Suzuki Malaysia Launches New Sub-Compact – The Alto

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd has just introduced a the new sub-compact, dubbed the Alto to add another notch to the current Suzuki models available here in Malaysia.

This CBU 1.0L was designed with style, comfort, practicality and not to mention performance in mind. The Alto’s 1.0L three-piston K10B engine boasts 67bhp with 90Nm of torque and it’s kerb weight lies between 880kg (Manual Transmission) – 915kg (Auto Transmission).

Though it was bred with singles, couples and families in-mind, this little city run-around sub-compact will definitely catch the eye of the single female in particular. It’s cute looks, accentuated by the bulging headlights, add to the cutesy factor and having the Alto’s name meaning a low female singing voice will be hard to go unnoticed by 90% of the world’s female population.

The K10B engine won the Most Fuel Efficient Car in the Global Green marathon 2009 in New Zealand and 2nd Most Environmentally Friendly Car in the World by Verlehrsclub Germany in 2009.

The body of the Alto has undergone substantial wind-tunnel testing, achieving a 0.3 Coefficient of Drag, (The lower the figure the easier it cuts through air). For comparison, the Toyota Prius has a drag coefficient of 0.26, which adds to its ability to provide great mileage.

A gated-shifter is found in this little Alto, which can also be found in its larger 1.5L Suzuki Swift brethren, featuring a 4-speed auto transmission. Also available is a 5-speed manual shifter.

The Alto has a well-built and sturdy air about it because the body panels have been unerringly placed and the engine hood seamlessly comes together with the front front-grill.

Though the Alto lacks electrically adjustable external rear-view mirrors, the existence of ABS, passenger and driver airbags as well as electronic-brake distribution (EBD) can be found in the higher-end GLX variant.

Not to mention, the Alto’s chassis has Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept for occupant protection via crushable structures that absorb impact energy away from occupants with the support of strong cabin structure and frame members and the trim on the pillars and roof side rails has a shock absorbing structure that mitigates severe head impact. Now how can anyone place greater value over safety?

However, new owners might need to take some precautions when closing the boot, because it will carry some momentum on the down-swing, thereby leaving those in the cabin to cringe as the boot closes. Side-door stowage is rather narrow and limited, and the glove compartment at the passenger-side could do with a closure system to prevent against prying eyes.

The GA variant, only comes with a manual transmission, however, both the GLX and GLS variant comes with an auto-transmission and which should also be the main sellers for the Alto. Pricing for the Alto starts at RM46,241.20, RM54,371.20 and RM56,501.20 respectively (OTR).

With major manufacturers already looking to down-size their engine capacities and adding turbos to it, we can only hope such a variant touches our Malaysian shores, because the dash-mounted tachometer certainly spurs the uninhibited to surface. Should this happen, perhaps Suzuki Malaysia could call this male-skewed variant, the ‘Bass’?