When most new car buyers are looking for a small, frugal car that offers great value for money and is kind to the environment, the seventh generation Suzuki Alto couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

Launched in March 2009, the Alto is available in 3 model grades. Standard specification on all grades includes power steering, remote central locking, 4 airbags, ABS brakes and a radio/CD system. Air conditioning is standard on the two higher grades.

The new Alto is larger than the previous model, with a more rounded front end containing a large Audi like grille with round headlamps that cut into the front wings and bonnet. The side profile features a rising waistline that leads your eye to high chopped off tail that features prominent rear light clusters and the wheel arches are prominently styled. All of this creates a stylish looking package that has a purposeful stance that is pleasing to look at in any of the nine body colour options available.

Available only in a 5 door body style, the Alto has one engine option. This is the terrific new 1 litre three cylinder engine that produces a remarkably low CO2 figure of 103g/km. This engine is also Euro 5 compliant and produces 67bhp. This means that the road tax for all manual transmission Alto’s is £35 per year and has an average fuel consumption figure of 64.2 mpg. Equally impressive is the ultra cheap insurance group 1 that Alto falls into. This is the lowest insurance group available.

On the road, the Alto creates a very enjoyable drive, with a clean throttle response and a smooth exhaust note. Even at higher speeds the engine never sounds stressed or strained and is just as happy on the motorway as it is going around city centre streets. The Alto is also a very light car, making it feel nimble and composed on country roads with well weighted electric power steering that isn’t too light for spirited driving and not too heavy for parking into tight spaces.

Too sum up the Suzuki Alto, the best way to describe it is that it is a small car that does all the things an A- segment car needs to do both honestly and simply while providing a keen, entertaining and enjoyable driving experience. The Alto has all the equipment anyone would ever need, it is well put together and is very cheap to run, insure and tax. As it is also a Suzuki, so you can count on exceptional reliability and the peace of mind of a 3 year/60,000 mile parts and labour warranty.

Book your test drive today at www.bestvaluecars.co.uk