World premiere of new Suzuki Alto

Oct 2 2008 Steve Hughes

World premiere of new Suzuki Alto

LOOKING remarkably like the new Ford Ka in another car company's clothing comes the new Suzuki Alto.

The Japanese manufacturer describes the newcomer as the fifth and smallest member of its line-up of world strategic models.

Suzuki says it aims to attract 60,000 buyers a year in Europe, beginning next spring.

The cabin layout gives most of the limited space to the front seats but still provides enough room for two adults in the rear, albeit at a pinch.

There is also a small amount of luggage space behind the rear seats, which can be folded flat to increase the cargo area further.

The car's length is 3,500mm, the width is 1,600mm and the height is 1,470mm with a wheelbase of 2,360mm.

Power comes courtesy of a three-cylinder 1.0-litre 68bhp petrol engine to give combined economy of 62mpg and a CO2 figure of 103g/km with acceleration to 60mph in 14 seconds and a top speed of 95mph.

There will be the option of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags plus electronic stability programme.

Suzuki says that prices will be announced nearer to the Alto's arrival here next March.