Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris

Suzuki will bring its seventh-generation Alto to the Paris Motor Show this October, featuring stylistic and powertrain upgrades to compete with the best and brightest from the budget-oriented, compact class. Based on the A-Star concept introduced at last year's New Delhi Motor Show, the new model will be built in India by Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant, and will likely packing a 1.0-liter engine which should make Euro V emissions regulations a breeze to exceed. Expect the new Alto to find its largest market in India, along with limited sales throughout Europe. For an economy car, it's a pretty decent looker from what we can tell from the two shots Suzuki's released ahead of the show, and we expect it will find plenty of buyers looking for a relatively cheap way to get around.

Press Release:

SUZUKI AT THE MONDIAL DE L'AUTOMOBILE IN PARIS WORLD PREMIERE FOR ALL-NEW GENERATION OF ALTO

* New Alto combines low environmental impact with fun to use
* Two new fuel-cell models display innovative eco-friendliness
* Press Conference on 2 October, 2008 at 8.30h, Hall 3, Stand 302

The Paris International Motor Show (Mondial de l'Automobile), to be held from 2-19 October 2008, is the venue for Suzuki Motor Corporation to exhibit an array of exciting new models and concept cars. At its Stand 302 in Hall 3, the company hosts, among others, the world premiere of the all-new Alto.

New Suzuki Alto offers eco-friendly and enjoyable motoring
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. With overall higher levels of quality, comfort, and safety, the all-new Alto is a response to the needs of today's motorists.

Fuel cell models with high environmental compatibility
Suzuki seeks to further strengthen the environmentally conscious advantages of its products and aims for further reductions of their impact on the global environment. One way to achieve this is fuel cell technology. The latest two fuel-cell models will be exhibited 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. The second is the "crosscage" 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.

Today's Suzuki at a glance
The Suzuki stand will also include other exciting products that embody Suzuki's "Way of Life!" message. The lineup will include production vehicles such as the Swift, Grand Vitara, SX4 and Splash. In addition, the SX4 WRC car as well as the SERT endurance GSX-R1000, will show Suzuki's motorsport spirit.