YOURS FOR A TENOR? (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 102

The Suzuki Alto has a long and undistinguished history in the UK. First seen in the UK in 1986, the Alto only really joined the mainstream in 1997 when the latest model was launched. The earlier three-cylinder cars are best reserved for students and those looking for bargain basement transport. The cars built from 1997, whilst not class leading in any particular respect, at least give a nod towards modernity. Manufactured in India, the Alto is neither outstanding nor embarrassing - it's one of those vehicles that blends into the background. A used Alto makes for cheap and reliable, if unexciting, motoring.

Modelsword count: 7

Models Covered: (3/5dr hatchback 1.0 petrol [GL])

Historyword count: 112

The Suzuki Alto has had a rather strange history. Introduced to the UK in 1986, it was on sale for five years before being withdrawn when sales virtually dried up. Between 1991 and 1997, Suzuki concentrated on marketing the Swift model, but in May 1997 the Alto name was revived with the second-generation model. This car aimed at those citycar buyers who found the Ford Ka and Fiat Seicento a little overstyled. Available in one trim level, GL, the little Suzuki was offered with either a three or five-door bodyshell, and a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic gearbox. Whilst it was far more competitive than the early car, sales were correspondingly modest.

What You Getword count: 244

You'll have to look quite hard to find a used Alto, and a Suzuki franchised dealer may well be your best bet, but once you have tracked one down. What can you expect? Well, whichever version you choose, the level of standard equipment is impressive for a car of this price. The steering wheel comes with a leather covering, there's velour carpeting on the floor and you get those two convenience features that once you've had, you'll never want to be without - internal releases for both the boot and petrol filler. This being a Japanese-designed car, all the controls fall readily to hand and the instruments are clear and uncluttered. There are a few clever touches elsewhere in the Alto's interior too, such as a headlamp levelling control which allows the beam's pitch to be lowered - handy if you're carrying a heavy load. Likewise, the 'walk-in' sliding mechanism on the front seats of the three-door models is natty; at least it shows that the designers of this car thought about making it user-friendly in the 'real world'. Most of the latest safety features are in evidence (with the exception of airbags, as yet "unavailable"). And they're all housed in a neat and sensibly styled shape that could pass for almost any small Japanese car. There's a lot of glass (an essential for any citycar) and the diminutive size makes the Alto a doddle to park, despite the lack of power steering assistance.

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