Suzuki Alto hatch

The fifth and smallest member of the Suzuki family is already on sale in Europe and hits local dealers late this year.

Although prices have not been set, the Alto is expected to come in under the $16,490 Swift hatch.

Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says the Alto will represent “outstanding value for money”.

However, Suzuki spokesman, Andrew Ellis, says exchange rates will play a big part in determining the car's pricepoint.

The Alto will be available in two specifications.

The entry level gets six airbags, air conditioning, CD stereo system with MP3 auxiliary input, remote central locking, anti-skid brakes and six airbags.

The top specification Alto adds alloy wheels, foglights, a tachometer and electronic stability control.

At 3500mm long, the Alto is almost 200mm shorter than a Mini Cooper.

It is slightly narrower than a Mini but 63mm higher and has a wheelbase of 2360mm, 107mm shorter than the Mini.

Powering the Alto is a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 50kW and 90Nm mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

A four-speed automatic will be optional.

The Euro IV-compliant engine delivers fuel consumption of just 4.5L/100km and produces only 103g/km of CO2 emissions.

Manufactured in Suzuki's Manesar plant in India, the Alto was designed by Suzuki engineers and tuned for European customers based on an extensive test drive program.

Already on sale in Europe, the little hatch has returned fuel economy figures of just 4.4 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 103 grams a kilometre.

“Alto is the answer for people wanting a quality vehicle offering great performance, high levels of safety and outstanding fuel economy,” Devers says.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut type while the rear is a three-link rigid axle.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...