Suzuki has released official images of the new Alto, which is a mid-cycle refresh for the ninth-generation model. The updated car features several adjustments to its appearance, configuration, and powertrain. It is scheduled to go on sale in the Japanese market on July 22nd, with a starting price of 1,142,900 yen (approx. 55,896 yuan).
The most notable exterior change is to the front fascia. Unlike the previous model’s closed-off look, the new Alto incorporates a more traditional front grille, giving it a more distinct appearance. The polygonal, rounded headlights are retained, as is the characteristic off-center front license plate placement. Some trims will also feature a new rear spoiler to enhance the car’s sporty feel.
The new Alto will be available in 12 body colors, including eight solid and four two-tone options. A new Terracotta Pink Metallic has been added to the solid color choices. For the two-tone models, the roof color has been changed from white to beige, with a black roof option now also available.
The vehicle’s dimensions are 3395mm (L) x 1475mm (W) x 1525mm (H), with a 2460mm wheelbase and a 4-seat layout. This makes it slightly larger than a popular competitor in the Chinese microcar market, the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV four-door version.
The interior design largely carries over from the previous model, with a symmetrical dashboard layout and a console-integrated gear shifter that allows for a pass-through floor between the front seats. The 7-inch central screen on higher trims now includes Suzuki Connect, allowing users to control the air conditioning remotely via their smartphones. The entry-level model, however, comes without a multifunction steering wheel or a central screen, featuring a simple blank panel instead.
Standard safety features include a collision mitigation braking system that uses millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera to detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles, as well as cross-traffic. The car also comes standard with low-speed brake assist (forward/reverse), lane departure warning, and front parking sensors.
The powertrain options continue to be a 0.66-liter three-cylinder engine and a 0.66-liter mild-hybrid system, with power figures unchanged from the previous model. The gasoline engine produces 34 kW and 55 Nm of torque, while the mild-hybrid system’s engine produces 36 kW and 58 Nm, with an additional 1.9 kW and 40 Nm from the electric motor. All models are paired with a CVT, and both powertrain options are available with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive.