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Home | Auto Shows | Paris Motor Show | Suzuki to Introduce Next-Generation Alto at Paris Auto Show

Suzuki to Introduce Next-Generation Alto at Paris Auto Show

08 August, 2008 02:15:00

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Suzuki on Thursday announced that it will host the world premiere of the seventh generation of its fuel-efficient Alto small car and two new fuel-cell concepts at the upcoming 2008 Paris Auto Show.

The Alto was first introduced in 1979 and since than its nameplate has been a big seller in Japan and has also found particular success in India and some parts of Europe.

Suzuki didn’t provide more details and facts the all-new Alto, saying that more information will be revealed at the October 2 debut of the car.

However, it says “the all-new Alto builds on the strengths of Suzuki’s unparalleled knowledge of small-car development. It combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The new compact car offers light weight achieved through downsizing yet provides ample interior roominess and comfort. For the compact body, Suzuki designers tailored a stylish, sporty and youthful look that simultaneously exudes solidity and urban energy. It is perfectly matched to European tastes and supports a low drag coefficient."

From the issued images it is obvious that the all-new Alto design has been heavily influenced by the Suzuki A-Star concept which was unveiled at the New Delhi Auto Expo in January.

Suzuki will also exhibit two fuel-cell concepts in Paris.

The first is the SX4 FCV and is equipped with a GM-made high-performance fuel cell stack, a Suzuki-developed 70MPa hydrogen tank, and a light, compact capacitor. Suzuki has already received approval from Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to test the SX4 FCV on public roads.

The second is the “crosscage”, hydrogen fuelled concept motorcycle unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor show, that features a simple, compact, and lightweight air-cooled fuel-cell power system from British specialist company Intelligent Energy, plus a high-performance lithium-ion secondary battery.