Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Suzuki Alto hatchback (2009-2014) - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Suzuki Alto is a small and efficient car that's cheap to run

Carbuyer Rating

2.6 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews
MPG, running costs & CO2 Rating

3.2 out of 5

The Suzuki Alto was cheap to buy new and remains affordable to run. Capable of over 60mpg fuel economy, the manual-gearbox version also doesn't cost a penny to tax.

Suzuki Alto MPG & CO2

The Suzuki Alto was very fuel-efficient for its day. With a manual gearbox, it has an official economy figure of 65.7mpg and emits 99g/km of CO2 – so it just slips under the threshold for road-tax exemption. Going for the automatic means paying £30 a year in road tax and accepting slightly higher fuel bills. However, both versions of Alto are pretty cheap to run, especially if most of your motoring is short trips around town. Unfortunately, this wasn't unique in the class – most of the Alto's contemporary rivals were just as frugal.

Insurance group

With a group 4 rating, all Suzuki Alto models are cheap to insure, but several key rivals had a group 1 rating, so the Alto wasn't class-leading. The fact that only the most expensive SZ4 model comes with electronic stability control may have been a factor here.

Warranty

The Alto came with Suzuki's three-year/60,000-mile warranty. There was also a 12-year corrosion warranty and a year of AA breakdown recovery included. Suzuki also offered a pay-as-you-go extended warranty, which could be paid for monthly once the original three-year cover had expired.

Servicing

Basic mechanicals mean the Suzuki Alto isn't complicated to maintain. It still needs maintenance every 12,500 miles and it's worth noting that Suzuki has a relatively small dealer network, so you need to check how close your nearest garage is.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before
Jaguar Design Vision Concept teaser
News
21 Nov 2024

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford Puma EcoBoost front
Tips and advice
5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024