Suzuki Alto

Engine and gearbox

Suzuki Pakistan’s own Alto page does not publish engine figures. Independent listings describe a 658cc three-cylinder petrol engine making about 39 hp and 56 Nm, driving the front wheels. The entry VXR comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the VXR-AGS and VXL-AGS use AGS (Auto Gear Shift). AGS is an automated manual: you get two-pedal driving like an automatic, but the gearbox underneath is a manual whose clutch and shifts are worked by the car. Suzuki highlights AGS and the instrument panel information display as key features, but it does not publish an official fuel-economy figure.

Size and practicality

The Alto is built for crowded city streets. Published listings give it a length of about 3,395 mm, a width of about 1,475 mm, a 27-litre fuel tank and seating for four. Suzuki lists boot space as a key feature, though no litre figure appears on the official page. Inside, there is a glove box lid, an under-tray in the centre of the dashboard and an accessory socket. Four colours are offered: Solid White, Mineral Grey, Silky Silver and Super Black.

Equipment by variant

All three variants share the same safety list: dual front airbags, ABS, front disc brakes, Hill Hold Control, ISOFIX lower anchors, an immobilizer, rear child locks, a seat-belt reminder with lamp and buzzer, a driver-side window pinch guard and a dual pretensioner on the driver’s seat belt. Comfort equipment is also common to every variant: air conditioning with a heater and dial-type controls, power steering, power windows front and rear, central locking, keyless entry and a security system. The one equipment difference on the official list is audio. The VXR and VXR-AGS have a 2-DIN audio unit, while the VXL-AGS has a touchscreen. All variants get two front speakers.

Warranty

The official Alto page and price list do not state warranty terms, so confirm coverage with your Suzuki dealer before you book.

Which variant to buy

The VXR at Rs 2,994,861 is the cheapest new Suzuki car you can buy, and it already has two airbags, ABS and four power windows. The VXR-AGS costs Rs 171,619 more. In our opinion it is the best choice for most buyers in heavy city traffic, because the automated gearbox removes clutch work in stop-and-go driving. The VXL-AGS adds only the touchscreen for another Rs 159,966, so we think it is worth it only if the bigger screen matters to you.