Team-BHP renders the 2014 Suzuki Alto/A-Star

Suzuki has begun testing the replacement to the Alto/A-Star in Europe. The current version of the A-Star/Alto made its international debut in 2008, and 2014 promises to be the year when its replacement will roll in. Team BHP's rendering artist, AntlerRoad, has conjured up a speculative render of the 2014 Suzuki Alto/A-Star. This render is based on the raft of spyshots of the 2014 Alto, which have emerged onto the interweb over the past few days. 

From the looks of it, the 2014 Alto/A-Star could get larger and taller than the current version. One sore point of the current A-Star, as expressed by buyers, has been its cramped interiors. So, additional space on the next generation A-Star/Alto's inside due to an extended wheelbase could just be what the doctor ordered. The car is expected to come with Suzuki's new design philosophy, with a front grille inspired by the likes of the recently launched S-Cross crossover.

Other details including engine options remain unknown at this point in time. The 1 liter K-Series petrol engine's continuation is a strong possibility while a new 800cc turbo diesel engine could also make it to the 2014 Alto's engine bay. Suzuki is working on small capacity turbo diesel engines for its hatchback range and the 2014 Alto is expected to be the recipient of the diesel engine program. CNG and LPG options could also be on the anvil for specific markets.

Notably, the 1-Liter K-Series petrol engine that is also used on the Suzuki WagonR comes with LPG-petrol and CNG-petrol dual fuel engine options. So, the possibility of dual fuel options on the 2014 Alto remains high. The new WagonR platform is expected to host the 2014 Alto. Suzuki sells the Alto under various brands. In India, the international Alto is sold under the A-Star moniker while Nissan sells rebadged versions of the hatchback under the Pixo moniker. Suzuki also sells the Alto with the Celerio badge in specific markets. 

The A-Star has been a slow seller for Maruti Suzuki in India despite the car being offered in both manual and automatic gearbox options. The addition of dual fuel and diesel engine variants to the 2014 Alto/A-Star could do its bit to pep up sales of this hatchback in the Indian car market. With the impending arrival of the Hyundai BA/i15/2014 i10 into India over the next couple of months, the re-positioning of the current i10 hatchback, at a lower price point, seems very likely. Therefore, Maruti Suzuki could do well to bring the 2014 Alto/A-Star to India at the earliest.