Suzuki Alto

But, keen to avoid the trap of creating a bland metal box, Suzuki decided early in the Alto design process that not only would this car have excellent green credentials and fuel economy figures, but it would also look cute.

Although it could never compete with the more expensive Fiat 500 for emotional pull, Suzuki had noted the appeal of that car and wanted some of it for its entry-level car. So in 2005, it set about identifying European styling tastes.

By the time it reached the production line, it had a strong road presence through the positioning of the wheels at the four corners of the chassis, eye-catching wheel arches and front rounded ‘face’ featuring a single-frame grille and chunky lamps.

The five-door Alto is available in three levels of specification, SZ2, SZ3, and SZ4. The SZ3 is equipped with air conditioning as standard, while the top-of-the-range SZ4 model adds ESP, curtain airbags, 14- inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and body-coloured door handles.

The car is powered by a normally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit and offered with both a five-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic transmission, a proposition not often seen in the A segment.

Fuel consumption is low at 64.2 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions are only 103g/km.

Initially, I could not help but wonder just how this engine might fare at higher speeds. It seemed to have to work hard as I progressed through the gears, but it is a gutsy performer and settles down nicely between 50 to 60mph. Even at higher motorway speeds, it did not flinch.

Dynamically, Suzuki has done a sterling job with this Alto. That three-pot engine is a little gem, and with its low CO2 rating, low price tag and modest thirst, it is proving popular.

First-time car buyers and young drivers are among the primary buyers for compact city cars, hence the cheeky looks. With that in mind, Suzuki has attempted to add a little exuberance to the interior.

Flashes of the exterior colour can be found on the seats, while twotone door panels and two-tone plastic adds colour.

Although its grumbly three-cylinder form gives the engine plenty of character, it doesn’t offer any real surprises.

Performance is ample and evenly distributed.

Think of Suzuki, and thoughts turn to images of super-efficient, ultraclean Japanese factories. In this case, it’s super-clean and efficient Indian production lines – the Alto is manufactured at Maruti, Suzuki’s assembly facility near Delhi, India.

Welcome to the world of global car production.

Should this make a difference to your perception of the Alto?

Absolutely not.

And that’s the point; this is the future, and the fact that quality and performance is up there with the established players should be sufficient to convince even hardened doubters. Low-cost small cars have indeed come a long way in recent years, and the Alto is among the standard-bearers.

Fact file

Suzuki Alto

PRICE: from £5,995
ENGINE: 1.0-litre petrol unit developing 67bhp and 66lb/ft of torque
TRANSMISSION: five-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels
PERFORMANCE: top speed 96mph, 0-62mph in 13.5 seconds
ECONOMY: 64.2mpg combined
CO2 RATING: 103g/km