- Economical 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine
- Competent ride/handling balance
- Small turning circle
- Four-speed automatic transmission blunts performance
- Engine vibrations at idle
- Cheap interior plastics
- Heavy steering at low speeds
- Four star ANCAP safety rating
Overview
Released in July 2009, the Suzuki MF Alto was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Manesar, India, the front-wheel drive Alto was powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
K10B engine
The 1.0-litre K10B three-cylinder engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, a compression ratio of 11.0:1 and required premium 95 RON unleaded.
Dimensions and suspension
The MF Alto was 3500 mm long, 1600 mm wide, 1470 mm tall and had a 2360 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Alto had MacPherson strut front suspension and a three-link rigid rear axle.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL, GLX |
1.0-litre petrol I3 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
50 kW at 6000 rpm | 90 Nm at 4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Alto GL included dual front airbags, front side airbags, front curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
The Alto GLX was further equipped with electronic stability control and traction control, though the GL was similarly equipped from November 2010.
Euro NCAP and ANCAP assessments
In Euro NCAP testing , the Alto – equipped with dual front airbags and front side airbags, but not curtain airbags as per Australian-delivered models – received a three star safety rating which included a 55 per cent adult occupant protection rating, a 46 per cent child occupant protection rating and a 29 per cent safety assist rating. The low safety assist rating reflected Euro NCAP’s assessment of the proportion of cars that would be sold with electronic stability control (optional in European markets). In the frontal offset impact test, protection of the front occupants’ upper legs was marginal and protection of the driver’s right leg was weak. In the side impact test, protection of the driver’s chest was assessed as marginal.
Under ANCAP’s methodology , the Alto – as tested by Euro NCAP – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.55 out of 37.
Features: Alto GL and GLX
Standard features for the Alto GL included a two speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary input, air conditioning with pollen filter, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power front windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
The Alto GLX was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system, front fog lamps and a height adjustable driver’s seat.
From November 2010, the Alto GL was further equipped with a six speaker sound system.
Brochures
- Brochure: Suzuki MF Alto (June 2009)
- Brochure: Subaru MF Alto (June 2012)
- Brochure: Subaru MF Alto (June 2014)
Related links
