By Christopher Hubbard
02 October 2008 14:50:14

Suzuki’s gorgeous new city car

You would have thought that the company that makes the supercar-slaying GTR could design a good-looking supermini. And although Nissan’s Pixo is based on the all-new Suzuki Alto, don’t go blaming the big S for Nissan’s styling disaster.
Suzuki Alto (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Suzuki Alto: click images to enlarge
Because, as you can clearly see, the new Alto is a rather attractive little machine. Also unveiled for the very first time here at Paris, the Alto’s got character, distinctiveness and a little aggression. The Pixo is just bland. Isn’t it amazing what a few altered bits of plastic can do.
 
Study the two cars closely and the only differences are detail changes around the lights, and a modified front section. What’s more, the Alto will almost certainly be cheaper, too. Engineering changes – if any – are also certain to be slight, as both cars are built in Suzuki’s Delhi factory.
Suzuki Alto (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Suzuki Alto
The Alto is actually really rather clever. An aerodynamic shape – no, honestly – lightweight build and efficient 1.0-litre, three-cyliner petrol engine means it emits just 103g/km CO2, and returns 62.7mpg combined. Extremely impressive for something that isn’t a diesel. The company also says it prioritises front-seat passengers. So don’t expect much rear legroom.
 
Darting away from the real world for a moment – we imagine the Alto will dart, don’t you? – Suzuki is also showing a pair of fuel cell concepts at the Paris Motor Show. What’s interesting about this is that the two vehicles are actually using different types of fuel cell technology.
The first, the SX4 FCV uses a General Motors “high performance” fuel cell stack, Suzuki-developed hydrogen tank, and light, compact capacitor. It also looks rather more like a regular car than the other one, which is dubbed the crosscage (no capital letter indeed apparently). Japanese experimentalism at its best?
 
The fuel cell in the crosscage is a lightweight, air-cooled system, that’s simple, compact, and British designed by Intelligent Energy. The crosscage also features a lithium-ion battery pack for use as a supplementary power unit. Should your future local hydrogen station be experiencing shortages. Quite a neat idea.
As for the rest of the Suzuki stand, it’s everything you’d expect. Swift, Grand Vitara, SX4 and Splash are all in attendance. But an endurance special motorsport version of the GXR-R1000 is also on display and, given the choice of any of Suzuki’s exhibits, we’d take the SX4 WRC rally car.
 
The new Suzuki Alto launches in the UK in March 2009.
Suzuki
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,