The Suzuki Alto has been given a slight facelift in Japan, more than three years after the current, ninth-generation model made its debut in late 2021.
In terms of design changes, the Alto’s front grille gets a reshaped chrome garnish that “cradles” black trim surrounding a new millimeter-wave radar. This works with a monocular camera to enable the improved Dual Sensor Brake Support II, which is Suzuki’s automatic emergency braking system.
Meanwhile, the front and rear bumpers are more rounded than before, and the Alto gains a subtle roof spoiler. Suzuki is introducing a new monotone paint finish called Terracotta Pink, and buyers now have new two-tone colour schemes to choose from. The previous white roof is now a soft beige and can be had with Chiffon Ivory or Foggy Blue Pearl, while the black roof is available with Phoenix Red Pearl or Nocturne Blue Pearl. In total, there are eight monotone and four two-tone schemes.
As for the interior, it retains the same four-seat layout as before, with notable upgrades being an optional seven-inch infotainment system that now comes with Suzuki Connect telematics support. Low-speed brake support (forward and reverse), lane departure prevention, departure notification alert (preceding vehicle and signal change) and parking sensors are part of the standard package.
The Alto is available in four variants, namely the A, L, Hybrid S and Hybrid X, with pricing ranging from 1,142,900 to 1.639 million yen (about RM33k to RM48k) before options. The A and L are powered by a R06A 658 cc litre naturally-aspirated inline-three petrol engine making 46 PS (46 hp or 34 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a CVT and can be had with front- or all-wheel drive.
As for the Hybrid variants, they get a mild hybrid system featuring a WA04C electric motor rated at just 2.6 PS (2.5 hp or 1.9 kW) and 40 Nm, as well as a small lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 3 Ah. This setup works with a R06D engine that is similar to the R06A, but with higher compression (12 versus 11.5) and a revised bore and stroke for a displacement of 657 cc.
Outputs for the R06D are 49 PS (48 hp or 36 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 58 Nm at 5,000 rpm, with the same standard CVT and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Suzuki claims with the revised exterior, the Alto manages best-in-class fuel economy at 28.2 km/l following the WLTC standard – applicable only for Hybrid variants with FWD.
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