Suzuki Alto 2009 News

The research, done in conjunction with the Monash University Accident Research Centre, found some second-hand cars are five times more likely than other vehicles to cause serious injury or death if involved in an accident.In a study of over 3.6 million second-hand vehicles, the 2009 Used Car Safety Ratings backed by motoring organisations such as the RAA and RACV show a large gap between the highest-rated used cars - the 2004-2007 Volkswagen Golf and Mitsubishi's 1999-2003 Nimbus - and the worst, Suzuki's Carry from 1982-2000 and the Suzuki Alto from 1985 to 2000.RAA technical manager Mark Borlace says small and light cars are particularly problematic in the most recent survey. "Small and light cars are 13 out of 19 vehicles dominating the worst category. "Commercial vans and utes also attracted low ratings due to the high injury risk they posed to both their own occupants and other road users if involved in an accident," he says.The MUARC used car safety ratings research examined more than 3.6 million vehicles - almost 240 passenger and light commercial vehicles up to 17 years old - and 740,000 injured road users involved in road crashes in Australia and New Zealand between 1987 and 2006.The crash rating is based on how well protected the occupant and other road users were, including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Borlace says the best performers were mostly from Europe and Japan.None of the large-cars on the list, including a range of Australian-made large cars from Holden, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi, scored above four stars."This is a rating for the whole safety performance, both you and the other road users - the older small cars - Sherpa, Alto, Mira - the injuries to occupants get can't be offset by how well it treats everyone else.""Large cars do a lot of damage to other cars, it makes it hard for them to holistically be a good car in this rating," Borlace says. The results showed over half of the vehicles studied (118) were rated good or excellent, while more than one in 10 (25) were rated excellent."What we'd like to have happen with this rating - three out of four of us will buy a used car, not a new car - but more importantly, young people with their first car, they want something sexy and fast."But with parents helping with or funding the first purchase, what we want to see them do is use this list as their menu list for the kids, getting something that has five stars but something the kids can live with aesthetically and can afford," Borlace says.LIGHT CARS Best Performers Volkswagen Polo (1996-2000)Daihatsu Sirion (1998-2004)Honda Barina XC (2001-2006)Mazda 121 (1997-2002)Mazda 2 (2002-2007)Worst Performers Suzuki Alto (1985-2000)Subaru Sherpa (1989-1992)Daihatsu Mira (1990-1996)Holden Barina (1989-1999)Nissan Micra (1995-1997)SMALL CARS Best performers Chrysler Neon (1996-1999)Ford Focus (2005-2007)Mazda MX5/Eunos Roadster (1998-2005)Peugeot 307 (2001-2007)Volkswagen Golf/Jetta (2004-2007)Worst performers Subaru Impreza (1993-2000)Nissan NX/NX-R (1991-1996)Mitsubishi Lancer/Mirage (1991-1992)Hyundai Excel/Accent (1995-2000)Hyundai Excel (1990-1994)MEDIUM CARS Best Performers Audi A4 (2001-2007)Ford Cougar (1999-2003)Mazda 6 (2002-20078)Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2000-2007)Honda Accord Euro (2003-2007)Worst Performers Nissan Pintara/Ford Coursair (1989-1992)Volvo 200 Series (1982-1993)Toyota Celica (1990-1999)Toyota Camry/Holden Apollo (1988-1997)Subaru Liberty/Outback (1994-1998)LARGE CARS Best Performers Ford Fairlane/LTD (1998-2002)Ford Falcon BA/BF (2002-2007)Holden Statesman/Caprice (1999-2003)Holden Commodore VY/VZ (2002-2007)Holden Commodore VE (2006-2007)Worst Performers Volvo 850/S70/V70/C70 (1992-2005)Toyota Camry (1998-2002)Nissan Maxima (1990-1994)Mitsubishi Magna (1991-2003)Hyundai Sonata (1989-1997)UTES Best Performers Ford Falcon BA/BF (2003-2007)Holden Rodeo (2003-2007)Mitsubishi Triton MK (1996-2006)Nissan Navara ( 1997-2005)Toyota HiLux (2003-2007)Worst Performers Toyota 4Runner/HiLux (1989-1997)Subaru Brumby (1982-1992)Kia Ceres (1992-2000)Holden/Isuzu Rodeo/Pickup (1989-1995)Toyota HiLux (1998-2002)COMPACT 4x4s Best Performers Honda CR-V (2002-2007)Subaru Forester (1997-2002)Kia Sportage (1998-2003)Ford/Mazda Escape/Tribute (2001-2006)Nissan X-Trail (2001-2007)Worst Performers Daihatsu Rocky (1985-1998)Holden/Suzuki Drover/Sierra (1982-1999)Suzuki Vitara (1988-1998)Toyota RAV4 (1994-2000)Daihatsu Terios (1997-2005)

You can now slide behind the wheel of a new Suzuki 1.0-litre Alto hatch from $12,490 for the well-equipped five-speed manual.Suzuki Australia is pitching the newcomer right into the sub-light car segment ahead of other newcomers planned over the next 18 months.General manager, Tony Devers, has big hopes for the newcomer, saying it has the potential to help grow a new segment ahead of the arrival of the Hyundai i10, Proton Saga and entrants from China. Hyundai is keen to see how this car goes but we dont want to give too much away with our expectations, he says.But Devers is adamant the public mood is ready for the Alto. If economists are correct we could be paying $1.60 a litre for petrol by Christmas so there is an opportunity with cars like this, he says.The Alto is not only a good proposition for budget buyers, but people with an eye for economy and the environment.The car combines European style and outstanding environmental performance in terms of fuel efficiency and C02 emssions and has the potential to be a benchmark low-cost green car.The Alto is already a hit in Europe and India, where demand is exceeding supply in the well-established light-car segment. Dever says this segment will grow in importance locally as petrol prices continue to rise and consumers look to make their dollar go further.The smallest member of Suzukis range tips the scales at just 850kg and measures 3500mm in length and 1600mm in width and has a wheelbase of 2360mm. Its compact 9m turning circle is aimed at city streets.It is only marginally shorter than the Swift, which measures 3755mm long and 1690mm wide. Despite its diminutive feather-weight size, high strength steel has been used extensively to deliver a four-star crash rating.The Alto is powered by a Euro 4 compliant three-cylinder engine that develops 50kW at 6000 revs and 90Nm at 3400 revs.Its combined fuel economy figure is a hybrid-busting 4.8 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 113g/km but the engine runs on more expensive premium unleaded.Two models are available, the GL and GLX. Introductory prices start at $12,490 for the GL manual with the GLX manual $14,490. A four-speed automatic is an extra $2000.Despite its low-cost entry, the micro-Alto gets standard safety features not before seen in the light car segment. All models get six airbags, brake assist and the GLX version adds electronic stability control.The GL has air conditioning, CD stereo system with MP3 auxiliary input, remote central locking, anti-skid brakes and front electric windows. The GLX adds 14-inch alloys, foglights, a six-speaker sound system and tachometer. A full-size spare wheel is also standard.Visually the Alto adopts the look of a small hatch with a bold front grille and large headlights.The curved bonnet design and wedged-shaped body profile with a rising shoulder line along the rear door also provide a contemporary look while the steeply raked windscreen adds a sporty on-road stance.At the back the truncated rear end has large high-set tail-lights and bumper.Inside the front seats are built from the same frame as those in the SX4 and Swift. Front seats have an adjustable range of 240mm with a height adjustable drivers seat on the GLX. The rear seats split fold 50/50 with a small amount of luggage space.The six-speaker CD stereo was specifically designed for the car to wrap seamlessly around the centre console.A handy deep pocket ahead of the front seat passenger replaces the glovebox.Make One Degree of difference today by calculating your carbon footprint and finding out what you can do to reduce it.

The baby Suzuki Alto trailed a five-star pack led by the new Audi Q5 in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing but the local importer says it is not worried by the result. Instead, Suzuki Australia is banking on a four-star tick once it is crash tested locally following its launch next month. "It wasn't our car. The Australian specification car is significantly different, with six airbags as standard and ESP available on the higher-range car," says Tony Devers, general manager of Suzuki Australia. "We've done some local research and ANCAP says it is most likely to get four stars. We're very confident it will be four stars. We're looking forward to having it tested here. We're confident." Devers says it's also important to consider the car's price and its likely competition. "People say it is compared to the Hyundai i20, but it should be against the i10 and some other small cars from Europe." Even so, Euro NCAP chief Michiel van Ratingen, highlighted the areas where the Alto is lacking. "The Suzuki Alto scored three stars, its rating limited by its performance in adult occupant protection, child protection and safety assistance technologies," he says. One of the Euro-focussed babies which could be on the list of Alto rivals is the Kia Soul, which picked up a five-star award from Euro NCAP. It is costlier but also cashing-in on the funk factor with young buyers. The Soul joined the Q5, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and the Peugeot 3008, which is not planned for Australia, with the top five-star ranking. The latest Euro NCAP testing now includes pedestrian and child-occupant protection although, unlike Australia, there is no mandatory requirement for ESP stability control to qualify for a five-star score. '"At the heart of the new rating scheme is the objective to offer consumers a full picture of a car”s overall safety performance," says van Ratingen. "Many claim that the weight and size of a car is the only criteria for safety. We believe that there are other aspects of safety that are just as important. The smaller cars we tested whose results are released today show that size should not stand in the way of all-round safety.' "Euro NCAP would like to commend the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20 for their impressive pedestrian scores that not only meet current requirements, but also meet Euro NCAP's future requirements. Seats from the Kia Soul achieved a good result in the programme's whiplash testing, again revealing that it is not only larger or expensive cars that achieve impressive results in safety." EURO NCAP SCORES Five stars: Audi Q5 Honda Jazz Hyundai i20 Kia Soul Peugeot 3008 Three stars: Suzuki Alto

Downsizing is the key to fighting the world recession, according to Suzuki’s Queensland base. Keith Williams CEO of Suzuki Auto Company said the Swift had been a major success for the Queensland importer and it would be joined in July by the slightly smaller Alto, the fifth and smallest in its fleet. "We have repositioned Suzuki with the Swift and we will continue with the Alto with good build quality and features in a compact fuel economical car that is at a good price," he said. "It pulls off some of the Swift selling features and puts it into something even more affordable and green." The bug-eyed and frog-mouthed Alto, which is the A Star from India, weighs less than one tonne. It is powered by a one-litre, three-cylinder engine producing 50kW of power and 90Nm of torque, sipping fuel at 4.5L/100km and pumping out only 103g of CO2 emissions per kilometre. Williams said the city car is also good on the freeway and had impeccable green credentials with 86.9 per cent of its components recyclable and 95 per cent recoverable. It will come in S and GLX trim levels in four-speed auto and five-speed manual. Alto will also be a leader in its class on safety with Electronic Stability Program as an option and six airbags (SRS dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags and dual curtain airbags). Much of the body and chassis is made of high-tensile steel to improve occupant safety. Suzuki in Queensland is 37.8 per cent down on last year, but Williams said they were still selling well. "Suzuki (Queensland) is unique because we had a meteoric rise in sales, quadrupling in four years," he said. "The market has come off about 25 per cent but we are still doing 300 per cent better than we were four years ago. "One year it went up 172 per cent mainly because of the Swift which is still a solid performer in the market several years later. "We've come down with the market but I think we are in a good position with small cars and the new Alto this year and the Kizashi coming next year." He said the mid-sized 2.4-litre Kizashi was another example of downsizing. "It was originally planned to come with a 3-litre V6, but that's been scrapped because of worldwide downsizing," he said. Williams said Suzuki would continue to concentrate on small-capacity, fuel-miserly, petrol-powered cars, but would not rule out other "green" powertrains such as hybrid. "Never say never in the auto industry, but more probably we will move into electric cars because of our work with electric wheelchairs and electric motorcycles," he said. "We have also done a fuel cell vehicle in collaboration with GM based on the SX4." Williams said Suzuki and Honda were the only two Japanese companies to make a profit last year. "That's mainly because of our involvement in India where they sold 750,000 cars last year," he said. "I think it (the Indian market) will roll up quicker than other markets because of the number of people there."

There were a couple of late arrivals including the gorgeous new BMW Z4 sportster, as well as more details on everything from the fuel miser Suzuki Alto to the Honda Insight which was shown as a left-hand-drive concept but will soon be sold as a $30,000-something hybrid hero.One of the genuine surprises was on the GM Holden stand, but it was not the Cruze.The unexpected news was details of a couple of limited-edition showroom specials to keep the Commodore ticking along.The International pack for the Commodore sedan and Sportswagon was not a shock, because dollar deals on Australia's favourite car always go well, but the arrival of a limited-edition Senator from Holden Special Vehicles was completely unexpected.The car is priced from $69,990, which doesn't look like much of a bargain until you clock the regular Senator at $80,500.Stripping the price means dumping some stuff, including the excellent 'magnetic ride' suspension, but the mechanical package is based on the latest Clubsport and that will be more than enough for most people."Today's release of the E-Series Senator is designed to appeal to customers seeking the performance our company is renowned for in a subtle - yet identifiably HSV - package, with a very attractive price point," says the managing director of HSV, Phil Harding.Only 89 cars will be built and it still gets 317 kiloWatts and 19-inch alloy wheels. In the style of every limited-edition model the car comes with a special logo, in this case on the headrests."We think it's a good time to put some extra value into the range and the Senator should do well," says Harding.Find out more on the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show

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...  

Suzuki unveiled the third and final Kizashi 3 sports sedan concept at the show today, which previews plans Suzuki has for entering the medium passenger car segment.

A family feud has erupted over the future of Suzuki small cars in Australia.The European Splash is being pitched against the Asian Alto to decide the car that will lead a sub-$15,000 onslaught next year.Suzuki Australia is assessing the two against a strict set of local targets and is giving nothing away after the unveiling this week of the latest Alto.The new baby will go public at next month's Paris Motor Show after being set as a tease with the A-Star concept.“We'll make the decision before the Sydney Motor Show,” says Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers. “We're working through it all now and plan to announce the car in October,”Devers has already been to Hungary to see the Splash being built and is planning a similar visit to the Alto factory in India early next year.“I think we have the opportunity to create a new segment below light cars,” he says.“So we're looking at the internal space in the car, benchmark safety with curtain airbags and electronic stability control, great quality and fuel efficiency about 4.6 litres/100km.”They plan the same fuel economy as a hybrid for one-third the price.Suzuki has given no mechanical details of the Alto and Devers is also keeping quiet.But Devers believes the Alto and Splash are very close and the final decision will come down to supplies and price.“The cars will be much the same except for styling,” he says. “They are very similar in most areas.“We know the quality of both plants is fine. The Hungarian plant is already doing the Splash for Europe and the UK. It's as much about the pricing structure we can get.”He refuses to be drawn on price but it is likely to be well below the Hyundai Getz, which points to something in the low $13,000s.“We'd price it far enough away from Swift to not cannibalise sales,” he says.