Suzuki Alto

The Suzuki Alto was introduced in 1979 and has since been built in many countries worldwide. The first model (SS40) was a 3-door version of the 4-door Fronte. It had a 543-cc 3-cylinder engine producing 28 hp (21 kW). A 3-door coupe (Cervo) and a 2-door pick-up (MightyBoy) were also available.

The 2nd-generation Alto (CA71/72) was introduced in 1984. It had the same engine, but was also available with turbocharged and multi-valve engines. A 5-door body became available in 1985. A Cervo on the SS71 base was introduced in 1988, with a new 547-cc engine.

The 3rd-generation Alto (CL11/21/22) was introduced in 1988. It had angular styling, with an unusual glazed C-pillar on the 5-door. Initially it used the SS71 Cervo's engine, but when the kei-car standards were changed in 1990 this was increased to 657 cc. A version with sliding doors, the Slide Slim, intended to make it easier to enter and exit in tight spaces was also available. Suzuki also produced a version (the Hustle) with a high roof behind the front seats, which was unusual in that it used a modification of the Alto's body rather than a completely new body.

The 4th-generation Alto (HA11) appeared in 1994. The 657-cc engines were joined by a new high-performance 658-cc. The styling displayed an interesting blend of features: the tailgate and rear doors are still fairly angular, but the front was more rounded - a trend which would be continued in later years.

The 5th-generation Alto (HA12/22) was introduced in 1998. The styling was generally more rounded.The 658-cc engine was produced in a version without a turbocharger, joining the turbocharged version and the 657-cc engines. Several derivatives were produced from this generation.

The 6th generation was introduced in 2005. The bonnet and headlamps curved down at the front, giving a similar effect to the Toyota WiLL Vi or the Citroen C2.

Early on, the Altos were exported to other countries, mainly with enlaged engines and some modified bodyworks. The SS40 was renamed the SS80 with a 796-cc engine. An agreement with companies like Maruti to build their own models enabled Suzuki to sell different models to different areas.

* The CA71 is made with the 796-cc engine in India as the Maruti 800, in Pakistan by Pak Suzuki as the Mehran 800, and in China by (among others) Chang'an, Jiangbei and Jiangnan. This model, rather than the CL11, was exported to Europe until 1994.
* The CL11 was made in Korea, Romania and Uzbekistan as the Daewoo Tico, and in China by Anchi.
* In 1994 the CA71 Alto was replaced for European consumption by the Maruti-built version of the Cervo Mode, which was sold as the Alto until 2002.
* The HA12 is made in India as the Maruti Alto (in a longer and wider form with 796- or 1061-cc engines, with 5 doors), and this was exported to Europe as the Suzuki Alto from 2002. It is also made by Pak Suzuki in Pakistan, and was formerly made by Chevrolet in Colombia.
* The current Alto is exported with a 996-cc engine producing 65 hp (48 kW).

Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	1979 - present
No. of Passengers	5
Body style	4 door
Engine	K6A 658cc type 3 water cool
No. of Cylinders	3 cylinders
Horsepower
Transmission	automatic, manual
Drivetrain	4WD, FF
Power/RPM	54 bhp/6500 rpm
Torque/RPM	61 N.m/4000 rpm
Suspension	F/R: McPherson Strut type coil/coil spring
Brakes	F/R: Disk/Drum
Wheelbase	2360 mm
Length	3395 mm
Width	1470 mm
Height	1455 mm
Curb weight	730 kg
Fuel capacity	30 liters (8 US gal/7.1 imp gal)
Fuel usage	20 km/liter
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