Suzuki Alto (2009 - 2015)
1.0 SZ2 5dr Hatchback
Brilliant!
What is there not to like about this little car for an on the road price of £5995? Great engine which has amazing low down flexibilty for such a small unit coupled to a very nice gearchange. Very enjoyable handling with precise steering. Ride comfort good for such a small car. The driving position is fine and the seats remarkably comfortable. Refinement overall is quite acceptable, a little noisy when pushed, but the 3 cylinder engine does make a lovely noise and it will cruise comfortably and quietly at the legal limit. Fuel economy in mixed running around the low 50's which is quite satisfactory. The build quality is very good with a faultless paint finish. Yes, the dashboard is plasticky and if you're not careful it would be easy to scratch but it is well made and rattle free. It will also seat four adults in reasonable comfort and with having four doors, it's not a problem for rear access. Downsides? Rear parcel shelf is very annoying. Has to be raised by hand and has a ridge underneath it so when you put an item in the boot it's very easy to knock it off it's attachments. The boot has to be opened either by key or by a lever beside the driver's seat so even if you unlock the car the boot has to be opened separately. You do get used to it but it seems a little pointless. Safety is not great with only two airbags and the usual ABS. More airbags were available on better specced models but when I purchased mine it was the only spec left in production so had to accept it for what it has. It really is a basic car, with central locking by key, front electric windows, no rev counter, air-con etc etc etc but do you really need so many gadgets in a car? You soon realise that you don't and you honestly don't miss what you haven't got. The more simple a car is the less there is to go wrong, hopefully. I have only had one fault in the car, a clutch pressure plate at 2,000 miles which was promptly replaced by the supplying dealer. A little annoying on a new car but it was quickly rectified. I would recommend getting side mouldings put on as there is no protection against getting damage done to the doors. Service intervals are quite short, yearly or 9,000 miles, but Suzuki do a sevice plan for just over £20 per maonth which covers 3 services. Not exactly cheap but the car was inexpensive to buy, has zero road tax, a low insurance group and a 3 year warranty. Hopefully that should be the only expenditure, apart from petrol and normal wear and tear items during the warranty period.
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About this car
Price | £7,193–£10,349 |
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Road Tax | A–D |
MPG | 54.3–65.7 mpg |
Real MPG | 80.9% |