Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Mini
Production years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
The Indian car-maker Maruti joined forces with Suzuki to develop and sell a small car for their local market. The car was based on a kei-car built by Suzuki for the Japanese market.
Usually, a small car means less material used to build that car. Also, the workforce in India was much cheaper than in other countries. Last, but not least, the technology used to build a small car without too many features, if any, was cheap. The Maruti Suzuki Alto had all the above advantages and became a very affordable car. To get even more profit out of it, the Indian-Japanese joint-venture succeeded to export the Alto in Europe.
The 2000 model was a small, five door-five seat car. It was built on the base of an old Suzuki platform. The simple look, with almost flat body panels and basic exterior features, was introduced in Europe in 2002.
Inside, lines, colors, and features were simple. There was no power window or power seats. The power steering was only available for the European market. The car was very roomy for its size, due to its high cabin, which allowed a higher seating position for all the occupants inside.
Under the hood, there was a small choice of engine. For Europe, there was a 1-liter, three-cylinder engine mated to a standard 5-speed manual. Don't ask about an automatic.
ENGINE SPECS - 0.8L 5MT FWD (47 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L3 |
Displacement: | 796 cm3 |
Power: | 34.6 KW @ 6200 RPM 47 HP @ 6200 RPM 46 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 46 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 62 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 80.7 mph (130 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 20 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 145/80 R12 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 137.4 in (3490 mm) |
Width: | 58.1 in (1476 mm) |
Height: | 57.4 in (1458 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 51/50.8 in (1,295/1,290 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 92.9 in (2360 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 6.2 cuFT (176 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 1587 lbs (720 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 2568 lbs (1165 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 32.6 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 171.4 g/km |