Suzuki Alto 660cc is a top of the line variant, which was launched this year by Suzuki to replace the legendary Mehran. The auto gear shift XL variant vehicle was highly anticipated in the auto market. It is the first 660cc vehicle to be locally produced in Pakistan, which can explain why its launch was the most anticipated event in the auto industry this year. Suzuki is one of the most popular car companies in Pakistan. Their vehicles are both imported and manufactured locally. Their vehicles are reliable, economical, and fuel-efficient.
Looking at the Alto 660cc, the exterior is the same as other imported cars. The front has beautiful headlights that have integrated indicator inside. The front grill is also impressive. Compared to the JDM (Japan domestic manufacture) version, the front is the same except for a small gap in the front. The fenders are different from JDM models. The front two fenders are made of metal, while in JDM vehicles they are made of plastic. If the fenders were made of fiber or plastic, there would have been a higher chance of them breaking because of bicycles or motorcycles hitting them on the road. The car sides also support an aerodynamic build to help with fuel efficiency. The Alto has general tycoon 185/80 R13 tyres with 13-inch rims. The side mirrors and door handles are all of the same colors because the Alto VXL is a top of the line variant. Other variants may have different color combinations. The paint quality has room for improvement, but overall acceptable.
The interior is quite impressive, especially when compared to previously produced Suzuki vehicles. The dashboard is a combination of dark grey and light grey. The same color combination is used in the doors. The speedometer has all the necessary information: fuel average, instant fuel average, distance to end, and fuel indicator.
Important to mention, there is no temperature indicator. On starting the car, there is a blue colored sign which indicates the current temperature of the car, whether it is hot or cold. After that, there is no indication of the car’s temperature until the car heats up to its maximum limit. This is slightly problematic for old school people who might keep an eye on the temperature indicator. When the car temperature starts to rise, one can switch off the AC or pull over on the curb to reduce the temperature before it reaches the maximum limit. However, in the Alto VXL, the sign only comes on when the car is at the maximum level of heat. This feature is prevalent in all new cars of this type. The gearbox is quite non-conventional. In normal cars, the gearbox is on the floor. The manual gear is on the floor in the new alto; however, the automatic gear shift is located next to the steering wheel, at arm’s length which is good and easy for drivers.
The car has analog climate control, while JDM vehicles have digital control. The alto has two cupholders in the front and the back. The dashboard has a console box. The infotainment unit is impressive. It comes with screen mirroring, SD card, and all the modern features. The touch screen works well, and the music quality is great. Bluetooth connectivity is easy, except for calls. good quality speakers also installed When people speak the person on the phone cannot hear what is being said. I think this is a blessing in disguise and might curb phone usage while driving. There is a lack of reverse cameras. However, customers can get them installed if they want.
The right side of the front interior in JDM vehicles comes with a lot of options. However, in the alto, this is fitted with empty switches. Realistically, none of the switches in JDM vehicles are used in Pakistan, for example, the eco control switch, traction control, headlight adjustment, and radar. The Alto VXL has practical features. All four windows are power windows, with an auto function in the driver’s seat. There are retractable mirrors, dual airbags, and electric power steering. All the practical options available in a JDM vehicle are available in the Alto. In fact, we have come across cars worth 29 lacs and more that lack airbags or other practical features such as retractable mirrors.
The back door has easy exit and entry. The leg space in the Alto 2019 is excellent, and quite spacious even with the front seat all the way back. Two to three adults can easily fit in the back. The backseat also has seat belts, an important safety feature which should always be used.
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