Vehicle: 2010 Suzuki Alto 1.0 with 4-speed automatic
Price as tested: CDN$15000 (Estimated)

Performance: For such a lightweight supermini with a tiny engine, one would expect the Alto to be rough and crude. While you won’t expect the same kind of refinement as in a Lexus, the Alto’s engine is surprisingly refined given its tiny displacement. With less than 1000cc of displacement while hosting 12 valves in a 3-cylinder powerplant, the Alto has 67 ponies and 75 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. Yes, its slow at pick up while mid-range is adequate and top end is breathless. The throttle response is quick enough for a city car. It is very much a pleasant surprise given the low admission price point. Our tester comes with a 4-speed automatic. As one would expect from a city car, don’t expect paddle shifters come as standard with this automatic. On the other hand, Suzuki has set a very low gear ratiio for 1st gear for good acceleration. 2nd and 3rd gears keep this little mill on full boil, 4th makes Alto rides acceptably on higher speed. Better yet, this kind of supermini deserves a proper 5-speed manual gearbox to fully utilizes its engine performance.

Handling: With Alto’s simple underpinnings as it rides on rear coil springs, it rides and handles surprisingly well. There are plenty of body rolls when pushed due to its narrow 14″ tires and soft suspension. The reason for the soft suspension is because of the origin of this car. Its primarily engineered for the rough surface on Indian roads. While its softly sprung, it doesn’t mean the Alto doesn’t handle competently. The steering feel and feedback are decent, while providing good response. However, the turn-in feels numb and dead. Understeer is well expected in such case.

Brakes: With front discs and rear drums, Alto’s pedal feel is more than acceptable. The stopping distance is short and linear. Unfortunately, ABS isn’t available even as an option.

Interior: With the rear seats fold down, Alto has more than enough cargo space given its tiny physical dimension.

The rear legroom and headroom are surprisingly roomy, once again, given its physical dimensions. Just don’t put three persons at the back except you want to punish the one in the middle.

On the front, Alto has all the features one expects from a supermini. Everything from air conditioning to a well-made velour seats are much better than expected given its price range.

Conclusion: The Alto really shown why Suzuki is such a force to be reckon with in Asian market, as it has done eveything else reasonably well without leaving anything disappointed. The icing on the cake is how well-made given the price point.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Suzuki Alto
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3/5