The Alto reflects an uncompromising approach to aerodynamic efficiency. Computerized flow simulations early in the development programme were followed by extensive wind-tunnel testing of scale models. The shape of the body and the shapes of parts such as the outside door mirrors reflect Suzuki’s pursuit of superior aerodynamic performance, and they’re complemented by airflow-optimizing airdams and wheel deflectors on the underside of the body. A resulting drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.30 (as measured by Suzuki) promotes fuel efficiency and helps to keep CO2 emissions low.

The main goal of downsizing with the Alto was lightness, which translates into fuel savings and concomitantly low CO2 emissions. As well as adopting small body dimensions, Suzuki optimized each part of the car in pursuit of weight savings. For example, Suzuki made extensive use of high-tensile steel.

Alto is powered by a newly developed 1.0-litre engine. A three-cylinder configuration makes the engine light and compact and helps to keep friction low, resulting in low fuel consumption, low emissions and high output. As a result, users can enjoy powerful acceleration in the knowledge that the car is economical and eco-friendly. The engine reflects Suzuki’s vast experience and knowledge of three-cylinder-engine production, and it enables the Alto to comply with the Euro 5 emission standard.

The Alto has a sporty, solid look that exudes urban energy despite the body’s compact dimensions. The design conveys a welcoming warmth but is also elegant and beautiful thanks to aerodynamically efficient contours that combine tautness with evocative curviness. It’s ideally matched to European tastes.

Suzuki’s TECT concept for occupant protection is reflected in the body in the form of crushable structures that absorb impact energy, frame members that disperse impact energy away from occupants, and a super-strong cabin structure. Use of high-tensile steel for major body parts means the resulting high level of occupant safety does not make the body heavy. Based on the results of internal tests, Suzuki believes the Alto is capable of earning a four-star Euro NCAP rating for adult protection and a three-star Euro NCAP rating for child protection

The cabin layout apportions most of the space to the front seats. All of the seats have black-based two-tone colouring with silver-coloured touches, and the fabric has a foliage motif that expresses nature and casualness. An access colour on the fabric adds visual appeal.

Sporty front seats with integrated head restraints have basically the same frames as the highly praised front seats of the Swift and SX4. They combine ample support and refined comfort in a way that keeps fatigue to a minimum even on long journeys. The support and comfort reflect the benefits of extensive on-road testing and tuning.

Uncompromising efforts to keep noise out of the cabin are reflected in a highly rigid body and in structurally optimized engine mounts, muffler hangers, and other parts. Measures that suppress the generation of vibration and noise are complemented by extensive soundproofing. The result is cabin quietness.

Folding down the rear seatback creates a capacious luggage area with an almost-flat door. The rear seatback can be folded down in a single easy action. And even with the front seats in their rearmost positions, there’s no need to remove the rear head restraints. Plus, a wide tailgate opening makes loading and unloading of luggage easy.

The instrument panel is sporty, stylish and functional. A slim design made possible partly by a specially designed audio unit creates a balanced look, and it gently wraps around the driver for a confidence-inspiring sense of oneness with the car. Suzuki’s attention to detail is further reflected in ample storage space for the driver and front passenger.

In the event of a side impact, an SRS curtain airbag on the affected side of the body deploys to mitigate the severity of head impact suffered by the front- and read-seat occupants.

Reinforced main frame members, floor and roof crossmembers, and floor members that are perpendicular to the crossmembers contribute to high rigidity in the body. Extensive use of high-tensile steel means the rigidity is combined with lightness.

The front wheels have MacPherson strut suspension. A large, high-rigidity suspension frame is complemented by high rigidity in the strut mounting areas for superior handling. Also, the stabilizer is directly attached to the struts for maximal effectiveness, further contributing to a superior combination of handling and ride comfort. High rigidity throughout the front suspension also suppresses the transmission of vibration, thereby limiting the noise, vibration, and harshness experienced by users.

Uncompromising efforts to keep noise out of the cabin are reflected in a highly rigid body and in structurally optimized engine mounts, muffler hangers, and other parts. Measures that suppress the generation of vibration and noise are complemented by extensive soundproofing. The result is cabin quietness.

The rear suspension has Suzuki’s proprietary 3-link rigid axle design, and it incorporates refinements for superior performance: Ample rigidity in the lateral rod’s mounting points is complemented by an increased lateral-rod length for increased suspension rigidity. The trailing arms’ mounting points are reinforced for superior high-speed stability and responsiveness. And an optimal toe angle further promotes high-speed stability.

The cohesion between the rubber and silica in the compound of newly developed tyres on the Alto firmly retains the silica, yielding the low-energy-loss characteristics of hard rubber. At the same time, the cohesion allows the silica to be finely dispersed, resulting in the high-grip characteristics of soft rubber. Consequently, the tyres realize significant fuel savings together with superior handling and braking performance. Further, a relatively high tyre pressure enables the Alto’s CO2 emissions to be 1.7% lower than they would be with a typical tyre pressure.

The Alto minimum turning radius is just 4.5m. Manoeuvrability is concomitantly good.