Suzuki Alto to set new price benchmark

SUZUKI has confirmed its upcoming Alto city-hatch will set a new low water mark for new-vehicle prices in Australia by revealing the nation’s only affordable sub-light-sized model will carry a sub-$13,000 starting price when it goes on sale from August.

The cheapest new models on sale in Australia are the Hyundai Getz 1.4 S three-door and Proton’s 1.2-litre five-door Savvy, both of which are $13,990.

Suzuki Australia quashed speculation that the Alto would be more expensive than initially expected – due to fluctuating currency exchange rates and the fact the starting price of Suzuki’s least expensive model, the five-door Swift, recently increased to $16,590.

“When you consider we are set to launch with a price even better than the $13,000 most experts in the media believe the price will be, you can see why we think this car is set to cause a storm when it goes on sale on August 1,” said Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers in a letter to media today.

“We will continue to push the FCAI and Australian government hard on its lack of leadership and direction in providing real benefits for customers wanting to purchase a green car, and I hope I can look forward to your support in this endeavour,” he said.

GoAuto understands the least expensive Alto will be priced at significantly less than $12,990, making it at least $1000 more affordable than anything currently on offer, and potentially cheaper than the first Chinese vehicles to arrive here – led by the Great Wall Florid that’s expected on sale in late 2009.

As previously reported, the Indian-built Alto five-door will be available in two specifications, both powered by a Euro IV-compliant 50kW/90Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that in Europe returns 4.5L/100km and CO2 emissions of just 103g/km in five-speed manual guise, with a four-speed automatic version also to be available.

Suzuki revealed at this year’s Melbourne show that all Altos would come standard with six airbags, ABS brakes, air-conditioning, remote central locking, power windows, a CD/MP3 sound system and a split/folding rear seatback.

The premium version will add ESP electronic stability control, 14-inch alloy wheels, foglights and a tachometer.

Furthermore, our sources say the GF-series Alto, which is just 3.5 metres long and has a tare mass of just 858kg, will come with a paltry 100kg towing capacity – or 200kg with a braked trailer.

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