Suzuki Alto Hatchback 2003 - 2006

This review is going to try and be both faithful to the Alto (sparse), and the opposite (quick).  There’s little to say about the Alto save that it’s made in India (where it’s also on sale as the Maruti).  It’s more suited to the Indian market, where expectations are not as high as they are on the European market, so the quality of the finish doesn’t stand out as it does here. 

On the plus side it’s cheap to buy and run with fuel figures of 57 mpg from the manual model and 45 from the auto.  Insurance group 5 and VED groups B and D, D for the auto box so don’t be so lazy, change gear yourself. 

On the minus side it doesn’t get past 96 mph and the 0 – 60 sprint takes either 14.3 or 15.3 seconds (auto being the second figure).  The ride is terrible with a real boneshaker feel if you try to coax any performance from the little Suzuki.  The Alto is a city slicker (without the slick), and if you are foolish enough to take in out onto the open road expect it to disappoint.  Definitely keep away from the motorway as it cannot cope with the traffic.  It feels lightweight and suffers from every gust of wind. Being overtaken by lorries is terrifying, and will probably prevent you from being silly enough to take the car on the motorway again.

If you are in the market for a puritan city car this may be the model for you.  It’s cheap to buy and run but that’s it’s only asset.  It’s too basic to really satisfy but will possibly have a market with the retired community.  It’s reliable and so basic that there’s little to go wrong.

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