Suzuki Reviews

A little burble from the exhaust system, go-kart-like handling, the wind in your hair and a clean set of heels at the lights... that is what many office-bound men and women live for.

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Twenty kilometres on the worst bitumen road I have driven in 20 years has won me on the Suzuki Kizashi. Until we hit the horror strip on the haul to Warwick in Queensland I am using words like cute, nice, safe, sensible and refined to describe the Kizashi. With a special mention for a $27,990 starting price.As we emerge from the nastiness, and a road that would run an Audi A4 ragged, my Kizashi vocabulary has switched to composed, refined, impressive, enjoyable and - wait for it - brilliant. The turnaround happens as quickly as one evil, nasty corner that would turn most cars into a bucking bronco. The Kizashi crushes it and, even though the rear suspension bottoms heavily, there is no lasting damage of any sort.My passenger and I are both smiling, and things get better with every kilometre. This is a big surprise because Suzuki is moving into unknown and uncharted territory with the Kizashi, its first mid-sized car and one that must compete with the Honda Euro and Mazda6 and perhaps even the Audi A4.Suzuki made its name with grotty little 660cc city runabouts. It produces them in vast numbers, even badging them for Mazda and Nissan. It began its move upmarket with the impressive Swift, a Carsguide Car of the Year winner, and continued with the latest Grand Vitara. The SX4 is alright, but not in the same class.Now it has the Kizashi, a safe but smooth design with impressive quality in every area. And, as I discover on the track to Warwick, world-class steering, suspension and noise control. The car has been developed over more than four years and, despite losing some of the sensational styling of Kizashi concept cars, it is an impressive job. But it needs to be good because Kizashi is up against tough rivals and has no history or reputation to help it."Kizashi is a car we have all been looking forward since the Frankfurt Show in 2007. It is a car that is immensely important for Australia. We are confident it will re-define the Suzuki brand here in Australia," says Tak Hayasaki, managing director of Suzuki Australia. His crew has laid the ground for Kizashi with everything from the Swift to an $80 million upgrade of dealer facilities, even if the first-year sales forecast is a conservative 3000 cars.DRIVETRAINS AND PRICINGThe basics for the Kizashi are the medium-class body, a 2.4-litre four- cylinder engine, six speed manual and six-speed CVT automatic transmissions, and plenty of standard equipment. There are only two models, the XL and XLS. The XL is well equipped with keyless entry and start, six airbags, ESP and anti-skid brakes, 17-inch alloys and dual-zone aircon. The XLS picks up everything plus leather seats and sunroof.Pricing is $27,990 and $30,490 for the XL or $34,990 and $37,990 for the XLS. "Only the entry-level Mazda6 Limited has a lower retail price. It's patently clear which vehicle has better value," says Tony Devers, general manager of Suzuki Australia.DRIVINGThe Kizashi is a good looking car and the quality is first-rate, but I wonder at first about the size. Looks are deceiving with such short overhangs, but the boot is good and there is Euro-sized space for four adults in the cabin. It's easy to find a comfy driving position but taller drivers - and ones not much over 180 centimetres - report restricted headroom in the XLS. Suzuki is investigating making the sunroof an option, not standard.The car is quiet, the six-speed manual gearshift is slick, and the CVT does not produce the annoying engine roar of some rivals, while the car will obviously do good economy numbers. It undercuts the Mazda6 and Suzuki also touts regular unleaded.The 2.4-litre engine is smooth but lacking any real mid-range punch, which is a shortcoming when you have a few people on board. But a V6, a future engine choice, would likely make the car heavy in the noise and upset the ride and handling. And that's where the Kizashi is a real winner, cashing-in the development work done at the Nurburgring.The steering is sharp and responsive, the car is neutral at all speeds in all types of corners, and the way the suspension absorbs bumps is - that word again - nothing short of brilliant. When you look at the car's value, and the quality of the engineering, the only shortcoming is the Suzuki badge. It's not that a Suzuki is bad, just that no-one will expect a car like the Kizashi in the mid- sized ruck.If the latest Honda Euro or Mazda6 were as capable as the Kizashi they would re-write the rules for mid-sized motoring; just as they did when they hit as the first Euro-Jap mid-sized contenders. How good is the Kizashi? I'm certain it will make the shortlist for the Carsguide Car of the Year award in 2010.

SUZUKI ALTO GLXNeil McDonald"IT'S almost cheap enough to put on a credit card."  So chirps a forthright female friend when I mentioned that the Alto costs just $11,790 for the starter GL model.  She did cringe when I pulled up to head out on the town though, expecting something larger than our modest Alto.  But as she settled in, elbow to elbow, the little Suzie won her over with its bright red paint scheme and bug-eyed headlights.As it whipped through inner city traffic she was even more startled by the quality of its ride, composure and zip.  Most people who have driven or been ferried around in Suzuki's little car warm to it. It is winning over friends everywhere.There are two reasons why — fuel economy and ease of parking.  The five-speed manual Alto sips fuel at the rate of 4.8 litres of petrol every 100km, allowing a reasonable range from its 35-litre tank before you have to duck into a servo.It's the ideal city car. The diminutive 1.0-litre three-cylinder is surprisingly capable around town and the five-speed is a breeze.  Being a three-cylinder it does tend to throb like a heartbeat at idle but this quirky characteristic only adds to its charm.But where it does come into its own is crowded supermarket carparks.  You can manoeuvre the Alto into the tiniest spaces, duck in to grab the groceries and be on your way while some drivers are still reversing their juggernaut off-roaders into place.The $12,490 GLX manual we drove has a few tasty must-haves like electronic stability control but also nice alloys, foglights, tachmeter, four-speaker stereo and height-adjustable driver's seat.  The only thing we really thought is missing from the spec sheet is electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.However, adjusting the passenger's mirror is reasonably easy because the car's so compact.The GLX has all the goodies but even the base GL does not skimp.  It comes with six airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, CD stereo with MP3 input and remote central locking.  What really surprises people about the Alto is its big-car like ride. The suspension is firm but rides the bumps well and the steering is direct and well-weighted. The front seats too, which are based on those in the bigger Swift, are comfy.Small children will fit in the back but it is tight for adults. Likewise the boot is relatively small. One person we know who owns one keeps the rear seats flipped forward all the time to carry gear.  Since it went on sale 10 months ago Suzuki Australia has been struggling to keep up with demand.  We can understand why.Suzuki Alto GLXPrice: From $11,790 (GL)Engine: 1.0 litresEconomy: 4.5 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front and side head airbags, four-speaker CD stereo, anti-skid brakes, electronic stability control, air conditioning, electric windowsTick: Compact size makes parking a breezeCross: Lack of electrically adjustable exterior mirrorsKIA RIONathan MawbyONCE upon a time 'cheap and cheerful' meant a Datsun 120Y with a smiley face painted on.  Thankfully a few decades on the Kia Rio is in the picture.You could go for the ultra cheap base model for $12,990.  Spring for the four speed auto for about $17,400 drive away and you'll be a lot more cheerful than those who cheaped out on a base model when you inevitably get stuck in traffic.But the Rio doesn't stop at being cheap, it goes out of its way to save you money.  Even with the 1.6L four cylinder engine (there's also a 1.4L) speeding tickets will be the last thing on your mind.That's because you'll start to feel sorry for it at around 6000 RPM. At which point you'll be doing between 40 and 50km/h.  It can handle 100km/h, just give it a little time to get there and don't be shy about putting the foot down on hills. But you're not buying a cheap car to break the sound barrier.  If you're bound and determined to do so you could try driving it off something very, very tall — but that would void the Rio's five year unlimited kilometres warranty.  For your safety and that of others, do not do this.The flip side of a small engine is saving money on petrol, with a fuel economy of 6.8L/100km who's going to argue?  The Rio is going to suit those who want a car to go from A to B, and it ranges from average to brilliant on this front.  Handling in tight spaces, like shopping plaza car parks, is an example of the latter.Combine the responsive steering with its compact size and you can look forward to finally getting that Holy Grail car park near the doors. You know the one, it's between the two poles with paint scrapings at about the same height as the rear bumper of an over-ambitious four-wheel drive.But when you're finished bargain hunting with all the money you've saved buying a cheap car the small size will come back to haunt you as the tiny boot mocks any attempt to squeeze your new 42" plasma into it.   Add some groceries, a few bags of clothes and you'll be inching the front seats forward before coughing up bus fare for your passengers.On the plus side that means you'll be able to choose what you listen to on the way home.  Which is important when you've got a set of Tweeter speakers hooked up to an equalizer that tailors the cars sound system to your favourite tunes.A blue tooth system and iPod and mp3 connectivity will also help steer young drivers away from using their phone or iPod. A potentially life saving feature.But with a base model ANCAP rating of three stars you may feel like you're putting your bank balance ahead of your life.First car buyers on a budget and retirees looking to down size will appreciate a lot of what the Rio has to offer — just avoid freeways.Kia RioPrice: From $14,990Engine: 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre (please check with Nathan)Economy: 6.7 litres/100km, 6.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front airbags, four-speaker CD stereo, power steering, air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking.Likes: Industrial strength heating, headroom and vision, particularly side mirrors,Dislikes: Lack of power, uninspired exterior, poor use of interior space, particularly the bootFORD FIESTAFiona HudsonFIRST, an admission: there's quite a few unworn items hanging forlornly up one end of my wardrobe, sale tags still attached.  Pristine pieces include a shirt bought at such a discount that burnt-orange and brown stripes seemed an attractive combo, and jeans so cheap I kidded myself dropping two sizes would be easy.Yep, I'm a total sucker for a bargain.  So a declaration I was absolutely smitten with the Ford Fiesta CL prompted knowing nods from my partner who assumed its low price colored my judgement.There's no disputing this little ripper is value for money. The base model includes air-conditioning, CD sound system, power steering, electric windows, two airbags, anti-skid brakes and remote locking (check!).More importantly though, the Fiesta is a great drive.  The peppy 1.6-litre engine made buzzing around inner-city op shops and vintage stores even more of a joy than usual.  It accelerates brilliantly, corners neatly, and has a particularly nifty gearbox.  It's slim shape slips into the squeeziest of parking spots, making me wish I could do the same in those useless skinny jeans! There's a bit of a blind spot when reversing though.Thoughtful touches such as parking and interior lights that illuminate when you unlock it add to the impression of safety — great for women out late on their own.  As well as being practical, this beauty is more stylish than its boxy competitors, with modern curves inside and out.The dashboard is perhaps a bit too space-age  — I struggled to figure out the radio toggle and an off-putting sprawl of other buttons, but GenY would probably get it.  The cheap fabric seat coverings and some plastic fittings on the trim are minor quibbles, though by no means deal-breakers.There's absolutely no danger this little number will sit unloved in the driveway of any bargain hunter — even if you do opt for the rather hideous metallic lime green color they call "Squeeze".Ford Fiesta CLPrice: From $16,090 (three-door)Engine: 1.6-litreEconomy: 6.1 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual airbags, four-speaker CD stereo with MP3 capability, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windowsPROTON S16Kathryn FirkinI SUPPOSE it's easy to be impressed when you start with rock bottom expectations, but this car has definitely surprised me.  It's hard not to feel underwhelmed when you're told you'll be testing Australia's cheapest car, but from the get go the Proton S16 has been a winner.The lack of luxuries aside — because let's face it, there are none — this car is great to drive.  It's a lovely change driving off in a new car without feeling like you first need to read a manual.  Everything is simple and easy to use, and there are no nasty surprises.The car comes with power steering and is easy to handle.  Ducking in and out of busy city traffic is a breeze, and even the horn is surprisingly powerful.Space inside the car is also impressive.  Unlike many of its cheap counterparts, the Proton S16 won't cause too many cramped legs, or cause squabbles over who gets to ride in the front passenger seat.Having said that, you probably also won't have friends cue up to go for a ride with you.  It's also unlikely to raise your social status, impress prospective dates, or intimidate that jerk who cut you off.The car has character, despite being basic.  I even found myself giggling when I discovered I had to use a key to open the boot — very old school.It's biggest downside is the single driver's side airbag.  Unfortunately that's a pretty big downside in my books.  Another shortcoming is the sound quality of the stereo.  With just two speakers, music lovers will be wanting to upgrade their stereos straight away — or risk listening to tinny, faint tunes.There is no automatic version of the Proton S16 yet, although that's coming this year.  But while shifting between first and second gears in bumper traffic is not always a joy, you'll be surprised how quickly you move through the five gears on an open road.For a small — and cheap — car, the Proton S16 is surprisingly powerful and reaches 100km/h relatively effortlessly.  It is also fairly fuel efficient, with an economy of 6.3L/100km.  The bargain price tag means you probably also won't have too many concerns squeezing into tight parking spaces, or navigating hectic shopping centre carparks.So should you buy one?  As a basic, daily commuter car the Proton S16 is great value.  As a family car, or people mover, the safety features on this car are not really good enough.Proton S16Price: From $11,990Engine: 1.6-litreEconomy: 6.0 litres/100kmFeatures: Driver's airbag, two-speaker CD stereo, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking with immobiliser and alarm, rear parking sensorsProton S16Price: From $11,990Engine: 1.6-litreEconomy: 6.0 litres/100kmFeatures: Driver's airbag, two-speaker CD stereo, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking with immobiliser and alarm, rear parking sensors

The Japanese brand is so committed to its new Kizashi that it will pay the cash bounty to anyone who drives it, then buys a rival car.  The offer could cost Suzuki Australia as much as $20,000 and it is likely to be paying some shoppers, as its list of rivals runs to classy contenders including the Audi A4, Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro and Volkswagen Jetta."This shows the confidence we have in Kizashi. We're prepared to put our money behind it," says Tony Devers, general manager of Suzuki Australia.  "You have to remember that they will be spending somewhere between $30,000 and $60,000 to get our $200, and they also have to drive the Kizashi first. Once they do that, and see the starting price, we're very confident which way they will go."The bottom line for the 2.4-litre Kizashi is $27,990 with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to $37,990 for the XLS flagship with a constantly-variable transmission.  The car is a big step up for Suzuki, which sells the vast majority of its two-million annual production as tiny city runabouts in Japan and India.Suzuki says it is mid-sized, despite tight overall dimensions, and has five-star safety as well as standard equipment running to 17-inch alloy wheels, remote locking and start, and a four-way adjustable steering column. The XLS upgrade comes with an electric driver's seat, 18-inch alloys, parking assist, HID headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, and a punchy Rockford-Fosgate sound system.Safety is claimed at five-star level thanks to six airbags across the range, as well as anti-skid brakes, ESP stability control and a very rigid body.  Mechanically, the car has an engine with 131kW/230Nm, four-wheel disc brakes and fully-independent suspension with front MacPherson struts and a multi-link setup in the tail.Suzuki teaser the Kizashi campaign with three concept cars and, although the production sedan is far more conservative, it's still a car which should change the perception of the brand.  "We are confident this vehicle will redefine the Suzuki brand worldwide. We now have cars to suit customers at every stage of their lifestyle," says Masaaki Kato, Oceania marketing manager.DrivingThe Kizashi is a fine car.  It's well up to the standard set by Suzuki with everything from the Swift to the Grand Vitara and is likely to make the Car of the Year shortlist for 2010. It also continues a European-style focus on the real strengths of a car, from a rigid chassis to compliant suspension and a cockpit built around the driver.Quality is good in the Kizashi, performance is acceptable for the class, and the suspension is excellent.  The car feels a touch too cramped in the cabin to qualify as a genuine mid-sized contender - and go up against family cars like the Toyota Camry - but it will be fine for couples who want a car with class and driving enjoyment. And there is space in the back seat for a couple of kids.Both Kizashi models drive well and are well equipped, right down to fully-trimmed gloveboxes and a thumping sound system in the XLS. The standard sunroof in the luxury car steals a bit of headroom, though, for anyone over about 175 centimetres tall.The six-speed manual gearbox has a slick shift and good ratios while the CVT auto is enjoyable to use and is programmed so there is none of the excess noise or flaring from similar units in other brands.  The engine could use a bit more torque for overtaking punch but is quiet and very smooth, with good economy.It is going to take Suzuki a while to get the Kizashi established and moving, but the basics are right and it deserves to succeed.

The Suzuki SX4 has a lot appeal but that quickly wanes once you cut through the rather attractive facade.  This model, which basically replaced the old Liana and sits one rung above the highly-successful Swift, is a chunky five-door family hatch with all-wheel drive and a decent 2-litre engine. So it has all the

And just sometimes, you can get it all and still hear the reassuring sounds of change rattling in your pocket.  Small cars don't have to be cheap and nasty or even perform like an asthmatic snail in a bid to maximise fuel economy. Nor do they have to be cramped or have the visual appeal of a packing crate that instantly identifies you as cheap.  Here are five small cars that will haul you and three friends - and do it on a miserly fuel budget.The good news is they're all less than $30,000. And that includes comprehensive safety features with electronic stability control and ABS brakes.  But best of all, turn up the wick and these things will give you a decent thrill.  Two are turbocharged and one has a 2.5-litre engine. No need to be red-faced at the traffic lights in these.Mitsubishi Colt RalliartThis looks like a small apartment block sitting on a cute set of alloys. In fact, it's a powerhouse that will dust of a lot of cars with twice the engine capacity and has room for four adults, parks in weeny car bays, runs on a sip of fuel - though you'll need premium brand - and is the perfect shopping trolley for people who like their food fast.Price: $25,740Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.7 l/100km premiumPerformance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 secSafety: two airbags, ESC, ABS, BAVolkswagen Polo GTIThis baby sister of the Golf GTI quickly gets off the mark thanks to some component sharing and a 1.8-litre turbo engine. It comes only as a three door so may limit those with heaps of friends, though certainly looks as good as it goes. Solid German construction and versatile interior add to its appeal.Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.9 l/100km Premium0-100km/h: 8.2 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, diff lockFord Fiesta ZetecYou can get this in three and five-door versions (extra money for the five door) and while it's not turbocharged, is a spirited performer with lots of aesthetic charm. It's an easy hatchback to live with and aside from a small fuel thirst, runs on cheaper unleaded petrol. Comprehensive safety features show you care for your friends.Price: $20,490Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 88kW/152NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.1 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.2 sec (estimated)Safety: 5 airbags, ESC, ABS, BASuzuki Swift SportYou know the Swift, now meet its more beefed up brother. The Sport is unassuming though gets a bigger engine and tauter suspension to accentuate its handling and acceleration. That makes it as practical and reliable as its less-powerful relations. Also has great features and the full safety package.Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.5 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.8 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BAMazda3 SP25This is a great package at a superb price. The SP25 just takes the refreshed Mazda3 to another level, boosting power and torque yet not crushing attributes such as its fuel economy. The features are also excellent as is the safety equipment. It's physically bigger than its rivals here and that means more cabin and luggage room, so it never feels like a small car.Price: $29,740Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl 122kW/227NmTransmission: 6-speed manualFuel economy: 8.6 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 7.9 sec (estimated)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BA

When I was a kid we used to play a game to while away the hours of long, boring road trips called Spotto.  Think of it as a version of the better known I Spy. The aim was to be the first to spot number plates starting with a certain letter, or an orange car or a driver wearing a hat. You get the picture.There's a modern-day version: trying to guess where a car is made. It's not an easy game to play. Australia now imports vehicles from at least 27 countries.  Some are bleedin' obvious like Japan, France and Sweden. But try China, Turkey, Spain, Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and Brazil and you get an idea of just how global we have become in our car tastes.Which neatly brings me to Suzukis Alto, the pint-sized hatch which is cheap and cheerful and affordable to run? No, its not made in Japan, but India.  Small car specialist Suzuki has neatly shoe-horned the Alto into the light car market, one of the fiercest battlegrounds where car sales are won or lost on price.While there's a bevy of cars that sell for under $20,000, there are six that break the $15,000 barrier. The Alto has the honour of being Australia's cheapest car for now at $12,490. Other cheapies are Hyundai's Getz and Proton's Savvy ($13,990), Holdens Barina ($14,790) and Kia's Rio and Protons Satria ($14,990). Some offer drive-away or special deals so pricing is a guide only.Suzuki's claim to fame as being the cheapest will soon be shot down by Proton whose S16 sedan will be priced at $11,990 drive-away when it goes on sale next month.  So it is no surprise to see Suzuki fighting hard to get the Alto name up front in the marketplace. The company recently entered the micro in the Global Green Challenge, a gruelling 3000km fuel economy run from Darwin to Adelaide.Where at one point it returned a remarkable 2l/100km and the whole journey, according to Suzuki, cost less than $160. That's getting down to the figures you would expect to see in a hybrid. Amazing stuff. Fit-out and equipmentSo is the Alto, for the price, cheap and nasty transport? Far from it, but the little hatch is built to a price point so it's no surprise so find plenty of hard plastic in the cabin. It's a small car so back seat leg room is compromised and the seats are lacking in support.Standard kit is a bit of an odd mix. You get manual door mirrors (and I can't remember the last time I drove a car with those) but Suzuki wisely has ticked the boxes for most of the desirable stuff like air conditioning, central locking and power windows.You get power steering, disc brakes up front and old fashioned drums in the rear and a basic suspension design.  The entry $12,490 GL model gets steel wheels, remote central locking, electric front windows, air conditioning, two-speaker CD audio with MP3 input, abundant cup holders and storage bins, split folding back seat and luggage load cover.On the safety front, there are six airbags, two child seat anchorages, anti-lock brakes and an engine immobiliser.  Spend two grand more for the GLX and you add alloy wheels, fog lamps, tacho (an odd looking thing stuck on the dashboard like an after thought), four-speaker audio, height adjustment for the driver's seat and stability and traction control.DrivetrainThe Alto is powered by a buzzy three cylinder (yes, they still make them) 1-litre engine which is good for 50kW and 90Nm of torque. The numbers, on paper, should mean the performance is handicapped but Suzuki has been quite clever with gear ratios for both the five-speed manual and four-speed auto to provide the best fuel economy while still retaining some zip.The Alto only has a 35-litre fuel tank, but with a claimed fuel consumption of under 5.5l/100km it is going to win many friends who are looking for cheap city transport.DrivingBeing a triple-pot, the four-seater Alto shows all the vices of the design — the out of balance engine design shakes at idle, there's a ample torque steer through the front wheels and it sounds like a sewing machine.Steep hills will catch it out, the steering is overly light, the abundant plastic in the cabin feels cheap and the engine is just adequate.  But don't let that put you off. This is basic motoring at its best. Cute design, reasonably comfortable, superbly fuel efficient, practical and cheap. What more do you want for the money. 

More than a few years ago I was earning extra cash delivering pizzas in the Adelaide hills. The trials and tribulations of that career were punctuated with use and abuse of a Suzuki two-door hatch.It was an odd choice given the hilly terrain of the Blackwood/Belair area, but we persisted with its use, which regularly involved service work and more part replacements than was close to ideal, according to our boss.  It was bent, battered, bruised and butchered but it survived despite several major attempts to kill it, with the odd thrum of three-cylinder a key part of the ‘Pizza Burner's’ charm.Fast-forward nearly three decades - there's another grey hair - and we're zipping around the suburbs in Suzuki's new Indian-built Alto and there's a striking similarity in engine noise.  The three-cylinder runs like it's about to stall, but it doesn't - although there's the constant fear that it will and some inattentive SUV driver will use the Alto as a launching ramp.  We're sampling both the GLX auto - which gets the tachometer, among other things - and the GL base-model,which has a speedo only.DrivetrainIt's been quite a while since I've driven a car without a tachometer, but you're never in danger of hitting a rev limiter.  The three-cylinder strains vainly but you just can't get punish it that much - this little car is an honest machine.The automatic needs to be shifted manually for anything other than sedentary pace, but given a bit of welly it gets along without too many issues.  The manual can be stirred along a little easier, as well as not paying a weight penalty - the car with the clutch pedal is easier to punt through traffic and its diminutive size means gaps meant for a motorbike are fair game in an Alto. But you'll need to be good at reading traffic flow to take advantage of them.EconomyIt is economical, claiming around four or five litres per 100km for the combined-cycle fuel economy figure (depending on the gearbox), but the manual returned 3.9 litres per 100km during the recent Global Green Challenge, with a frugal two litres per 100km during the Adelaide city stage at the event's conclusion.EquipmentWhen you're talking sub-$20,000 the features list isn't going to have massaging seats and radar cruise control.  The standard features list includes 14in steel wheels, manually-adjustable exterior mirrors, front power windows, air conditioning, a CD sound system with MP3 auxiliary input, remote central locking, dual front, side and curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes.The GLX gets fog lamps on the front, body-coloured mirrors, 14in alloys, the aforementioned tacho, four extra speakers for the sound system (which doesn't help it much), a height adjuster for the driver's side seat and stability control.Road abilityThe road manners are decent - for a shopping trolley - which means its ride quality is decent but there's not masses of prowess in the handling department.Mind you, it isn't meant to out-corner a Mazda MX-5 - and it won't, just for the record.  It can lean a bit and will run wide, but most city running isn't going to stretch its talents too far.I even picked up a pizza in it, turning for home and almost reverted to the ‘30-minutes or die’ that was the unofficial mantra way back then. Almost.  The light car segment is one that is getting more competitive and Suzuki's reputation for solid machinery should get a decent chunk of the market. 

High school leavers are now facing one of the most important, daunting, yet exciting decisions of their life in buying their first car.There are so many factors to think about: price, safety, economy, running costs, vehicle age, insurance; all on limited funds and with limited knowledge about cars, and finance.To most young people, the most important thing is probably looks. After all, you don't want to be spotted by all your mates in a white Camry in the drive-through at Maccas. And who can blame you? That's why so many young people buy old grey-import Sylvias instead of Camrys. It's because they are red, they look fast and they were featured in one of the Fast and Furious movies.However, often the car ends up spending most of its time being repaired, waiting on a part to come from Japan or simply getting it to start, steer and stop. But is used the way to go? There are many small new cars on the market from as low as $13,990 which have the latest modern safety features, plus advantages of new car warranties.The best three tips we can give you are: research, research and more research. Young buyers can start by looking at classified ads on the internet and in newspapers. Comparisons will give the buyer a good feel for the true price of a car. You should work out what you need in a car even before you start looking for one.There are choices people can make when buying a new vehicle that may significantly reduce their risk of injury and theft and can even result in savings when it comes to car insurance.What you can expect for your money Young buyers are usually on a fairly limited budget. That will reduce the number of cars available.RACQ technical officer Russell Manning advises what you can expect for your money on used cars.$3000 to $5000 Few dealers operate in this segment, so look to private sales, and all the potential problems that come with them.There are no stand-outs in this segment.Buy the best you can find for the money.Steer clear of unusual, unpopular and modified vehicles, as they're more likely to cost more to keep on the road. Expect to be mainly looking at vehicles from the mid '80s.$5000 to $7500 Many dealers specialise in this bracket.Look for cars that are popular and have a good reputation, for example early 1990s Corolla, Pulsar, Lancer for small cars, and Commodore, Falcon, Camry for large cars.Anything in this bracket is likely to have travelled big distances, so look carefully.Bigger, less fuel-efficient cars are less popular these days and, depending on your circumstances, may be a good buy.Larger cars are often more durable.$7500 to $10,000 There'll be no shortage of cars in this bracket.Expect to see cars from the mid to late '90s.Again, large cars should be attractively priced due to fuel prices, but you'll also find a range of quality Japanese small vehicles and plenty from Korean makers.Take your time selecting and pick the best your money will buy.$10,000 to $12,000 There should be no difficulty finding a quality used car in this range. There will be plenty of Commodores, Falcons, Camrys and Magnas, as well as the full range of mid and small-sized cars from the late '90s.Consider putting in a few thousand dollars more and moving into an attractively priced new small car.New cars to $15,000 All these are in the light car category. And it can pay to see if you can pick up a dealer demonstration model with very low kilometres to save a little money.Hyundai's Getz is a great little car from $12,990, and the Getz Protectz pack costs an extra $1290 but includes electronic stability program, traction control system and front seat side thorax airbags, for $1290.Suzuki Alto 1.0-litre starts at $14,990 – although we’ve seen it advertised lower than that.Holden Barina 1.6-litre three-door hatch costs from around $13,690.Kia’s Rio 1.4-litre five-door hatch often costs less than $14,000.Tips 1. Buy the type, make and model of car that best suits your needs and your pocket.2. Always have a used vehicle inspected by a qualified person.3. Don’t rush to buy your car as you may regret it.4. Ignore any promise, warranty or guarantee that isn’t in writing or that is conditional in any way.5. Don’t forget the REVS certificate.6. Never sign any contract or document until it is complete and you understand it.7. Always get a copy of any contract you sign and a copy of the safety certificate.8. Obtain reliable finance before you purchase your car.9. Insure the car with a reputable company.