SUZUKI ALTO 1.0 GL 3dr (1997)

The Alto - Below average for a Suzuki

I'm a big fan of Suzukis but this isn't the best one ever. It is simple and pretty basic. Engine-wiseIt has a three cylinder 1.0l which produces something like 65bhp. Nothing special there, then. The gears really work for you which is good for the miles-per-gallon side of things (it gets about 65mpg) but doesn't do much for acceleration. It feels quite fast but not exactly a powerhouse.

I actually like the way it handles but it won't be to everyone's taste. At high speeds it gets a bit shaky but it has a tiny turning circle and it's quite good fun. It gets pretty noisy when accelerating but it's well-built and pretty reliable. Suzuki have also gone out of their way to make it safe: there are very good brakes and twin and side airbags.

The Suzuki Alto is small inside and out. I've tried to fit some of my bigger mates in the back and they don't like me any more. For a family car though it should be OK. Not a bad all-rounder but nothing to get excited about.