Suzuki Alto - Ninth Generation

Built by the 99% for the 99%, the Suzuki Alto is the kei car that symbolizes every Japanese people's daily life. Affordable, Light on gas, Technology from Japan, and Outstanding value for money, that's what the Suzuki Alto is all about. With the arrival of the ninth generation Suzuki Alto, one of Japan's most affordable cars, it is ready to take on the new normal with its record-breaking fuel economy and simple design that truly reflects Japan's civilized society.

2022 Suzuki Alto

2022 Suzuki Alto

With an MSRP of 943,800 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new, ninth-generation Suzuki Alto is the reinvention of a modern kei car that will take on the challenges of the new normal. Although it remains compact as it should be, the new Alto features an adorable new design that suits its size and personality. When you take it on a Sunday afternoon drive at Hakone, the new Alto has a charming personality that soothes away your stress all the way home.

2022 Suzuki Alto interior

The interior, meanwhile, raises a bountiful of questions, especially from those who have driven the previous model because the dashboard looks nearly identical to its predecessor. Despite the questionable dashboard, it still incorporates the "simple is best" mantra and it's slightly roomier than the previous model, meaning it still accommodates up to four people without worry. The same goes for the boot space as well.

2022 Suzuki Alto

Now running on the HEARTECT platform, the all-new Alto drives better than the previous model, and thanks to some reworking underneath, the minimum turning radius is now 4.4m Not only does it feel nicer to drive, it's soothing as well. It's easy to drive, hard to regret, even on a quiet Sunday drive in the woods.

The base Alto is powered by the R06A 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EPI engine with ENE-CHARGE that produces 46PS of power, 55Nm of torque, and mated to a CVT, it delivers a fuel economy of 25.2kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. However, to get the most out of the new model, you can opt in for the HYBRID variant which comes with a tiny WA04C motor and a Li-ion battery. This mild-hybrid powertrain grants you 27.7kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. Enough to outlast its main rival, the Daihatsu Mira e:S, which is almost a hundred thousand yen cheaper than the new Alto of course. Still, it's worth proof that when it comes to fuel-efficient vehicles, Suzuki still reigns.

True to its simple character, the new Alto comes with a Collision Damage Mitigation Brake and Pedal Mistake Sudden Start Suppression Device, making it a certified "Support Car S Wide".

The new Suzuki Alto is now built to tackle the challenges of the new normal with its new design, interior, ecology, and safety while retaining the same kei car feeling it pioneered. It truly is built by the 99% for the 99% and you are more than welcome to drive the new Alto to your heart's content. Bland but it's the joy of driving.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation