Suzuki Alto in the final straight for Car of the Year honours

Suzuki’s Alto subcompact has been nominated as a finalist for the coveted South African Car of the Year title. The Alto 1.0 GLS is one of eight finalists to make the shortlist for the annual award, which is judged by a jury panel appointed by the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists.

Launched in August this year, the Alto has set the cat among the A-segment pigeons with a high-value, contemporary package that links brisk performance, frugal fuel economy and low emissions to high levels of comfort and convenience.

As yet another example of Suzuki’s world-renowned small car expertise, the Alto’s intelligent packaging and a five-door body shell allow levels of space and practicality more usually associated with larger hatchbacks.

Powered by a 1,0-litre three-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, the Alto is a nippy runabout in urban environments, but also shines over longer distances. Safety equipment includes dual front airbags and an ABS-equipped braking system.

“We are delighted that the Alto’s excellence and relevance has been recognised by the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists’ COTY Jury Panel,” says Kazuyuki Yamashita, managing director of Suzuki Auto SA.

“The Alto offers South Africans a full-sized motoring experience in a compact, wieldy and attractive format, while recognising the need for affordability, efficiency and reduced emissions,” he added.

The Alto follows in the footsteps of the Suzuki SX4 lifestyle hatchback and the Swift compact hatch, both of which were nominated for the 2009 Car of the Year award.