a three-door "light van" and with bare-bones equipment. However, Suzuki generally did not use the "Fronte" badge in export, usually calling all versions "Alto" abroad. Most early export Altos were thus technically speaking rebadged Suzuki Frontes. These were exported with changes such as enlarged engines, sometimes modified bodywork. Thus the Japanese SS40 Fronte became the SS80 Alto with a 660 cc engine abroad. The Alto badge gradually took over in Japan as well, as the distinction between kei commercial vehicles and passenger cars was diminished in early 1989. The Fronte line was retired in March 1989. The Alto plate has been used on export versions of various Indian-built derivatives since the early 1990s, as neither cars are restricted by the kei rules and Indian cars are also considerably cheaper than Japanese-built ones.
Thus, the European-market models were actually:
* 1981–1984: SS40 Fronte with a 796 cc three-cylinder engine (SS80F/G).
* 1984–1994: CA/CB91 Alto/Fronte (also referred to as SB308) with the same F8B engine as the SS80.
* March 1994–2002: Maruti Zen (a wider version of the Suzuki Cervo Mode), with a 993 cc engine.
* 2002–2009:
Maruti Suzuki Alto Māruti can refer to:
* Maruti (मारुति), a Sanskrit name referring to Hanuman, son of the Hindu wind god, Pawan Dev
* Maruti Suzuki, a joint sector industry of The Indian Government and Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation
See ...
(based on the HA12 Alto), with a 1061 cc four-cylinder engine. Sold until 2012 in other markets.
* 2009–2014: Maruti Suzuki A-Star, with a 998 cc engine.
Since 2014, the Suzuki Celerio has replaced the Alto in Europe and other export markets. The Alto badge was kept alive on the second generation of Indian-built Maruti Altos in several countries.
First generation (1979)
The first generation (SS30V/40V), introduced in May 1979, is a three-door cargo version of the Fronte passenger car, equipped with a folding rear seat. Front suspension comprised coils
strut
A strut is a structural component commonly found in engineering, aeronautics, architecture and anatomy. Struts generally work by resisting longitudinal compression, but they may also serve in tension.
Human anatomy
Part of the functionality o ...
s, with
leaf spring
A leaf spring is a simple form of spring commonly used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles. Originally called a ''laminated'' or ''carriage spring'', and sometimes referred to as a semi-elliptical spring, elliptical spring, or cart spring, i ...
s at the back. The steering was of the recirculating ball type, and four-wheel drums were used. On introduction, the Alto received the T5B
two-stroke
A two-stroke (or two-stroke cycle) engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes a power cycle with two strokes (up and down movements) of the piston during one power cycle, this power cycle being completed in one revolution of ...
(SS30) three-cylinder engine, producing at 5500 rpm. The Alto was a "micro sensation" when introduced, largely due to its rock bottom price of ¥470,000 (circa $1,900 in 1979, at a time when the cheapest
Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto is a subcompact car that was manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company in North America from 1971 until 1980 model years. The Pinto was the first subcompact vehicle produced by Ford in North America.
The Pinto was marketed ...
cost $4,999 in the US). This low price was made possible by a number of Japanese special concessions for commercial vehicles: most notably, the engine was subject to less stringent emissions rules and did not require expensive twin catalysts. Two fewer doors provided another saving, as did the exemption from commodity tax. The Alto's success changed the kei-car market, and other producers such as Subaru (with the " Family Rex") quickly followed suit with cut-price "commercial" vehicles that were really intended for private use.
Suzuki was unable to keep up with demand the first few years, particularly in the home market. The Alto helped Suzuki move into seventh place in Japanese production for cars and trucks. In the last full year of production for this generation, it was still by far the best selling Kei car, with the Alto outselling the Fronte at a rate of about five to two.
In May 1980, a fully automatic two-speed option was added to the Alto SS30. In January 1981, the F5Afour-stroke from the Fronte was also made available for the Alto; although it only had a single-barrel carburettor, it too put out but at 6,000 rpm. Torque was considerably lower, however, down from . 1981 was also when it became available in the United Kingdom, as Suzuki began selling cars there that year.
In export markets, the Alto name was used for the passenger car versions (chassis codes with trailing letter "S") as well as on commercials (ending in "V"), while the van was marketed as the "Suzuki Hatch" in Australia. The four-doors were not proper hatchbacks, only featuring an opening rear window. Export cars were also available with twelve-inch wheels, unlike the domestic versions which only used ten-inch units until the introduction of the
4WD
Four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 ("four by four") or 4WD, refers to a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer ca ...
version in October 1983. The 4WD "Snow Liner" thus gained an extra of ground clearance. Most export Altos were passenger car versions (which used the "Fronte" badge in the Japanese domestic markets), and usually received the F8B engine and the SS80 chassis code. The 800 had better performance, and due to the higher possible gearing it saw an improved gas mileage as well - by about ten percent according to Suzuki. The SS80 was also built in New Zealand, by South Pacific Suzuki Assemblers at a rate of six per day. It was introduced in New Zealand in March 1980.
While Suzuki held on to the two-stroke engine concept for a half decade longer than any of its Japanese competitors, eventually market pressures and ever tightening emissions regulations spelled its end in the Alto by September 1981. The Jimny, however, did use the same engine (called LJ50 in the Jimny) as late as 1987.
By 1984, the 800 cc Alto/Fronte (called "FX") were introduced in Pakistan and were locally manufactured by
Pak Suzuki Motors
Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited (PSMCL) is a Pakistani automobile company which is a subsidiary of Japanese automaker Suzuki.Jimny (SJ410).
Suzuki Hatch (Australia)
In Australia, the SS40V was sold as the Suzuki Hatch, only available as a two-seat commercial vehicle. This meant it was taxed at 35 percent duty as opposed to 57.5 percent for passenger cars, and sales were not affected by Australia's then-
quota
Quota may refer to:
Economics
* Import quota, a trade restriction on the quantity of goods imported into a country
* Market Sharing Quota, an economic system used in Canadian agriculture
* Milk quota, a quota on milk production in Europe
* Indi ...
on import cars. The Hatch originally offered a single-carburetted engine with at 6000 rpm and at 4000 rpm. The side rear windows were covered with fibreglass by default, with a glass panels optional. The only other option was air conditioning. The Hatch was by far the cheapest new car sold in Australia at the time, although equipment was limited: the buyer received standard vinyl seats and mats and cross ply tires, with the only concession to luxury being a push-button AM radio. M. W. Suzuki in
Victoria
Victoria most commonly refers to:
* Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia
* Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada
* Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory
* Victoria, Seychelle ...
, Suzuki's distributor for Southern Australia, introduced the "800 pack" in January 1981 that included the motor. The pack also added steel-belt radial tyres, 12-inch wheels (up from 10-inch), front-wheel disc brakes and bolder bumpers front and rear.
Second generation (1984)
The second generation (CA71) was introduced in September 1984. This generation Alto echoed the design of the GM M-platform that underpinned the 1983 Suzuki Cultus. It continued with the F5A engine of the SS40, but also became available with turbocharged and multi-valve engines thereof, mainly in the "Works" series. In December 1984, a
four-wheel-drive
Four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 ("four by four") or 4WD, refers to a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer case ...
version (CC71) was added; until it arrived Suzuki had kept the four-wheel-drive version of the first generation Alto (SS41) on offer. Performance versions of the Alto family first appeared in September 1985, when a fuel injected and turbocharged engine with was made available; this could also be had in combination with four-wheel-drive. The Alto Turbo gradually acquired more performance-related modifications until the Alto Works version was introduced in February 1987. This was the first kei car to reach the legal limit of . It acquired considerable popularity, with
model
A model is an informative representation of an object, person or system. The term originally denoted the plans of a building in late 16th-century English, and derived via French and Italian ultimately from Latin ''modulus'', a measure.
Models c ...
s of it still made by Fujimi. A five-door body became available in October 1985. This was superficially identical to that of the Fronte's, but the rear seat folded flat and it was technically speaking a commercial vehicle. This was the first five-door commercial of its kind in Japan, and was originally a special model introduced to celebrate the one millionth Alto produced.
In July 1986, the CA/CC71 received a rather thorough facelift. New wraparound headlights, a new dash and interior heralded the new available ITL rear suspension (Isolated Trailing Link), a three-link rigid setup. Some lower end models retained the earlier leaf sprung rigid axle; those with ITL received the CA/CC72 chassis code. A "Walkthrough Van" was introduced in January 1987, while at the other end of the spectrum, the personal coupéCervo on the CA/CC72 base was introduced in 1988 with a new F5B engine. In August 1987, higher spec Altos became available with a three-speed automatic rather than the two-speed unit that had been used before.
Other markets
Most export markets received the passenger car version, which would have been badged "Suzuki Fronte" in Japan, but were usually sold as Altos abroad. When equipped with the 543 cc F5A engine, the export model code is SB305. Most cars sold outside of Japan, however, received the larger (0.8 litres) F8B engine and the SB308 model code.
Europe
The 796 cc, F8B-engined CA/CB91 was sold in Europe with either a four-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission. Export Altos were technically speaking Frontes, as this was the name used for passenger versions in Japan. They received larger bumpers, making them longer and wider. European Altos received the same facelift as the CA/CB72 did in early 1987 (a little later than in Japan), followed by a market specific facelift in January 1988, unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show. This model remained in production (latterly by Maruti Udyog) for the European market until 1993, when it was replaced by an also Maruti-built 1-litre version of the Cervo Mode, which was sold as the Alto until 2002. The
Maruti 800
The Maruti Suzuki 800 is a city car that was manufactured by Maruti Suzuki in India from 1983 to 2014. The first generation (SS80) was based on the 1979 Suzuki Alto and had an 800 cc F8B engine, hence the moniker. Widely regarded as the mos ...
did continue to be available under its own name in Europe until 2004, when it could no longer pass emissions and safety requirements.
India
The Suzuki Alto was produced and sold in India as the Maruti 800 between 1983 and 2014.
Pakistan
While the car has been long retired in other markets, it remained in production in Pakistan under the moniker Suzuki Mehran. The Pakistani version is essentially a simplified basic rebadged second-generation Suzuki Alto CA/CB91 which was sold in the Japanese and European market from 1984 to 1988. The Mehran remained in production due to its cost effective nature and cheap parts availability. In March 2019, the moniker Mehran officially ended its production after 40 years of production, replaced by the eighth-generation Alto.
China
Around 1990, the China Ordnance Industries Corporation (COIC, a predecessor company to Norinco) purchased the complete rights and all machinery for manufacturing the SB308 Alto from Suzuki. COIC charged four hitherto military enterprises with manufacturing the Alto: Chongqing Chang'an, Jilin Jiangbei, Xiangtan Jiangnan, and Xi'an Qinchuan were all to switch over to civilian manufacture. Chongqing Chang'an were able to adapt Suzuki's
just-in-time manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is a production method aimed primarily at reducing times within the production system as well as response times from suppliers and to customers. It is closely related to another concept called just-in-time manufacturing (J ...
(JIT) methods and were the first to market the car, in 1992. Jilin Jiangbei lost money on each car built and ended up on the brink of bankruptcy; Xiangtan Jiangnan never got production off the ground, while Xi'an Qinchuan suffered a fire and chose to develop their own design instead (a car called the Qinchuan Flyer; the company was later made part of
BYD Auto
BYD Auto Co., Ltd. ("Build Your Dreams") is the automotive subsidiary of the publicly-listed Chinese multinational manufacturer BYD Company, headquartered in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. It was founded in January 2003, following BYD Com ...
). Chang'an ended up without real competition in the segment. Chang'an's productivity set a new standard for the Chinese auto industry.
In 1993,
Changan Automobile
Chang'an Automobile Co., Ltd. is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Jiangbei, Chongqing.Changan Suzuki
Changan Suzuki (officially Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd.) was an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Chongqing, China and a joint-venture between Chang'an Automobile Group and Suzuki. Chang'an began assembling subcompact com ...
SC7080 Alto was produced with the same F8B engine as used in other export markets, and was replaced by the facelifted SC7081 Alto/City Baby/Little Prince/Happy Prince in 2001. The top-of-the-line Happy Prince, discontinued in 2007, used the sportier looking front bumper, grille, and bonnet of the Alto Works. Citing lower sales and stating that upgrading the design to meet new regulations would not be cost effective, Chang'an ended production of the old Alto on 28 July 2008. A total of 504,861 were built by Chang'an Suzuki between 1993 and 2008.
Another version called JN Auto has been built by
Jiangnan Auto
The is a kei car produced by Suzuki since 1979. The model, currently in its ninth generation, was first introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide. The Alto originated as a commercial vehicle derivative of the Fronte, b ...
. As of December 2010 Zotye's Jiangnan Alto is one of the cheapest car in the world, with a price tag of $2830. The entry-level model comes with the F8B three-cylinder . An
inline-four engine
A straight-four engine (also called an inline-four) is a four-cylinder piston engine where cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft.
The vast majority of automotive four-cylinder engines use a straight-four layout (with the ...
with a displacement of and an output of was also available. The Jiangnan TT was eventually replaced by the
Zotye Z100
The Zotye Z100 is a City car hatchback produced by Zotye Auto. The model is available as a gasoline powered vehicle and as an electric vehicle. The Z100 was discontinued in 2017, while the electric version was relaunched in 2017 as the Zotye Clou ...
in 2010.
Third generation (1988)
The third generation (CL/CM11) replaced the CA71 in September 1988. This was the last generation of Alto to have an associated Fronte model. It had strikingly angular styling, with an unusual glazed C-pillar on the 5-door. Another curiosity of this generation was the availability of a version with a sliding door on the driver's side, the "Slide Slim", intended to simplify entering and exiting in tight spaces. It also made egress easier for the old and the infirm. The Slide Slim has two regular doors on the passenger (left) side. This door type wouldn't be used for some time until the arrival of the
Toyota Porte
The is a mini MPV produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota from 2004 to 2020 that features an electric-powered sliding door on the passenger side, similar in approach to the Isis. The driver's door is of the conventional swing-open type.
__TOC ...
and
Peugeot 1007
The Peugeot 1007 is a small three-door car manufactured by Peugeot from 2004 to 2009, noted for its user-swappable interior trim pieces and its four pillar design incorporating two power sliding doors. It shares its platform with the Peugeot 206, ...
. When the Fronte name was discontinued in October 1989, the passenger car versions (CN/CP11) became Altos. Initially the CL11 used the 12-valve F5B engine known from the SS71 Cervo, but with an added 6-valve version in lower-spec versions. A
DOHC
An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combustion cha ...
version was also available in the Twin Cam Rl. Passenger car versions had the same engines, but all with 2 PS less due to more stringent emissions controls. The fuel-injected, 6-valve, turbocharged Works models came with an SOHC engine (FF S/X or 4WD S/R) or a
DOHC
An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combustion cha ...
version (FF RS/X or 4WD RS/R). The front-wheel-drive Works' were available with a 3-speed automatic in addition to the standard 5-speed manual.
This generation was very successful at home, with Suzuki's kei car sales tripling in 1989 versus the year before. It was, however, not generally exported, and was never built by Suzuki with engines of more than 660 cc nor with left-hand-drive. Export models arrived late, only by 1993 after the earlier export version had been retired, and it was only seen in a very few places, namely New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In most countries the earlier Alto/Fronte was replaced by an Alto-badged Maruti Zen (an Indian-built Suzuki Cervo Mode). With a 0.8-liter engine the CL11 Alto was built with left-hand-drive in South Korea, Poland, Romania and Uzbekistan as the Daewoo Tico, and also in China by Anchi.
660cc era
When the Kei car standards were changed in 1990, the engine was upgraded to the ( F6A), and the Alto became the CL/CM/CN/CP21 in the process. The new standards also allowed for a longer car, which meant new bigger front and rear bumper, and new headlights and grille. Lower grade Van versions received a 6-valve engine, while passenger car versions (and the l'Èpo Van) got a single-cam 12-valve version. This engine was upgraded to in January 1991. 4WD versions with the three-speed automatic transmission were fuel-injected and offered three more horsepower. The F6A-engined Works RS/X and RS/R still claimed the legally limited with of torque, but the lower grade i.e. Turbo (introduced in July) received a 6-valve SOHC-engine producing and of torque (slightly more than the high-revving, twin cam RS). Reflecting decreased tax benefits for commercial Kei cars, the Works series were now classified as passenger vehicles, allowing for a real back seat. The lineup was reorganised in January 1991, with a lot of new engine specifications.
In September 1991, responding to increasing safety demands, the Alto received side impact protection. Also, the vertical door handles (see picture on the right) on three-door versions were replaced by traditional horizontal ones. The re-engineering was extensive enough to necessitate new model codes, with vans becoming CL/CM22 (FF/4WD) and passenger versions (including the Works) now called CR/CS22. While most of the engines remained as they were, the Alto Van's engines were updated with power output up to .
This was the model that reached limited exports. The New Zealand version was mostly the same as the Japanese market five-door van model, with a cargo-oriented bare-bones trim combined with the rather soft Japanese suspension settings and light, low-geared steering.''Buzzy Bee!'', p. 42 Unlike the Japanese models, however, this low spec was coupled to the (carbureted) 12-valve engine with and a standard five-speed transmission. A three-speed automatic was also available. In a period test, this model reached the 0–100 km/h benchmark in 15.9 seconds and a top speed of .
A very limited production version for competition purposes arrived in 1992, called the Alto Works R. This was a lightened, strict two-seater with four-wheel-drive, a close-ratio five-speed transmission, and a tuned engine - although official output remained , as required by the Kei regulations. The car has an adjusted ECU and a free-flow Suzuki Sport RHB31 turbocharger, as well as a different throttle body. Less than a hundred were built, although it continued to be available until the arrival of the next generation Alto. This model, without a backseat and with racing bucket seats in front, was classified as a van and accordingly received the CM22V chassis code, unlike the usual Alto Works. The undercoating and most creature comforts were deleted (although air conditioning remained an option) and the car sat on steel wheels, which made the car about lighter than a regular Works RS/R.
Alto Hustle
Suzuki also produced a version of the Alto, known as the Alto Hustle, with a raised roof behind the front seats. This was unusual in that it used a modification of the five-door Alto's body rather than a completely new body, allowing Suzuki to market it as part of the Alto family. Its appearance was similar to the Nissan AD Max van. The Hustle was short-lived, only being offered between November 1991 and October 1993.
The engine options were mostly as for other Altos, albeit without the turbocharged offerings. The standard model has , while a 12-valve version has depending on if it was carburetted or fuel injected. The lowest and highest-powered versions were also available with four-wheel-drive, and there was a bare bones two-seater version (Hu-2) on offer.
Fourth generation (1994)
The fourth generation (HA11) appeared in November 1994. The design was marked by simplicity, as Suzuki strived to return to making a more basic car. The Slide Slim model, with its sliding door on one side, was discontinued, as were some of the higher end versions of the third generation Alto such as the Regina. The new Wagon R took over much of the more expensive Alto's market share, leaving the Alto to compete at the lower end of the market. The fourth generation was generally not exported, with most foreign markets instead receiving Alto-badged versions of the Indian-built Maruti Zen.
The F6A engines were joined by a new high-performance K6A (HA21) for the Works RS/Z model. Front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive were offered, in three- or five-door sedans or as a three-door van. The Works model was also reclassified as a sedan, as many advantages for light commercial cars had vanished. The tailgate and rear doors are still fairly angular, but the front was more rounded than previous models.
File:1994-1997 Suzuki Alto.jpg, Pre-facelift model Suzuki Alto 5-door (HA11)
File:1994-1997 Suzuki Alto rear.jpg, Pre-facelift model Suzuki Alto 5-door (HA11)
File:1997 Suzuki Alto 01.jpg, Facelift model Suzuki Alto 5-door (HA11)
File:1997-1998 Suzuki Alto Lepo rear.jpg, Facelift model Suzuki Alto l'Èpo 3-door (HA11)
File:Suzuki Alto Works 001.JPG, Suzuki Alto Works RS/Z (HA21), facelift model
;Chronology
In March 1995, the Alto Sv model appeared. This was a special fuel economy model, well equipped with air conditioning, power steering, AM/FM cassette stereo, etc. The "Alto With", a limited sporty edition based on the well-equipped Sf model (also with four-wheel drive) with a front and rear spoiler, appeared in June 1995. In July 1995, a version of the Works Turbo ie/s called the Limited appeared; this had special stereo equipment and keyless entry and power locks. It was developed by AddZest (Clarion). In November 1995, the Works model received a new grille and front bumper, with a bigger opening. In May 1996, the l'Èpo model appeared, this three or five-door sedan was based on the Se/Le model and was also available with four-wheel drive. This version received full power equipment, remote key entry, distinctly upholstered full fabric seats (rather than the vinyl backed units of the Se/Le), hubcaps and many other amenities.
The Works Turbo F Limited ie/s version appeared in November 1996, offering a carbon panel, special alloy wheels, and more spoilers. In April 1997, the range received a facelift with side door impact beams and a new front design, with new marker lights beneath the headlights and a redesigned trunklid. The Alto l'Èpo P2 appeared at the same time, using a fuel injected version of the 12-valve engine with rather than the usual carburetted unit. All 12-valve models fitted with four-wheel drive and automatic transmission received a
fuel injected
Fuel injection is the introduction of fuel in an internal combustion engine, most commonly automotive engines, by the means of an injector. This article focuses on fuel injection in reciprocating piston and Wankel rotary engines.
All comp ...
version, as was the case since the third generation Alto. The l'Èpo models also received a new (optional) airbag. The Works models only received smaller changes at this time, such as white-backed meters in the dashboard. The RS/Z also received 14-inch wheels and fuller equipment. In November 1997, the even better equipped l'Èpo Limited model appeared, with a more powerful stereo system including a CD player. In January 1998, the Works Sports Limited model appeared, a Works ie/s with 14-inch wheels and special seats. In May the "Alto Beam" special model appeared, with UV reflecting glass and extra large seats.
In March 1995, a second iteration of the Works R arrived, again a limited production vehicle with a close-ratio transmission, built for competition purposes. Like the first Works R it was built in less than one-hundred examples, but this one appeared in two series: The Series 2 had sold out by October 1995 and the third series was available from January until September 1998. Unlike the first Works R, this one was a passenger car version (chassis code HB21S) and received the new, lightweight K6A engine. It was lighter than the regular Works RS/R, and the engine was considerably more powerful - although claimed output remained as per the regulations, torque increased from 10.5 to 11.0 kgm (at 3500 rpm for the Series 2, 4000 rpm for the Series 3). Period sources state that the engine's actual output was at least . The engine received considerable changes over the regular Works, many more than the first Works R. The throttle body and camshafts were different, while a larger HT06/RA12 turbocharger was fitted, along with 260 cc injectors and a larger intercooler (necessitating a hood scoop nearly as wide as the bonnet itself). The weight savings were only over the Works RS/Z for this model. This was the end of the Works R series of cars, foreshadowing the end of the Works badge in 2000.
Fifth generation (1998)
The fifth-generation Alto (HA12/22) was introduced in October 1998. The styling was generally more rounded, the shape of the cabin showing the Alto's relationship with the new Suzuki Kei. Suzuki designed the new Alto with an eye to reducing cost, both for themselves and for the end users. To that end, weight was reduced to a minimum, while four-wheel drive models were able to use the same bottom plate as front-wheel drive models. With sales of the 2-seat commercial versions dropping steadily, those versions (Va and Sc, with four-speed manual transmission) were now only built to order.
The 658 cc K6A engine was now also available without a turbocharger, joining the turbocharged version and the familiar 657 cc F6A engines. The turbocharged Works models were available with a 60 PS F6A engine (Alto i.e., 5MT/3AT/4AT and FWD or AWD) or a 64 PS VVT K6A (RS/Z, 5MT/4AT and FWD or AWD). The front-wheel-drive RS/Z was sold with a non-VVT K6A engine when in combination with a 4-speed automatic transmission, it too with a claimed 64 PS. Unique to this generation was a five-door version of the Alto Works. With the December 2000 facelift, the Works versions were discontinued, as the Alto was realigned as an economy version. The Suzuki Kei Sports picked up the Works' mantle.
Several derivatives were produced from this generation. Suzuki produced two "classic-style" versions: the Alto C with a deep chrome grille and a curious headlamp arrangement by which circular main lamps were joined with ovoid sidelights and indicators, which was shared with the Alto Works; and the later Alto C2 which had separate headlamps and sidelights and a wider grille.
Mazda
, commonly referred to as simply Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Fuchū, Hiroshima, Japan.
In 2015, Mazda produced 1.5 million vehicles for global sales, the majority of which (nearly one m ...
Mitsuoka
is a small Japanese automobile company. It is noted for building unique cars with unconventional styling, some of which are modern while others imitate the look of American, European and particularly British retro cars of the 1950s and 1960s. Mit ...
used the Carol as a basis for their Ray.
File:Suzuki Alto Lepo Turbo 0349.JPG, Suzuki Alto Lepo Turbo 5-door (HA12S)
File:Suzuki Alto 511.JPG, The retro-style Alto C (HA12S)
File:HA12S ALTO works.jpg, Alto Works RS/Z 3-door (HA22S)
File:Suzuki Alto Works ie 5door sedan.JPG, The 5-door Alto Works i.e. (HA12S)
File:Suzuki ALTO WORKS RS Z (HA22S) rear.JPG, Rear view of Alto Works RS/Z 3-door (HA22S)
File:Maruthi Suzuki Alto Dashboard 03.jpg, Interior for lower models
Facelift
In December 2000, the fifth generation Alto received a thorough facelift, becoming the HA23. Front- and four-wheel drive models now used the same chassis number. As the Works and all other turbocharged models were discontinued, naturally aspirated versions of the new K6A became the only ones on offer, with either or in an especially efficient
lean burn
Lean-burn refers to the burning of fuel with an excess of air in an internal combustion engine. In lean-burn engines the air:fuel ratio may be as lean as 65:1 (by mass). The air / fuel ratio needed to stoichiometrically combust gasoline, by cont ...
iteration. The K6A met the
MLIT
The , abbreviated MLIT, is a ministry of the Japanese government.国土交通省設置法 ...
requirements to be classified as an "excellent low emissions vehicle". The retro-style Alto C was also discontinued. In February 2001 a new retro version was introduced, the Alto C2. Unlike the earlier C, this one had the same headlights as other Altos and did not have the chrome detailing of the earlier version.
Front- or four-wheel-drive, manual and automatic transmissions were available (no more CVT), in either a 3- or 5-door hatchback body. A 3-door van version remained available. Passenger model production was discontinued in August 2004 to make room for the succeeding generation, but a decontented Van version was kept in production until January 2005. These forwent the VVT system and the automatic only had three forward speeds rather than four as before.
File:Suzuki-alto 5th-front.jpg, Suzuki Alto Van (HA23V)
File:Suzuki Alto rear.jpg, Rear view of facelifted Alto 3-door 4WD (HA23S)
In other markets
This model also entered production in India as the
Maruti Suzuki Alto Māruti can refer to:
* Maruti (मारुति), a Sanskrit name referring to Hanuman, son of the Hindu wind god, Pawan Dev
* Maruti Suzuki, a joint sector industry of The Indian Government and Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation
See ...
(model code RF) in September 2000 and was built there until 2014. From 2002 until 2009 Maruti-built Altos were exported to Europe as Suzuki Altos; sales continued in Latin America and other markets until the next generation Maruti Alto took over in 2012. The car is powered with 0.8-litre F8D three-cylinder and 1.1-litre F10D four-cylinder engines with fuel injection.
Pakistani production began in 2000 utilizing the old carburetted 1.0-litre F10A four-cylinder engine and also available with
CNG
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a fuel gas mainly composed of methane (CH4), compressed to less than 1% of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of , usually in cy ...
variant. The production was halted in 2012.
Beginning in mid-1999, and originally imported from Japan, the car was also sold in Colombia as the Chevrolet Alto. As the market for two-door cars was minimal in Colombia, it was only available with five doors. The Colombian model was equipped with a one-litre, sixteen-valve inline-four engine with at 6500 rpm, an engine it shared with the locally made Chevrolet Wagon R+.
GM Colmotores
General Motors Colmotores S.A. is a Colombian automobile manufacturer based in Bogotá and has been the local subsidiary of General Motors since 1979. Established in 1957 as "Fábrica Colombiana de Automotores S.A." (shortened "Colmotores)", they b ...
began building it themselves in 2000 and kept it in production until 2003. The Chevrolet Alto was also exported to
Ecuador
Ecuador ( ; ; Quechua: ''Ikwayur''; Shuar: ''Ecuador'' or ''Ekuatur''), officially the Republic of Ecuador ( es, República del Ecuador, which literally translates as "Republic of the Equator"; Quechua: ''Ikwadur Ripuwlika''; Shuar: ' ...
The sixth generation (HA24) was introduced in September 2004. The bonnet and headlamps curved down at the front, giving a similar effect to the Toyota WiLL Vi or the Citroën C2. The Alto was realigned as a less costly car to accommodate new models such as the Cervo and Alto Lapin. The more powerful engines were moved into the other more upmarket versions like the Suzuki Kei Works and Alto Lapin SS, leaving the Alto with only a version. In Japan, this version of the Alto was not only rebadged as the Mazda Carol, but also by Nissan as the Pino.
The
RPM
Revolutions per minute (abbreviated rpm, RPM, rev/min, r/min, or with the notation min−1) is a unit of rotational speed or rotational frequency for rotating machines.
Standards
ISO 80000-3:2019 defines a unit of rotation as the dimensionl ...
meter maxes out at 10,000 rather than 8,000, as usual for gasoline vehicles.
File:2004-2006 Suzuki Alto rear.jpg, Rear view
File:6th Suzuki Alto.jpg, 2006–2009 Suzuki Alto
File:6th generation Suzuki Alto interior.jpg, Interior
Seventh generation (2009)
Japan
The seventh generation was first shown at the 2009
Tokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October–November at the Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), it is a recognized international show ...
alongside its sister car, the Mazda Carol. It is available with a engine, a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic transmission or a CVT, in FWD or 4WD variants. Under the Japanese 10-15 test cycle, the front-wheel-drive with CVT achieves 24.5 km/litre fuel economy.
In 2011, Suzuki launched the Alto Eco variant, that features the R06A engine lifted from the Suzuki MR Wagon and an idling stop function. It is capable of reaching based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle (32 km/L under 10-15 test cycle). This is .2 km/L higher than the Daihatsu Mira e:S.
In 2013, the Alto Eco was updated with the addition of Suzuki's ENE-CHARGE system, first applied on the fifth generation Wagon R. With this technology, fuel economy has now improved to 33.0 km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle.
File:Suzuki Alto Van 5Door VP HA25S.JPG, Suzuki Alto Van (HA25S)
File:Suzuki Alto Eco Eco-L HA35S Rear.JPG, Suzuki Alto Eco-L (HA35S)
File:Suzuki Alto G4 HA25S interior.jpg, Interior
International
The Suzuki Alto available in international market is known in India as the Maruti Suzuki A-Star (short for "Alto-Star"), but is also known as the Suzuki Celerio in some other countries. It was launched in December 2008 by Suzuki's Indian subsidiary
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, formerly known as Maruti Udyog Limited, is an Indian automobile manufacturer, based in New Delhi. It was founded in 1981 and owned by the Government of India until 2003, when it was sold to the Japanese automaker ...
.
It is actually a different car from the Japanese market one although they share the same name. The car is manufactured exclusively in
Haryana
Haryana (; ) is an Indian state located in the northern part of the country. It was carved out of the former state of East Punjab on 1 Nov 1966 on a linguistic basis. It is ranked 21st in terms of area, with less than 1.4% () of India's land a ...
, India and is exported worldwide. It is available in some European markets with a somewhat different front end as the Nissan Pixo. The car was rolled out to the Indian customers in December 2008 and exports began in April 2009.
With a totally new body and engine, Maruti hopes to bring freshness to the Indian car market, of which it already holds a major share. The ''K10B'' inline-three engine was developed especially for the new car, and is also used for the Nissan Pixo. The A-Star has a fresh new dashboard, with an available unique protruding tachometer besides the usual meter cowl (only in the ZXi trim).
In February 2014, Maruti Suzuki unveiled an all-new Celerio, which replaces the A-Star and Zen Estilo.
The European market version of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star was unveiled at the
2008 Paris Motor Show
The 2008 Paris Motor Show took place from 4 October to 19 October 2008, in Paris expo Porte de Versailles.
This edition of the Paris Motor Show featured a high number of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), that led a blogger with ''The New York Ti ...
. It was developed to be a global car and will be made at
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, formerly known as Maruti Udyog Limited, is an Indian automobile manufacturer, based in New Delhi. It was founded in 1981 and owned by the Government of India until 2003, when it was sold to the Japanese automaker ...
's plant in
Manesar
Manesar is a town and municipal corporation, know new Gurugram City in the Gurugram district of the state of Haryana, India and a part of the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. It is an industrial hub.
Its proximity to the burgeoning ci ...
,
Haryana
Haryana (; ) is an Indian state located in the northern part of the country. It was carved out of the former state of East Punjab on 1 Nov 1966 on a linguistic basis. It is ranked 21st in terms of area, with less than 1.4% () of India's land a ...
, India. It is stylistically based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept. The Alto was conceived as a response to high petrol prices and global warming. It was released as an eco-friendly car priced from £6,795 OTR.
Nissan Pixo
The Nissan Pixo is the "sister car" to the Suzuki Alto and is mechanically very similar, but featuring a few notable exterior differences, including the main grille and headlamps. It was launched at the
2008 Paris Motor Show
The 2008 Paris Motor Show took place from 4 October to 19 October 2008, in Paris expo Porte de Versailles.
This edition of the Paris Motor Show featured a high number of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), that led a blogger with ''The New York Ti ...
and was available in Europe from 2009 to 2013. Because it was developed and built cheaply in India, the Pixo was sold for just under £7,000. In the summer of 2013, the Pixo was withdrawn from UK showrooms.
The Nissan Pixo was reviewed, and subsequently mocked, by
Top Gear
Top Gear may refer to:
* "Top gear", the highest gear available in a vehicle's manual transmission
Television
* ''Top Gear'' (1977 TV series), a British motoring magazine programme
* ''Top Gear'' (2002 TV series), a relaunched version of the or ...
Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson (born 11 April 1960) is an English broadcaster, journalist, game show host and writer who specialises in motoring. He is best known for the motoring programmes '' Top Gear'' and '' The Grand Tour'' alongside R ...
and Richard Hammond bought cars on the second hand market for the same price as a new Pixo. Clarkson bought a 2002 Mercedes Mercedes CL600 for £6995, and Hammond bought a 1994 BMW 850ci for £6,700.
James May
James Daniel May (born 16 January 1963) is an English television presenter and journalist. He is best known as a co-presenter of the motoring programme '' Top Gear'' alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond from 2003 until 2015. He also ...
defended the Pixo, arguing that it was more modern, reliable and economical than the two luxury cars.
Suzuki Alto 800
In 2012, India's Maruti introduced a low cost replacement for the original Maruti 800 called the Alto 800. This was also exported to many markets outside of Europe and sold as the Suzuki Alto 800, while some markets simultaneously offered the pricier A-Star as the Suzuki Alto.
Eighth generation (2014)
The eighth generation Alto was introduced in Japan in December 2014. The new Alto was the first Suzuki's car designed on lightweight ''HEARTECT'' platform. It is also the first Alto that using
torsion beam
The twist-beam rear suspension (also torsion-beam axle, deformable torsion beam or compound crank) is a type of automobile suspension based on a large H or C-shaped member. The front of the H attaches to the body via rubber bushings, and the ...
model rear suspension, replacing the old 3-link model (except for all-wheel-drive models). The new lightweight platform, lighter body, engine, seats and simpler rear suspension made the car lighter than the outgoing model. This car was also designed to have a very low fuel consumption, achieved using "Suzuki Green Technology" for the body and the engine, and resulted in the car having a claimed fuel consumption of .
The conventional models of the new Alto is available in 5 trims levels. The passenger variant are called "F", "L", "S" and "X", plus a commercial van variant called "VP". All powered with a naturally-aspirated ''K06A''
inline-three engine
A straight-three engine (also called an inline-triple or inline-three) is a three-cylinder piston engine where cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft.
Less common than straight-four engines, straight-three engines have noneth ...
, from previous generation. This engine received major improvement in fuel efficiency by raising the compression ratio and adopting the
exhaust gas recirculation
In internal combustion engines, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a nitrogen oxide () emissions reduction technique used in petrol/gasoline, diesel engines and some hydrogen engines. EGR works by recirculating a portion of an engine's exhaust ...
(EGR) system (excludes "F" trim with manual transmission and "VP" van), while enhancing the low-to-mid speed driving performance by newly designing the intake and exhaust systems. The weight also reduced by adopting a cylinder head integrated with an exhaust manifold and simplifying the catalyzer case. It is mated with either a 5-speed manual transmission ("F" and "VP"), a 5-speed automated manual transmission called ''Auto Gear Shift'' (AGS) by Suzuki ("F" and "VP"), or a CVT ("L", "S" and "X"). All transmissions are available with all wheel-drive option. The ''K06A'' engine with manual transmission for "F" and "VP" trims are rated at and , while the rest of the range producing and higher because the engine has VVT.
A sporty variant intended for daily use called "Turbo RS" was introduced in March 2015 which was followed by a more spartan performance-tuned "Works" variant which made a comeback after 15 years of absence in December. These high performance models are powered with the turbocharged variant of ''K06A'' engine, producing and - ("Works" is higher). It is paired with either a 5-speed manual (not available for "Turbo RS") or automated manual transmission with taller gear ratios than the less powerful "F" and VP" trims. The handling is also reworked with new wider high performance tires from Bridgestone, shock absorber from KYB, ventilated front disc brakes,
strut bar
A strut bar, strut brace, or strut tower brace (STB) is an automotive suspension accessory on a monocoque or unibody chassis to provide extra stiffness between the strut towers.
With a MacPherson strut suspension system where the spring and sho ...
to increase body's rigidity, rear stabilizer bar for front wheel-drive models (also available for "X" trim).
For the interior, unlike the previous generation, adjustable front seats head rest and 50:50 foldable back seats (still with adjustable head rest, excluding "VP", "F" and "L" trims) are deleted. All natural aspirated engined models received two tone black and white colours.
In 2018, the seat upholstery was replaced with dark blue colour for "L", "S" and "X" trims. "Turbo RS" and "Works" trims has black with red accents interior colour, leather wrapped steering wheel, paddle shift for AGS models and tachometer. The "Works" trim added racing front seats from
Recaro
Recaro Holding, as the parent company of the Recaro Group, owns the Recaro brand and the independently operating companies Recaro Aircraft Seating (aircraft seats) based in Schwäbisch Hall and Recaro eGaming (gaming seats) based in Stuttgart, Germ ...
, stainless steel pedals and turbo boost meter.
In term of exterior, all naturally aspirated models are using halogen headlights as standard and 13 inches steel wheels with hubcaps (except "VP") and "X" with special two tone colours. The "Turbo RS" and "Works" received more sporty bumpers, side skirts, rear upper spoiler, fog lights, stickers, 15 inches aluminium wheels from Enkei (also available for "X" trim), front brake calipers with red colour for "Works" and HID headlights.
The safety is also upgraded with additional electronic stability control and collision avoidance system. The car achieved 4 of 5 stars in crash tests performed by ''JNCAP''.
To celebrate 40 years anniversary of Alto, a special edition called "L Limited" was launched in June 2019. The car is based on "L" trim with additional accessories and features from higher trims.
The "Turbo RS" trim was discontinued in December 2018, followed by "X" trim in October 2020, "VP" commercial van in August 2021 and finally replaced by ninth generation four months later.
File:Suzuki ALTO VAN VP (HA36S) front.JPG, Suzuki Alto Van VP (HA36V)
File:Suzuki ALTO VAN VP (HA36S) rear (cropped).JPG, Suzuki Alto Van VP (HA36V)
File:Suzuki Alto X 2-tone backdoor.JPG, Suzuki Alto X two tone (HA36S)
File:Suzuki Alto Turbo RS 801.JPG, Suzuki Alto RS (HA36S)
File:Suzuki Alto Turbo RS (rear).JPG, Suzuki Alto RS (HA36S)
File:Suzuki ALTO WORKS (DBA-HA36S) front.jpg, Suzuki Alto Works (HA36S)
File:Suzuki ALTO WORKS (DBA-HA36S) rear.jpg, Suzuki Alto Works (HA36S)
File:OSAKA AUTO MESSE 2015 (20) - Suzuki ALTO X (HA36S) with optional parts.JPG, Interior (Alto X)
File:Osaka Motor Show 2015 (115) - Suzuki ALTO WORKS.JPG, Interior (Alto Works)
Pakistan
The eight generation was revealed for the Pakistani market on 12 April 2019 at the Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS). The car is sold in three variants: "VX", "VXR" and "VXL". The "VX" being the base model with minimal equipment, no air conditioning and a 5-speed manual transmission; the "VXR" variant gaining twin airbags, power locks, power steering, etc.; while the premium "VXL" model is further equipped with air conditioning, ABS brakes, and an automated manual transmission "AGS".
The local manufacturing of Alto has made Pakistan one of the few countries in the world that locally manufactures
kei cars
Kei car (or , kanji: , "light automobile", ), known variously outside Japan as Japanese city car or Japanese microcar, is the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars with restricted dimensions and engine capaci ...
. Currently, Pakistan is the only country other than Japan to locally manufacture this generation of Suzuki Alto.
Pak Suzuki Motors
Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited (PSMCL) is a Pakistani automobile company which is a subsidiary of Japanese automaker Suzuki. It is continued to be built on lightweight ''HEARTECT'' platform and powered with the same ''R06A'' engine for the conventional models. Additionally, the car received new ''R06D'' engine with mild hybrid system that also seen in Suzuki Wagon R Smile and became first Alto with hybrid system. CVT is the only transmission that available in this generation and became the first Alto without manual transmission option. The ''Auto Gear Shift (AGS)'' automated manual transmission is also abolished.
Four trim levels are available, "A" and "L" for conventional model and "S" and "X" for hybrid model.
File:Suzuki ALTO HYBRID X (rear).jpg, Rear view
File:Suzuki ALTO HYBRID X (5AA-HA97S-ABXB) interior.jpg, Interior