Gone is the dinky 800cc three-cylinder, which is replaced by a 68 horsepower 1.0-liter, DOHC, 12-valve K10B engine - the exact same unit found in the Celerio. The new powerplant now comes with direct injection, uses a more reliable timing chain, and should achieve a fuel economy of 20.2 km/L. Add to that a new cable-type 5-speed manual transmission and you've got a pocket rocket that will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 13.3 seconds. Not surprisingly, Suzuki actually had to extend the Alto's hood by 125mm to fit the slightly larger engine.
Aside from the engine bay, Suzuki also tampered with the Alto's toppings. New eagle-eyed headlamps, curved tail lamps, high-mounted third brake lamp, and body colored bumpers tell the new K10 apart from its predecessor. They've also improved its amenities with an updated three-spoke steering wheel, electronic power steering (EPS), front power windows, power door locks, and an MP3-ready sound system. And to beef up safety, the Alto K10 comes equipped with an engine immobilizer system plus seat belts for all passengers.
Listed at P439,000, the new Suzuki Alto K10 is a bargain and comes with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty. It still is the budget-meal burger we've grown used to, but they've updated the recipe by changing some ingredients and now serves it in three new dazzling flavors - Sky Silver, Dazzling Red, and Sunlight Copper Metallic.
