Road Test: 2009 Suzuki Alto GLS

Its marketing 101 – find a target demographic, discover what makes them tick, give them what they want and advertise the dickens out of it while you can. It would appear as though Suzuki is hell bent on holding the monopoly on small passenger cars. Off the back of much acclaim over the Swift, Suzuki has recently launched the even smaller, more compact Alto. Mind you, in the wake of a worldwide recession, the cash-strapped consumer market is not a bad choice.

Touted as the no frills, no hassle ultimate urban small hatch, the Alto promises suitable standard features and wallet-plumping fuel economy – all while looking rather racy.

Whilst both versions of the Alto offer as standard power steering, air-con and dual airbags, the GLS also gets electric windows, an audio system, central locking, front fog lights, ABS and EBD and 14 inch alloy wheels.

Once inside the Alto one is reminded once again that it as designed to a budget; hard plastics dominate the interior, dashboard design is simple although seating is comfortable and fabrics appear durable.

The Alto is not a roomy vehicle and while there is enough space up front, rear passengers if tall enough may fear deep vein thrombosis when contemplating a lengthy journey.

Powered by a 1.0 litre petrol engine with a power output of 50kW at 6000rpm and 87 Nm of torque at 4500rpm, nipping through the busy city streets prove no match for the Alto – its those long hauls which present somewhat of a challenge.

Weighing in at 895kg and measuring a diminutive 3.5 metres, the Alto is a pleasure to park and perfect for navigating the ever-narrowing streets of our cities.