Suzuki Alto
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a budget friendly car that won’t break the bank? The Suzuki Alto might be exactly what you need. This no nonsense city car focuses on the essentials, offering reliable transport at one of the lowest prices in the market. It’s the perfect car for first time buyers, city commuters, or anyone who values simplicity and economy above luxury features.

The Alto doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. While competitors like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo offer more refinement, the Alto delivers outstanding value for money. This Indian built supermini keeps things simple with basic but functional interior design and straightforward controls. Everything you need is there, without any unnecessary complications or expensive extras.

What makes the Alto special is its honest approach to motoring. The ride is surprisingly comfortable for such a small car, and the visibility is excellent, making it perfect for nervous drivers or busy city streets. While it won’t win any awards for luxury, it excels at being affordable, reliable, and cheap to run. If you want dependable transport without the premium price tag, the Alto deserves serious consideration.

What's the Suzuki Alto Like to Drive?

The Suzuki Alto is powered by a simple 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol engine producing around 68 horsepower. Don’t expect rapid acceleration, as 0 to 60 mph takes a leisurely 13.5 seconds. However, this modest power output is perfectly adequate for city driving and short trips. The engine feels lively enough at low speeds and has sufficient pull for safe overtaking on country roads when needed.

Where the Alto truly excels is in its driving manners around town. The steering is light and precise, making parking in tight spaces effortless. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sporty handling, soaking up bumps and potholes with surprising composure. This makes it an ideal companion for daily commuting or navigating busy urban streets. The compact hatchbook dimensions and excellent visibility give you confidence in all driving situations.

How Comfortable Is the Suzuki Alto?

Step inside the Alto and you’ll find a cabin that’s refreshingly straightforward. The dashboard layout is simple and logical, with clearly marked controls that are easy to understand and operate. The materials used are basic but hardwearing, designed to withstand daily use rather than impress with premium textures. The seat fabrics are tough and practical, perfect for families or anyone who needs a robust interior.

The front seats offer adequate comfort for shorter journeys, though they lack the support needed for long distance driving. The driving position is upright and commanding, giving you a good view of the road ahead. Interior space is reasonable for such a compact car, though taller drivers might find the cabin a little snug. There’s no advanced infotainment system, but you do get a basic radio and essential controls for heating and ventilation.

The Suzuki Alto is an honest, no frills car that does exactly what it promises. It provides reliable, economical transport at a genuinely affordable price point. The exceptional fuel economy and low running costs make it particularly appealing to budget conscious drivers or those taking their first steps into car ownership.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Suzuki Alto Expensive to Run?

This is where the Alto truly shines. Fuel economy is exceptional, with real world figures easily exceeding 60 mpg in mixed driving conditions. This translates to significantly lower fuel bills compared to larger, more powerful alternatives. Insurance costs are also minimal, as the Alto typically falls into some of the lowest insurance groups available, making it perfect for young drivers.

The purchase price represents outstanding value in today’s market. You can find good examples for well under £5,000, making it accessible to buyers on tight budgets. Maintenance costs are refreshingly low thanks to the simple mechanical layout and Suzuki’s reputation for reliability. Parts are readily available and affordable, while the straightforward design means labour costs are typically lower than for more complex vehicles. With flexible car finance options available, the Alto makes motoring accessible to almost everyone.

Suzuki Alto Practicality & Boot Space

For such a small car, the Alto makes good use of its available space. The 129 litre boot is admittedly tiny, but it will accommodate a weekly shop for one or two people without too much trouble. The rear seats fold down to create additional cargo space when needed, though you’ll need to plan carefully for anything beyond basic luggage requirements.

The real strength lies in its urban practicality. The compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to park in tight city centre spaces where larger cars simply won’t fit. Running costs are so low that it makes an excellent second car for families, perfect for short trips and commuting duties. While it’s not ideal for regular long distance travel or carrying more than two adults comfortably, it excels as affordable, reliable transport for used Suzuki cars buyers who prioritise economy above all else.

The Suzuki Alto stands out as one of the most affordable ways to get reliable motoring. It strips away unnecessary complexity and luxury features to focus on the fundamentals: dependable transport, exceptional economy, and rock bottom running costs. While it can’t match the refinement or space of more expensive alternatives, it excels in its chosen role as a budget city car.

You choose the Alto because you want maximum value for minimum outlay. It’s perfect for first time buyers, city commuters, or anyone who needs simple, affordable transport without complications. The combination of outstanding fuel economy, low insurance costs, and proven reliability makes it a smart financial choice. For buyers seeking cars under £5,000, the Alto represents exceptional value that’s hard to beat.