Japanese domestic market: 2015 Suzuki Alto launched

Suzuki has launched the 2015 Alto in Japan. The Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) only model adopts a newly developed platform that makes it lighter by around 60 kgs. The 2WD 5-speed manual variant weighs 610 kgs. Suzuki also says the platform brings about a 'major improvement' in rigidity, quietness, collision performance and driving performance. The JDM Alto delivers a claimed fuel economy of 37 km/l on the 2WD/CVT variant.

The Japanese Alto comes with features such as an engine start/stop system, radar brake support, ESP, ABS with EBD, brake assist and hill hold control. The 2015 Alto is available with a CVT as well an auto-gear shift system. Buyers will get the option of a 4x4 model as well.

The small car adopts a retro styling, features a fascia that is flat faced and sports large headlamps. Instead of a radiator grill, the car gets a front panel that has four vertical open slats on one side, while the 3 slat air dam is also partially open. The side profile features beefed up wheel arches, ORVMs with integrated turn signals and dark grey wheels. At the back, the Alto features rear bumper mounted tail lights and you can also get a non body coloured tail gate.

The interiors feature a beige-black dual tone flat dashboard with four AC vents, a 3 spoke steering wheel and a dash mounted gear lever. The front seats have been contoured for lateral support and get integrated head rests. The instrument cluster features an analogue speedometer along with a digital MID.

In Japan, the Alto was first launched in 1979. Suzuki claims cumulative domestic sales since then stand at 4.83 million units.