Suzuki Alto History: Nine Generations Of A Practical & Efficient Hatchback
It is a small, practical efficient, and durable hatchback. The Suzuki Alto enabled millions of people around the world to own a car as its affordable price tag made it extremely easy to buy one. First introduced in 1979, the hatchback derives its name from the musical term ‘Alto’.
Over 16 million units of the Suzuki Alto have been produced so far and its affordability is keeping sales going at a strong pace. In this edition of the DubiCars Car Spotlight, we take a closer look at the Suzuki Alto, its history, and its generations.
Origins Of The Suzuki Alto
Japanese car manufacturer Suzuki has since the very beginning placed an emphasis on small, durable, reliable, and efficient cars. It started with the Suzulight series of Kei cars that debuted in 1955. This led to the introduction of the Suzuki Fronte compact sedan in 1962. Several versions of the Fronte were produced between 1962 and 1979.
However, it was the Suzuki Fronte 800 that eventually led to the introduction of the Suzuki Alto. The story of one of the most successful hatchbacks in history was rooted in the Suzuki Fronte 800.
First Generation | 1979 - 1984
The Suzuki Alto made its debut in 1979, entering the market as a 3-door cargo version of the Suzuki Fronte. It was a compact cargo hatchback designed to navigate the crowded streets of urban Japan. When it was introduced, the Alto became a sensation because of its extraordinarily low price tag of ¥470,000 which translated to around $1,900.
Engine options included a 539cc two-stroke inline-3, a 543cc inline-3, and a 796cc inline-3, all paired with a 4-speed manual. Some markets also received a 2-speed automatic gearbox. With its small size and efficient engine, the first-generation Alto quickly gained popularity as an economical transportation solution for city dwellers.
Second Generation | 1984 - 2019
In 1984, Suzuki introduced the second generation of the Alto. This iteration featured a more refined exterior design and improvements in engine performance and fuel efficiency. This generation turned out to be one of the most successful hatchbacks in Asia.
Suzuki experimented with high-performance versions of this generation, producing turbocharged and even all-wheel drive versions. Although, not many of them were sold. Power came from the same engine options as the previous generation, but they were more refined. Production in Japan ended in 1988.
However, buyers in a few other emerging markets loved the car so much, that it remained in production for 35 years! It was sold in China as the Changan Happy Prince and remained in production till 2007. The Indian market knew this generation as the Maruti Suzuki 800 and it was produced until 2014. It was produced in Pakistan as the Suzuki Mehran until 2019!
Third Generation | 1988 - 2001
With the third generation, launched in 1988, Suzuki continued to refine the Alto, focusing on enhancing comfort and driving dynamics. This iteration featured updated styling cues and a more spacious interior, making it a practical choice for small families and urban commuters alike.
Suzuki discontinued the Fronte in 1989 and all versions of the car were renamed as variants of the Suzuki Alto. This generation’s styling was inspired by the larger and more premium Suzuki Cultus. The larger 796cc engine from the previous generation was discontinued, giving way to a more efficient 657cc inline-3 engine.
Production in Japan ended in 1994, but it was rebadged as the Daewoo Tico for Europe and South Korea and remained in production until 2001.
Fourth Generation | 1994 - 1998
Fifth Generation | 1998 - 2014
Suzuki Alto 800
Sixth Generation | 2004 - 2009
Seventh Generation | 2009 - 2014
Eighth Generation | 2014 - Present
Ninth Generation | 2021 - Present
Most Popular Suzuki Alto Generations In The UAE
Suzuki Alto Prices In UAE
Read the complete Suzuki Alto Car Spotlight article.
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