The Suzuki Alto is one of the best-selling kei cars in Japan. The Alto, now in its 9th generation, which debuted back in 2021, is expected to get a new 10th generation by around the year 2026 or so for release within Japan. Alto has a rich history with the first-gen model launched in 1979, and Maruti Suzuki Alto hit Indian shores back in 2000.
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New Suzuki Alto 10th-Gen to Be Lighter, More Fuel-Efficient, and Priced Lower
Suzuki is also developing a new-generation Japan-spec Alto, which will be significantly lighter than the current one. The company revealed earlier this year as part of a technology briefing that the 10th-gen Alto will shed about 100 kg relative to its predecessor which weighs between 680 kg and 760 kg.
With this drop, the new Alto should weigh between 580 kg and 660 kg as seen on the 3rd-gen Alto which only tipped the scales at 580 kg but didn’t have weighty safety equipment like airbags. Suzuki will utilize a new iteration of its Heartect platform, featuring increased use of ultra-high-strength and advanced high-tensile steel (UHSS & AHSS) in order to meet this weight reduction figure. It also has a light but extremely tough platform safety crumple zones built-in.
In the 10th-gen Alto also, Suzuki will shave down on plastic part usage. In addition to weight savings, Suzuki intends to cut down fuel consumption. The current Alto in Japan offers 25.2 km/L with the petrol engine and 27.7 km/L with the mild-hybrid variant. The new 10th-gen Alto is likely to feature a 48V Super Ene Charge system with a lean battery and boosted motor output.
This new 48V mild-hybrid setup will be lightweight, deliver better performance, and help the car reach a likely target mileage figure of over 30 km/L. The current Suzuki Alto is priced at 1,068,000 yen (₹5.83 lakh) for the petrol model and 1,218,800 yen (₹6.65 lakh) for the mild-hybrid variant. The new 10th-gen Alto is expected to be priced starting at around 1 million yen (₹5.46 lakh).
