Suzuki Alto hatchback (2009 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The Suzuki Alto is the result of a joint project with Nissan that also spawned the Nissan Pixo, and while the Suzuki’s bubbly headlamps are cuter, there’s nothing particularly interesting about the design. Black plastic wing mirrors are standard on all but top specification SZ4 cars. For a five-door hatchback it’s very compact, which makes it easy to nip in and out of tight spaces, but the sacrifice is boot space.

Our rating: 3

2. Interior

There’s real cost-cutting evident in the cabin of the Alto, from the lack of a closable glove box (replaced by a thin open shelf) to the pop-out rear windows. The steering wheel has no stereo controls and nor does it adjust for reach, regardless of specification. The indicator stalks feel flimsy and the dash plastics are hollow, scratchy and dull. There’s enough headroom for tall adults, however, and the controls are laid out simple enough to be instantly intuitive.

Our rating: 2

3. Practicality

The very best city cars, like the Fiat Panda, belie their size by offering real versatility – the Alto doesn’t. Practicality is determined by specification, too. Base level SZ2 and middle range SZ3 cars don’t get a split folding rear bench seat – only top SZ4 cars do – and nor do base versions get seat height adjustment. The door pockets are so thin as to be virtually useless. The boot is a tiny 129 litres – not big enough to swallow a buggy comfortably – and access is hindered because the parcel shelf doesn’t rise with the rear hatch.

Our rating: 2

4. Ride and handling

While the ride and handling of the Suzuki Alto are adequate, that’s all that can be said. The steering is accurate enough and the car is decent at smoothing over rough roads, although it does have a bouncy tendency at higher speed. There’s quite a lot of wind and engine noise at speed, too. The turning circle is small, which is great in busy traffic environments and tight car parks, but the steering itself could do with being a touch lighter.

Our rating: 3

5. Performance

There’s only one engine, a 1-litre petrol unit with 67bhp. It feels slow, partly because the five-speed gearbox spreads the gear ratios wide for the sake of economy, to keep the engine at low revs. Quicker driving therefore requires lots of shifting down gears, which can be frustrating, though the three-cylinder engine has a quite amusing growly sound at higher revs. The 0-62mph time is 14 seconds, though few will buy this car with any sort of performance in mind. The engine is adequate.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

The benefit of accepting adequate performance is living with 64.2mpg average fuel economy, which for a petrol engine is superb. It’s in a low car tax band and it also enjoys a very low insurance group.

Our rating: 5

7. Reliability

There’s no reason to doubt the Alto’s reliability – certainly it has not developed a reputation for mechanical or electrical gremlins. Suzuki enjoys a good reputation and as mentioned, the Alto is a joint venture with Nissan, also of excellent reliability repute.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

A three-star Euro NCAP rating is very disappointing for a modern car, even one as small as the Alto. Neck, upper body and upper leg protection in a crash was rated average, and the car was criticised because there’s no seatbelt reminder for passengers – and electronic stability programme (ESP)  is only available on top level SZ4 versions. All cars get four airbags.

Our rating: 1

9. Equipment

Basic SZ2 models get very little standard equipment (no alarm and manually adjustable wing mirrors), while at least SZ3 versions get air-con. To add ESP, alloy wheels, a split folding rear bench seat and body coloured wing mirrors it has to be SZ4 specification, at which point the car is priced on a par with more accomplished rivals like the Hyundai i10.

Our rating: 2

10. Why buy?

Because it’s cheap, although even that argument looks leaky with a glance at the specification sheet. The Suzuki Alto isn’t a bad car – it’s decent to drive and feels spacious – but it’s bettered in every area by rivals that aren’t really much more expensive.

Our rating: 2