Melbourne show: Suzuki specs Alto

SUZUKI’S entry-level version of its upcoming Alto city-car will get six airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), air-conditioning, remote central locking and a CD/MP3 sound system as standard when it goes on sale here in the third quarter of 2009.

While the Indian-built Alto made its Australian debut at the Sydney motor show last October, Suzuki presented an evaluation model at today’s Melbourne International Motor Show opening, alongside four anniversary-edition models to celebrate the Japanese maker’s centenary.

Toyota, Holden and Ford are also investigating the local feasibility of micro-cars like the iQ, Spark and Ka respectively, but the Alto is expected to be Australia’s first sub-light model – as well as one of Australia’s least expensive cars at under $13,000.

The premium version of the four-seat, five-door Alto hatch in Suzuki’s two-variant model strategy will come standard with electronic stability control (ESC, or ESP in Suzuki-speak), alloy wheels, foglights and a tachometer. Both versions will come with a split/folding rear seatback.

Powered by a 50kW/90Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, the Euro IV emissions-compliant Alto returns average fuel consumption of a Toyota Prius-like 4.5L/100km and average CO2 emissions of 103gm/km. Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions will both be available.

The fifth and smallest member of Suzuki’s global models is just 3500mm long, 1600mm wide, 1470mm high and rides of a 2360mm wheelbase. The Alto has a drag co-efficient of 0.30Cd and a super-tight nine-metre turning circle.

Meantime, Suzuki will mark its 100th anniversary in 2009 by offering selected SX4, Jimny Sierra and Grand Vitara models with between $1000 and $2000 worth of free additional accessories in March.

Priced at $19,990, the SX4 hatch comes with an integrated Bluetooth mobile phone kit, foglights and 100th Anniversary badging, all valued at $1000, for no extra cost.

The SX4 AWD anniversary edition, at $22,490, features the same extras plus a bonnet protector, which Suzuki says also represents $1000 of free additional equipment.

The limited-edition Grand Vitara 2.4-litre five-door, which costs an unchanged $30,490, comes with Bluetooth, foglights, unique badging and a genuine Suzuki nudge bar, totaling a claimed $2000 of extra features for a limited time.

Finally, the Jimny Sierra 100th Anniversary model (also unchanged at $19,990), adds side steps, roof racks and badges valued at $1000 for no extra cost.

Read more:

Credit squeezed but Suzuki loosens its belt

Sydney show: Suzuki spreads

First look: Alto emerges as sub-Swift Suzuki hope