Suzuki 660cc Alto: Pakistani Vs Japanese Model

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Pak Suzuki after phasing out its iconic 800cc hatchback Mehran – the company’s top-selling vehicle for 30 years, has unveiled Pakistan’s first locally-manufactured 660cc engine car – Alto – at the Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS) 2019 organized by PAAPAM.

While 8th generation Suzuki Alto 2019 has been displayed in Pakistan, the 9th generation of the 660cc hatchback is likely to be launched during October 2019 in Japan. Suzuki Alto was first introduced in Japan in October 1979. The 8th generation of Suzuki Alto made its debut worldwide in 2014. The current model of Alto has therefore completed its 5 years successfully. The Japanese auto-giant will mark the 40th anniversary of this particular model at the launch of the 9th generation later this year.

ALSO READ: Suzuki Alto 2019: First 660cc car made in Pakistan

VARIANTS, SPECS, AND FEATURES

Japanese Alto has three variants: L, S, and X. It is equipped with a 658cc 3-cylinder VVT engine under the hood. It is powered by three types of transmissions; a 5-speed manual, 5-speed semi-automatic, and a CVT gearbox model.

The 660cc “Pakistani Alto” comes in both manual and automatic variants. This hatchback would be a direct competitor of 800cc United Bravo that is still paving its way into the automobile market of Pakistan.

However, in the 660cc engine segment category, the Pakistani Alto will be competing with its Japanese counterpart and many other Japanese 660cc cars. Perhaps with the right price tag coupled with the fact that the government has lifted the ban on non-filers from purchasing new cars, the ground is all set for Alto to hit the high in the market with booming sales.

Suzuki Alto 660cc is expected to be launched in June this year in Pakistan. However, its three variants have already been unveiled:

  • Suzuki Alto VX (without AC)
  • Suzuki Alto VXR (with AC)
  • Suzuki Alto VXL AGS (with auto gear shift)

The Pakistani Alto’s high-end variant, VXL AGS, has power doors, windows, and retractable mirrors. At first glance, one may feel the quality of doors and seats like that of Suzuki WagonR and Cultus. There are two airbags as well in the VXL AGS model.

PakWheels initially reviewed the VXL model of Alto 2019 under display at PAPS 2019 and reported that it has auto gear shift (AGS) and anti-lock braking system (ABS). This technology is already present in the high-end model of the Suzuki Cultus.

The Japanese version of Alto comes with top-of-the-line features like airbags, heated-seats, infotainment systems, upgraded upholstery, and cruise control, etc. Its prominent safety features are parking assistance, and collision warning; however, the Pakistani Alto’s variants may not offer the same high-end specs and features.

Pakistani and Japanese Alto: Similarities

Both the Pakistani and Japanese high-end variants of Alto have auto gear shift (AGS), anti-lock braking system (ABS), power doors and windows, crystal headlamps, privacy glass (rear and back) and retractable mirrors.

Pakistani and Japanese Alto: Differences

Features like alloy rims, turbo technology, digital climate control, heated seats, rear wiper, and others may be missing in the Pakistani variants. The Japanese X variant of Alto has metallic as well as grey two-tone back door options. It also has an ease of optimizing driving position owing to the tilt steering (in X variant) and driver seat lifter (in S and X variants), along with ENE-CHARGE, new Engine Auto Stop-Start System, and ECO-COOL.

The Japanese Alto is regarded as one of the most fuel-efficient cars. It will be interesting to see if the Pakistani version is as good and we’ll only be sure about its fuel economy after it’s on the roads.

PRICE COMPARISON

The better variants of imported Japanese Alto are priced over PKR 12 lac; however, it is expected that the 660cc Alto in Pakistan will be priced between PKR 9-12 lac, depending upon the variant. As per estimates, the starting price of Pakistani Suzuki Alto 2019 variants will be around Rs 9.65 lac and it may go up till Rs 12 lac.

The booking of these Suzuki 660cc Alto 2019 variants has opened at PKR 5 lac. As per initial reports, Pak Suzuki may launch the Alto variants in June 2019. Subsequently, the prices of Suzuki 660c Alto will be announced during the launch.

If the top-of-the-line variant of Pakistani Alto is somewhat equivalent to the Japanese imported version in terms of specs and features, then people can save themselves some money and buy the locally-manufactured Suzuki 660cc Alto. The Pakistani Alto is also being advertised to come with a 3-year or 60,000 km warranty. This should help soar its sales.

There is NO Final Verdict Yet

It is still too soon to give a final verdict on this comparison since the Pakistani Alto is not on the roads and hence not tried and tested. Moreover, Pak Suzuki has not unveiled its features and specifications. So, stay with PakWheels.com for the complete expert review of Suzuki Alto 2019 when it is made available.

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48 Comments
  1. Aoun Ali says

    Please suggest a car with the best fuel consumption (preferably with automatic transmission). My daily is commute is almost 150 kilometers so I need to invest in a fuel efficient car. The price range is 12 lac to 15 lac. Previously I owned a 2013 Mehran but got fed of it, Now I own a 2010 model Corolla GLI but I’m not happy with the average it gives.

  2. Eleazar Bhatti says

    Buy the new cultus, I use it for daily commute. Its economical and gives an average of 16 to 17 kms with AC inter city.

  3. Syed Rehan says

    After launch of Pakistani Alto, Kindly make detail review. Price specs and built in Quality.

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