Suzuki Alto 2012 News

Flares have never gone out of fashion in Japan and the annual Tokyo Auto Salon shows why.

The leaked images are from a brochure for the Maruti Celerio, the replacement for the Maruti A-Star nameplate the Alto wears in the Indian market.The car is being unveiled tomorrow at the Indian Auto Expo in New Delhi, but the brochure has been leaked online by Autoportal, showing the exterior and also specification for the new car.The five-door hatchback gets fresher looks, and has grown in some directions: the 1600mm width is the same but the 3600mm length is up 100mm, the 1560mm height is up 90mm and the 2425 wheelbase is 65mm longer.The brochure describes the newcomer as a five-seater, but with the width not having increased, it's likely Australian cars will continue as four-seaters. However luggage capacity looks to have increased from the current 110 litres to 235 litres.But not much has changed under the skin. The new car is powered by the Alto's carryover a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine,  developing 50kW and 90Nm with the options of either a five-speed manual and an automatic transmission.This will be the fourth generation of the Alto to arrive in Australia, and while local cars often add more than the spec lists of the Indian versions, the brochure shows features include wing mirrors with turn indicators (not currently on our Alto).This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Suzuki has recalled 13,216 Alto models from 2009 onwards for a heating system fault. The recall notice says the Alto’s heater blower motor may jam, causing the resistor fuse to overheat and cut out, preventing the heater from working.Suzuki Australia initially announced 10,187 Altos sold from 2009 until now will be recalled. However, Suzuki Queensland operates as a separate entity, and has only joined the recall overnight, adding 3029 cars to the tally.However not all the cars sold during that period – totalling 14,660 -- are affected, with 1444 being exempt from the recall. “It is only particular VIN (vehicle identification numbers) during that period, and we are in the process of identifying which ones,” Suzuki spokesman Andrew Ellis says. "The faulty resistors were in particular batches, while other batches were fine."The defect is not considered to be a safety risk, and Suzuki says there have been no reports of related incidents, injuries or fires. “It’s a minor recall – the fault simply means you won’t have heating in the car.  There have been no reports of fires anywhere in the world,” Ellis says. "However, it's a safety recall because it can affect the demister, and visibility is a safety issue."Suzuki says the fix will take 30 minutes, and involve the replacement of the existing resistor. “The parts are in transit now and the campaign is about to start in earnest,” Ellis says.

Suzuki boss, Tony Devers, wants it ramped up to make it more attractive to motorists."If you look at some of the countries in Europe, they had incentives of up to 5000 Euros ($7200)," he says. "The amount should really be higher. I don't think $2000 is enough to get people into these cars. It's very limiting."Devers, who has been campaigning for a similar scheme for the past 12 months, says the $2000 would disadvantage the very people it is designed to help. Many people driving around in pre-1995 vehicles may not be in a position to afford a new car, he says.Under the Gillard scheme owners of vehicles older than 25 years will be offered a $2000 rebate to switch to new, more fuel efficient vehicles. But Devers says there is little detail from the Labor Party on what constitutes a 'low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicle'."We need to see a list of eligible vehicles," he says. "At present it is lacking in detail."Gillard's rebate scheme has received lukewarm support from the car industry. Although the peak body representing the Australian automotive industry, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, has thrown its weight behind it, chief executive, Andrew McKellar, admits it is light on detail. He says it needs to be evaluated 'on a stand-alone basis'."Obviously we would need to look at the detail," McKellar says.McKellar accepts that critics will call for more effective incentives and tax breaks, rather than a $2000 rebate, to get people into greener cars."If the object is to look at what the range of policy initiatives in relation to emissions can be, then there are obviously a wide range of options and opportunities," he says. He rejects the idea that it is purely an election stunt. "We are in an election campaign, so it would be expected that there will be policies and commitments and things that will come out of left field," he says. "And this is one of those."Suzuki's Devers has been vocal in his push for a scrappage scheme. Last year he was instrumental in pushing a 'first-buyers' car scheme similar to the first homeowners' grant. It is one option he would like to see on the Labor agenda. "I still think that is viable," he says.Devers believes the Government also needs to clearly outline its green car policy, rather than reward local manufacturers for building green cars. "Where is their green car policy?" he says. "If their fair dinkum give incentives across the board."Compared to other countries and even some emerging Asian Tigers, Australia has one of the oldest carparks in the Western world. According to ABS statistics, the average age of cars in Australia is 9.9 years, with 20 per cent of registered vehicles built before 1994.However, this is still higher than other countries such as the United States (9.4 years), Europe (8 years) and Japan (6.2 years). Currently there are two million pre-1995 vehicles on Australian roads.  McKellar says many do not meet today's environmental and safety standards."A key part of any strategy to reduce carbon emissions from road transport must address the impact older cars have on the environment," he says.The FCAI also supports a bid to develop a regulated carbon dioxide emission standard for new light vehicles."The industry is confident we will reach agreement with any incoming government on the detailed structure of a new standard, including ways to recognise the uptake of emerging low emission technologies and alternative fuels," McKellar says.

Shod with new low rolling-resistance tyres, the Alto’s fuel consumption has dropped to 4.7 litres per 100km with the manual transmission, a reduction of 0.1 litre. The tyres have also reduced the bowser burn for the automatic version, which has dropped 3.9 per cent to 5.3L/100km. Suzuki says the figures are particularly impressive, given the price, because from $12,490 the Alto is nearly a third of the price of any hybrid on the Australian market. And the new fuel figures – coupled with stronger supply -- should help the Alto have a bumper sales month in July, says Suzuki Australia spokesman Andrew Ellis. “We were a bit hamstrung the month before distribution-wise” Ellis says.  “But we’re expecting our best month yet for July.

His views have the support of the peak motoring body the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.  About 30 importers in the FCAI importers group believe consumers have a right to be rewarded for going green. "It's got to be a reward basis but what those rewards are I don't know," Devers says. "It could be cheaper stamp duty or free parking in the city. If the Federal Government is keen about the environment and promoting green cars they need to show it." Devers acknowledges that he has a vested interest in the debate with the company's Alto light car being one of the lowest emitters of harmful C02 gases. "But we really need to open the discussion on this," he says. "We really need a benchmark, whether it's on fuel efficiency or emissions... perhaps anything under 130g/km in CO2 emissions." Devers also argues that Australian motorists are being denied some of the newer fuels available in Europe that lower emissions. "All this has to be put on the table and thrashed out," he says. The FCAI chief executive, Andrew McKellar, says the group is working through that process now. "We know other governments around the world use incentives and we need to look at that," he says.  The importers' push comes as the FCAI revealed this week that the average carbon dioxide emissions of Australia vehicles is now the lowest on record. The FCAI says improved engine technology has helped cut the average CO2 emissions.  The 2009 National Average Carbon Emission figure is 218.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre, down 1.8 per cent compared to the 2008 figure of 222.4 grams of CO2/km. All new cars, off-roaders, light commercials and buses up to 3.5 tonne are used to calculate the NACE figure.  The FCAI's original target was to reduce emissions from new vehicles from an average 252.4g/km in 2002 to 222g/km by the end of this year.  McKellar says the FCAI is now focused on achieving further reductions by 2015 and 2020.

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."

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...