Suzuki Alto

The Suzuki Alto has, justifiably, earned a reputation among Australian service clubs as offering more value for money than any other car in the country. With its very impressive fuel economy, this little five-door hatch provides the perfect mode of transport for first-time owners, or those who mostly do town driving.

Sipping only 4.7 litres of petrol per 100km, the manual Suzuki Alto beats its automatic sibling that has a slightly larger thirst at 5.3 litres per 100km. Powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine, the Alto carries four passengers at 50kW achieved at 6000rpm with 90Nm at 3400rpm. Transmission options are either a five-speed manual, or a four-speed automatic. Safety features have certainly not been sacrificed to affordability.

Impact-absorbing crush zones and a sturdy cabin structure offer sufficient impact protection with frame members that disperse the shock waves away from passengers. Dual front and curtain airbags as well as side airbags provide good cushioning in the event of a collision. Standard features in the Alto GL provide comfort as well as entertainment and bring greater appreciation of the car’s true value for money.

Air-conditioning, ABS brakes and front power windows are features of both the GL and the GLX models. A good CD stereo system provides listening pleasure. There is also MP3 auxiliary input. The GLX adds to the features list with tachometer and ESP stability control, fog lamps and alloy wheels. The Suzuki may be low in cost, but this little gem is certainly not low in value.