   | |
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Suzuki Mehran Maruti 800 Maruti Alto Daewoo Tico Nissan Pixo Suzuki Cervo Suzuki Cervo Mode |
| Production | 1979–present |
| Assembly | Japan Manesar, India Karachi, Pakistan |
| Class | Kei car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door pickup truck 3-door coupe 5-door hatchback |
The Suzuki Alto is a very small car (kei car) designed by Suzuki. Its selling points include low price and good fuel economy. The model was introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide.
Contents[hide] |
[edit]1st generation (SS40)
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Suzuki Fronte |
| Production | 1979—1984 |
The 1st generation (SS30/40), introduced in 1979, was a 3-door cargo version of the Fronte passenger car, equipped with a folding rear seat. The Alto used either a two-stroke twin turbo 539cc (SS30) or a four-stroke 543cc (SS40) three-cylinder engine, producing 28 hp (21 kW) and 31 hp (23 kW) respectively. In addition to the Alto and Fronte, a 3-door fastback coupé (Cervo) and a 2-door pick-up (Mighty Boy) were also available.
[edit]2nd generation (CA71)
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Maruti 800 Suzuki Mehran |
| Production | 1984-1988 |
| Related | Chang'an SC7080 Alto JN Auto (CN) / Zotye JN AUTO (USA) Iran Khodro Alto (IR) SAIPA Nasim (IR) Peugeot JN Mini (TN) |
The 2nd generation (CA71/72) was introduced in 1984. It continued with the SS40's engine, but was also available with turbocharged and multi-valve engines in the "Works" series. A 5-door body (identical to the Fronte's) became available in 1985. A Cervo on the SS71 base was introduced in 1988, with a new 547-cc engine. Four-wheel drive was also available. The car still remains in production in India and Pakistan. While the Indian version utilizes a 796cc MPFI engine, the Pakistani version still uses a 1980s era 796cc Suzuki SS80 carburetor based engine. Another version called Zotye JN AUTO is still in production for the Chinese, Central and South American markets. The production site of this 2008 reworked version is in Phoenix, Arizona and is intended only for export. The Zotye JN AUTO is the direct successor of the Chinese JN Auto. Both car modells are products of the ZhangJianGang JiangNan AutoMobile Manufacture CO.,LTD (or short: Jiangnan Automobile). Petrol engine are used in the US version. The entry-level model comes with a three-cylinder engine and has a displacement of 796 cc and a power of 26,5 kW. However, the top engine is a four-cylinder engine with an displacement of 1051 cc and an output of 38.5 kW. The JN Auto was between 1983 and 2005 the vehicle with the highest production of units in the People's Republic of China. Every year, the company has produced more than 240,000 units of the JN Auto. This and a very cheap price are the reasons why this model still dominates the daily image of the roads in China.
[edit]3rd generation (HA215)
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Production | 1988-1994 |
The 3rd generation (CL11/21/22) replaced the CA71 in 1988. It had strikingly 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 the capacity was increased to 657 cc. This was the last generation of Alto to have an associated Fronte model. An unusual feature of this generation was the availability of a version with sliding doors, the Slide Slim, intended to make it easier to enter and exit in tight spaces. 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; this made it possible to link the Hustle with the Alto, but made the styling rather unharmonious. Its appearance was similar to theNissan AD Max van.
[edit]4th generation (HA11)
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Chang'an SC7080 City Baby |
| Production | 1994-1998 |
The 4th generation (HA11) appeared in 1994. The 657-cc engines were joined by a new high-performance 658-cc. The styling displays an interesting blend of features: the tailgate and rear doors are still fairly angular, but the front is beginning to be more rounded - a trend which would be continued in later years.
[edit]5th generation (HA22)
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Chang'an SC7090 Zen |
| Production | 1998-2004 2000-(Pakistan) |
The 5th generation Alto (HA12/22) was introduced in 1998. The styling was generally more rounded, the shape of the cabin showing the Alto's relationship with the new Kei. 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. Suzuki produced two "classic-style" versions: the Alto C [1] with a deep chrome grille and a curious headlamp arrangement by which circular main lamps were joined with ovoid sidelights and indicators, which was shared with the Alto Works[2]; and the Alto C2 [3] which had separate headlamps and sidelights and a wider grille. Mazda also sold the standard Alto as the Carol, and Mitsuoka used the Carol as a basis for their Ray.
[edit]6th generation (HA24)
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Chevrolet Alto Maruti-Suzuki Alto |
| Production | 2004—Present |
The 6th generation (HA24) was introduced in 2004. The bonnet and headlamps curved down at the front, giving a similar effect to the Toyota WiLL Vi or the Citroen C2. The Alto was re-aligned within the range to accommodate new models such as the Cervo and Alto Lapin. In Japan, this version of the Alto was rebadged as the Nissan Pino and the Mazda Carol.
[edit]7th generation (2009-present): Maruti Suzuki A-Star
 | |
| Manufacturer | Maruti Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Suzuki Alto Suzuki Celerio Changhe-Suzuki Alto Nissan Pixo |
| Assembly | Manesar, Haryana, India |
| Predecessor | Maruti Alto |
| Class | City car |
| Body style(s) | 5-door hatchback |
| Engine(s) | 1.0L I3 MPFI Petrol |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,360 mm (92.9 in) |
| Length | 3,580 mm (140.9 in) |
| Width | 1,680 mm (66.1 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
The 7th Generation is known in India as the Maruti Suzuki A-Star, but is also known as theSuzuki Celerio or Nissan Pixo in other places worldwide. It was launched in December 2008 by the Indo-Japanese auto maker Maruti Suzuki. It is the next generation Suzuki Alto and is exported worldwide. It is available in European markets as Nissan Pixo. The car was rolled out to the Indian customers in December 2008 and exports began in April 2009. A-Star means Alto-Star.
It comes in three variants - LXi, VXi and ZXi.
The initial expected prices in the Indian market are INR345,000[1] (ex-showroom Delhi) for the LXI, INR372,000 for the VXI and INR406,000 for the ZXI. With this price tag, the car is targeted at customers with budgets somewhere between the Zen Estilo and the Swift.
With a totally new body and engine, Maruti hopes to bring freshness to the Indian car market, of which it already holds a major share. Initial reviews have been positive. It has a fresh new dashboard, with a unique protruding tachometer besides the usual meter cowl (only in the ZXi trim). It is the fourth model after Swift, SX4 and Grand Vitara which has helped Maruti to make stylish cars, something which it was unknown for during older models.
Though the drive is comfortable for the front row, rear seating is a little small for taller passengers. The interiors have been reported to be a bit cramped as compared to theHyundai i10, its closest competitor.[citation needed] It has the new K10B series engine, which Suzuki says is technically highly developed and gives a balance of fuel efficiency and power.[2] The ZXi is the fully loaded version with all the expected features like power windows, central lock, ABS, rear wiper, fog lamps, CD player, airbags etc.
It is claimed to be the only car which will be available in 200 variants.[citation needed] It has won Best Small car award 2009 from AutocarIndia and Topgear.[citation needed] Technology of the Year from Overdrive.
[edit]Maruti Alto
 | |
| Manufacturer | Maruti Suzuki India Ltd |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Maruti Udyog |
| Production | 2000–present |
| Predecessor | Maruti 800 |
| Successor | Maruti Suzuki A-STAR |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body style(s) | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine(s) | 796 MPFI engine with 32bit ECM |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,360 mm (92.9 in) |
| Length | 3,495 mm (137.6 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,460 mm (57.5 in) |
| Kerb weight | 720 kg (1,587 lb) (Kerb) |
| Fuel capacity | 35 L (8 imp gal; 9 US gal) |
| Related | Maruti Suzuki A-STAR Maruti 800 Suzuki Alto |
The Maruti Alto is the Indian-built Suzuki Alto version, manufactured by Maruti Suzuki inIndia. It was launched in the local Indian market on September 27, 2000[3] although the Maruti Alto brandname was very successfully being used to export the Maruti Zen to Europefrom India since around 1994[4] having captured over 40% market share in Belgium and 33% in Netherlands by 1998.[5] It is the best-selling hatchback in India[3]. Since 2006, It is India's largest selling car[6] and crossed the 1 million production figure in February 2008 becoming the 3rd Maruti model to cross the million mark in India after Maruti 800 and Maruti Omni and 4th overall joining Hyundai Santro.[7] Besides being exported to Europe from 1994-2004, it has also been exported to several other countries.
[edit]Specifications
The Alto is powered by a 796 cc gasoline engine with 3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder MPFIengine with 32bit ECM.
- Maximum Power: 47 PS (35 kW)
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: approximately 20 seconds
- Top Speed: 137 km/h (85 mph)[citation needed]
[edit]Variants
The Alto is offered in the following variants[8]
- Base model - (non-ac, launched in 2004[9], Mumbai price approx. 2.4 lakh Rs. as of December 2008[10])
- LX - Base model with A/c, cup holders, fabric seats , remote fuel lid opener and few small changes, Mumbai price approx. 2.7-2.75 lakh Rs. as of December 2008[10]
- LXi - Same as LX with power steering, Mumbai price 2.85-2.9 lakh Rs. as of December 2008[10]
There used to be a VX/VXi model with a 4-cylinder 1061 cc engine (64 bhp/80 Nm torque) launched in August 2001. This has now been discontinued. But this VX model is still sold in certain European countries. The Alto VX model also featured a tachometer which was absent in LX model. All models are equipped with 5-speed manual transmission.
The popularity of the Alto has increased over the past few years, mainly due to the reduction in prices. This reduction in prices has mainly come in due to the reduction in excise duty over time. Alto was the first brand In Indian Domestic Automotive History to sell over 200,000 units in a single financial year, the last 100,000 units being sold in 5 months. Alto was the only brand to sell over 22,000 units in a single month, making it the largest selling car in India.
[edit]Second generation
| Production | 2008–present |
|---|---|
| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual |
The second generation Maruti Alto is based on the new Suzuki Alto, and is unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It is based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept global car.[11]
[edit]Performance versions
Performance versions of the Alto started to appear in 1985 when a turbocharged engine was made available. The CA71 gradually acquired more performance-related modifications until the Works version was introduced in 1987. The Alto Works was the first kei-car to reach the legal limit of 64 hp (48 kW). It acquired considerable popularity, and models of it are still made by Fujimi.
The performance models continued in the Alto's later versions; as technology and the kei car regulations changed more performance became available, and incarnations such as the RS/X and RS-Z were released. By 1999 the top engine was a light-alloy 658-cc with turbocharger,DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, which produced 64 Ps (2,000 Ma) and 80 ft·lbf (110 N·m).
As Suzuki introduced new models into the kei car class, it began to spread the performance engines to other models and designate the Alto as a less costly model. The current Alto is only available with 54PS in Japan; the 64ps engine is now provided in models such as the Kei Works and the Alto Lapin SS.
[edit]Export markets
Early Altos were exported with few changes apart from enlarged engines and bodywork and different nomenclature. So the SS40 became the SS80 with a 796-cc engine. (Some Fronte models were also called Alto in Europe.) However, as Suzuki made agreements with companies such as Maruti to build their models, it began to be possible 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 theCervo 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).
Thus the European Suzuki Altos are really:
- 1979-84: SS40 Altos with 796-cc engine
- 1984-94: CA71 Altos (coded SB308) and CA91 (also coded SB308) with 796-cc 3-cylinder F8B engine developing approximately 34 hp (25 kW), with 4-speed manual or 2-speed automatic transmission.
- 1994-2002: Maruti Zens (based on the Cervo Mode), with 993-cc engine.
- 2002- ? : Maruti Altos (based on the HA12 Alto), with 1061-cc engine.
- 2009 to date Maruti Suzuki A-Star, with 996-cc engine.
The Suzuki Alto European market version of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It was developed to be a global car and will be made at Maruti Suzuki's plant in Manesar,Haryana, India. It is stylistically based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept.[11] The Alto was conceived as a response to high petrol prices and global warming. The vehicle’s emissions will be only 103g of CO2/km. It will be an eco-friendly car priced from £6,795 OTR.[12] The Maruti Suzuki A-Star is also produced for the Nissan, its version is called Nissan Pixo.
The GoGet car share scheme provides 2009 model Suzuki Altos as part of its fleet of share cars in Australia.
The locally-made versions of the various Altos have had long production lives, and have sometimes won great popularity, as with the Maruti 800. In particular the CA71 generation has been produced in many countries, and can frequently be seen being offered as a cheap city car among several more newly-designed products.
[edit]References
- ^ Approximately equivalent to US$7,000 as at July 2009.
- ^ "Maruti Suzuki A-Star Review". Autos.Maxabout.com.
- ^ a b "Maruti Alto crosses one million units". Maruti Suzuki India Limited. 2008-02-14. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ "Maruti's exports cross half a million". The Hindu Business Line. 2008-02-28. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ "Maruti to decide on another price hike soon: MD". Indian Express. 1998-06-04. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ "Maruti Alto is India's highest selling car". domain-b.com. 2006-11-02. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ The Continental Divide: The Most Popular Cars by Continent
- ^ "Alto". Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ "Maruti launches Alto Variant". Financial Express. 2004-04-09. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ a b c "Maruti Alto". Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ a b New Suzuki Alto images released, details to come
- ^ Suzuki Alto - The Newest Eco Friendly Car
[edit]External links
 | Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Suzuki Alto |
- Suzuki Japan's Alto page (Japanese)
- Alto page of Jiangnan's official website
- Official page for Maruti 800
- Official page for Maruti Alto
- Official page for Maruti A-Star
- History of Suzuki kei cars
- Official Maruti Suzuki A-STAR website
- Maruti A-STAR Launched
- Official Nissan Pixo website
- Suzuki Alto review
- Maruti Alto Official Website
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