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Photo of a Suzuki Alto

Suzuki Alto

Born at ¥470,000; 10 million Altos and relatives sold by 2009.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 43 sources

Also called

  • Micro MonsterMonster Sport used this name for the 2015 Alto Turbo RS, describing it as a reborn 21st-century machine.2
  • Geta-gurumaSuzuki's label for the ninth-generation Alto likens its simple, practical role to wooden clogs slipped on for a short trip.3

At a glance

0100200
25.7–68 hpPower
01020
10–20 s0–100 km/h
0100200
137–160 km/hTop speed
0150300
35–107.9 N·mTorque
05001,000
530–867 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2681516

Engine
539–1061 cc I3/I4; two-/four-stroke, turbo and mild-hybrid versions5689
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive; Japanese 4WD versions too89
Gearbox
4/5-speed manual; 2/3/4-speed automatic; later CVT and 5-speed AGS81115
Built at
Early Alto: Kosai, Japan; Maruti Alto: Manesar, India68
Units built
Indian Alto: 1 million produced by February 20086

The story

Created in 1979 as affordable transport for women, the Alto used commercial-vehicle tax breaks. Japan's Alto reached nine generations; India's branch later took its own path and put millions behind the wheel.4567

1979: The ¥470,000 tax-break special19791987: Works establishes the kei power ceiling19872000: India gets its own Alto20002009: 10 million sales across the wider clan20092014: Japan's eighth generation sheds 60 kg20142015: Works returns with 100 Nm20152021: Japan's ninth Alto goes mild hybrid20212022: India's K10 returns on HEARTECT20222023: K10: 2 adult stars, 0 child stars2023 Suzuki Fronte: 1962–1989Suzuki FronteSuzuki Alto (first generation, Japan) (SS30/SS40): 1979–1984Suzuki Alto (second generation, Japan) (CA/CC): 1984–1988CA/CCSuzuki Alto (third generation, Japan) (CL/CM/CN/CP/CR/CS): 1988–1994Suzuki Alto (fifth generation, Japan) (HA12S/HA22S): 1998–2004Suzuki Alto (sixth generation, Japan) (HA24S): 2004–2009HA24SSuzuki Alto (ninth generation, Japan) (HA37S/HA97S): 2021–present 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones145682728
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1962–1989Suzuki Fronte
1979–1984Suzuki Alto (first generation, Japan) (SS30/SS40)
1984–1988Suzuki Alto (second generation, Japan) (CA/CC)
1988–1994Suzuki Alto (third generation, Japan) (CL/CM/CN/CP/CR/CS)
1998–2004Suzuki Alto (fifth generation, Japan) (HA12S/HA22S)
2004–2009Suzuki Alto (sixth generation, Japan) (HA24S)
2021–presentSuzuki Alto (ninth generation, Japan) (HA37S/HA97S)
1979The ¥470,000 tax-break special
1987Works establishes the kei power ceiling
2000India gets its own Alto
200910 million sales across the wider clan
2014Japan's eighth generation sheds 60 kg
2015Works returns with 100 Nm
2021Japan's ninth Alto goes mild hybrid
2022India's K10 returns on HEARTECT
2023K10: 2 adult stars, 0 child stars
  1. 1979

    The ¥470,000 tax-break special

    A single-grade commercial van avoided commodity tax, targeted women drivers and carried the same ¥470,000 price nationwide.18

  2. 1987

    Works establishes the kei power ceiling

    Kei's first twin-cam turbo delivered 63 hp in the Works; RS/R got viscous-coupling full-time 4WD. That output became the kei ceiling.910

  3. 2000

    India gets its own Alto

    Launched September 27 on Japan's fifth-generation base, India's Alto became its best seller in 2006 and passed 1 million built in February 2008.6

  4. 2009

    10 million sales across the wider clan

    March's worldwide tally included Alto Lapin and Works, exported Fronte/SS40/SS80 derivatives and India's Maruti 800.1

  5. 2014

    Japan's eighth generation sheds 60 kg

    A new platform cut 60 kg versus the Eco for CVT cars. The 2WD CVT's 37.0 km/L JC08 claim led Japan's non-hybrid gasoline cars.11

  6. 2015

    Works returns with 100 Nm

    After 15 years, the Turbo RS-based Works brought a short-throw five-speed manual, retuned 5AGS, firmer suspension and Recaro front seats.91213

  7. 2021

    Japan's ninth Alto goes mild hybrid

    R06A continued alongside an R06D mild hybrid for Hybrid S/X; six airbags and automatic braking that detects pedestrians at night became standard.5

  8. 2022

    India's K10 returns on HEARTECT

    India's locally developed K10 adopted HEARTECT and a 1.0 L Dual Jet engine; Alto had reached 4.32 million Indian buyers and 16 consecutive years at No. 1.67

  9. 2023

    K10: 2 adult stars, 0 child stars

    Stable structure, weak side-impact chest protection; child-seat nomination, full three-point belt coverage and standard front-airbag deactivation were missing.614

Every generation

  • Suzuki Fronte
    Suzuki Fronte1962–1989
  • Suzuki Alto (first generation, Japan)
    SS30/SS401979–1984
  • Suzuki Alto (second generation, Japan)
    CA/CC1984–1988
  • Suzuki Alto (third generation, Japan)
    CL/CM/CN/CP/CR/CS1988–1994
  • Suzuki Alto (fifth generation, Japan)
    HA12S/HA22S1998–2004
  • Suzuki Alto (sixth generation, Japan)
    HA24S2004–2009
  • Suzuki Alto (ninth generation, Japan)
    HA37S/HA97S2021–present

Power over the years

From 28 hp to 68 hp in 30 years.

020406080 19801990200020102020 hp 1979 · 28 hp · Original T5B two-stroke1981 · 28 hp · F5A four-stroke option1985 · 43 hp · Alto Turbo1987 · 63 hp · Works F5A twin-cam turbo1988 · 63 hp · Works RS/X F5B1990 · 63 hp · Works F6A, 660 cc update1994 · 63 hp · Works RS/Z, aluminum K6A1998 · 63 hp · Works RS/Z K6A VVT2009 · 68 hp · Export A-Star-based Alto 1.02010 · 67 hp · Indian Alto K10 K10B2015 · 63 hp · Works R06A2022 · 66 hp · Indian Alto K10 Dual Jet 68 hp Export A-Star-based Alto 1.0 28 hp Original T5B two-stroke
2467891517
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
197928Original T5B two-stroke
198128F5A four-stroke option
198543Alto Turbo
198763Works F5A twin-cam turbo
198863Works RS/X F5B
199063Works F6A, 660 cc update
199463Works RS/Z, aluminum K6A
199863Works RS/Z K6A VVT
200968Export A-Star-based Alto 1.0
201067Indian Alto K10 K10B
201563Works R06A
202266Indian Alto K10 Dual Jet

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Alto 800 / K10 (India)

    Standard

    Alto 800 / K10 (India)

    2012 / 2014

  • Standard

    Alto 660cc (Pakistan)

    2019

  • A / L / Hybrid S / Hybrid X (Japan)

    Standard

    A / L / Hybrid S / Hybrid X (Japan)

    2021

  • Works RS-X / RS-R / RS-S (Japan)

    Performance

    Works RS-X / RS-R / RS-S (Japan)

    1987

    63 hp
  • Works RS/X / RS/R (Japan, round lamps)

    Performance

    Works RS/X / RS/R (Japan, round lamps)

    1988–1994

    63 hp
  • Works turbo ie/s / RS/Z / Suzuki Sport Limited

    Performance

    Works turbo ie/s / RS/Z / Suzuki Sport Limited

    1994–1998

  • Turbo RS / Works (Japan, 2015 generation)

    Performance

    Turbo RS / Works (Japan, 2015 generation)

    2015

  • Slide Slim / Hustle / C (Japan)

    Special

    Slide Slim / Hustle / C (Japan)

  • Special

    40th Anniversary L Limited (Japan)

    2019

  • Limited

    SZ-L (UK)

    2010

  • Racing

    Works R (rally specification)

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1987 Works: a hood air scoop marks out the turbocharged version.9
  • 1988 Works: round headlights and a full body kit give it a different face from the regular Alto.9
  • 2014 Japanese X: a gray two-tone tailgate was an option.11
  • Ninth-generation Japan cars use soft oval forms and vertical rear lamps.524
  • 2022 Indian K10: a large hexagonal grille with slim lamps; no fog lights or daytime running lights.25

Year by year

  1. 1988 (Japan Works)

    Works gains round headlights and a full aerodynamic body kit, setting its face apart from the regular Alto.9

  2. 1990 (Japan)

    Larger bumpers add 100 mm to the body's overall length.4

  3. 1998 (Japan Works)

    The new Works wears round multi-reflector headlights and dedicated aerodynamic trim.9

  4. 2014 (India K10)

    A chrome-trimmed grille, swept-back headlights and a reshaped hood identify the second-generation K10.6

  5. 2021 (Japan)

    The ninth generation rounds off the body and switches to vertical rear lamps; it stands 50 mm taller than its predecessor.524

  6. July 2025 (Japan)

    Reshaped bumpers, a roof spoiler for Hybrid S/X, and two-tone roofs in soft beige or black replacing the earlier white.26

Against its rivals

  • Hyundai Eon

    Alto vs Hyundai Eon

    Base price (Delhi) lower is better

    Alto2.4 lakh INR
    Hyundai Eon2.8 lakh INR
    18
  • Skoda Citigo

    Alto vs Skoda Citigo

    Euro NCAP rating

    Alto3 stars
    Skoda Citigo5 stars
    15
  • Honda S660

    Alto vs Honda S660

    0–100 km/h (approx.) lower is better

    Alto10 s
    Honda S66010 s
    16

Prices

Value today $1.9K–$6.9K3435

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$5K$10K$15K 19801990200020102020 Value today: $1,877–$6,900 1979 · $1,900 · Japan base; approximate period USD 1979 · ¥470,000 · Japan base, 1979; approximate period USD 2015 · $6,100 · 1987 Works RS/X, 83k km shown, BaT2016 · $5,350 · 1990 Works 5-speed, BaT2024 · $1,877 · 1993 Perky automatic, 31k km shown, BaT2024 · $1,547 · 2000 Works RS/Z, 159,518 km, SellCa2025 · $2,700 · 1999 Works ie, 151k km, Bring a Trailer2026 · $5,100 · 1997 Works RS-Z 5-speed, 183k km shown, BaT2026 · $6,900 · 1990 Works 5-speed, 89k km shown, BaT2026 · $11,507 · 2020 Works Monster, 43,383 km, SellCa2026 · $1,167 · 2018 F, 40,690 km, SellCa2026 · $4,700 · 2023 Hybrid S, 20,057 km, SellCa $11.5K SellCa, 2026
18343537383940414243
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1979Launch price$1,900Japan base, 1979; approximate period USD
1979Price when new$1,900Japan base; approximate period USD
2015Auction sale$6,1001987 Works RS/X, 83k km shown, BaT
2016Auction sale$5,3501990 Works 5-speed, BaT
2024Auction sale$1,8771993 Perky automatic, 31k km shown, BaT
2024Auction sale$1,5472000 Works RS/Z, 159,518 km, SellCa
2025Auction sale$2,7001999 Works ie, 151k km, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$5,1001997 Works RS-Z 5-speed, 183k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,9001990 Works 5-speed, 89k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,5072020 Works Monster, 43,383 km, SellCa
2026Auction sale$1,1672018 F, 40,690 km, SellCa
2026Auction sale$4,7002023 Hybrid S, 20,057 km, SellCa
2026Value today$1,877–$6,900

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Ten million, including Lapin and Maruti 800”
    • “India's sales leader for 16 straight years”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 43 sources
  1. Global News News.2009 | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  2. MONSTER meet ALTO WORKS episode4 モンスタースポーツ | MonsterSport monster-sport.com
  3. スズキ・アルト【開発者インタビュー】 「47万円」が原点です - webCG webcg.net
  4. SUZUKI DIGITAL LIBRARY｜四輪車 suzuki.co.jp
  5. スズキ、軽乗用車 新型「アルト」を発売｜スズキ suzuki.co.jp
  6. Maruti Suzuki Alto - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. Introducing the Maruti Suzuki All-New Alto K10 marutisuzuki.com
  8. Suzuki Alto - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. SUZUKI DIGITAL LIBRARY｜四輪車 suzuki.co.jp
  10. MONSTER meet ALTO WORKS モンスタースポーツ | MonsterSport monster-sport.com
  11. Global News News.2014 | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  12. スズキ株式会社　四輪製品ニュース 2015年12月24日 スズキ、軽乗用車 新型「アルト ワークス」を発売 suzuki.co.jp
  13. 【インプレッション】スズキ「アルト ワークス（5速MT）」 / - Car Watch car.watch.impress.co.jp
  14. VW/Škoda shine again with five star performance but Maruti Suzuki continues to disappoint — Global NCAP globalncap.org
  15. Suzuki Alto (2009-2015) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. 終売から5年でも新車超え!? アルトワークス最新相場を調査、MT・4WDは高値維持、ターボRSとの価格差も判明! | Motor Fan｜自動車情報のモーターファン motor-fan.jp
  17. MONSTER meet ALTO WORKS episode3 モンスタースポーツ | MonsterSport monster-sport.com
  18. New Maruti Alto 800 launched | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  19. New Maruti Alto K10 Automatic launched - ZigWheels zigwheels.com
  20. Global News News.2019 | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  21. スズキ、軽乗用車「アルト」に「40周年記念特別仕様車 Lリミテッド」を設定して発売｜スズキ suzuki.co.jp
  22. Suzuki Alto SZ-L, version britannique - L'Auto-Journal autojournal.fr
  23. MONSTER meet ALTO WORKS episode2 モンスタースポーツ | MonsterSport monster-sport.com
  24. 単に「丸い先代」ではない、豊かな抑揚を出したい。新型「アルト」の気軽で愛着の持てるデザインとは？ | clicccar.com clicccar.com
  25. 2022 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 review, drive: engine, performance, features, price | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  26. スズキ、軽乗用車「アルト」を一部仕様変更して発売｜スズキ suzuki.co.jp
  27. Suzuki Fronte - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  28. 「さわやかアルト47万円!」から「ハロー、エブリデイ!」へ。アルトのルーツを振り返る | Motor Fan｜自動車情報のモーターファン motor-fan.jp
  29. Economy Drive | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  30. Suzuki Suzulight - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  31. Maruti 800 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  32. Gran Turismo 6 - List of featured cars gran-turismo.com
  33. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  34. No Reserve: 1993 Suzuki Alto Perky for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $1,877 on January 8, 2024 (Lot #132,802) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 1990 Suzuki Alto Works 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,900 on July 5, 2026 (Lot #250,853) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. Suzuki Alto (2003-2008) — New Car Net newcarnet.co.uk
  37. No Reserve: 1987 Suzuki Alto Works RS/X for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,100 on October 8, 2015 (Lot #614) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 1997 Suzuki Alto Works RS-Z 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,100 on February 9, 2026 (Lot #229,447) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. [A424716]アルトワークス ベースグレード[4.3万km/2020年式]のオークション実績（2026年8月に成約）[総合評価 : 4.5][内装評価 : B][外装評価 : B] | 中古車を高く売るならセルカ(SellCa) sellca-sellcar.com
  40. [A413629]アルト Ｆ[4.1万km/2018年式]のオークション実績（2026年6月に成約）[総合評価 : 4][内装評価 : B][外装評価 : B] | 中古車を高く売るならセルカ(SellCa) sellca-sellcar.com
  41. [A342613]アルト ハイブリッドＳ[2.0万km/2023年式]のオークション実績（2026年4月に成約）[総合評価 : 4.5][内装評価 : B][外装評価 : B] | 中古車を高く売るならセルカ(SellCa) sellca-sellcar.com
  42. No Reserve: 1999 Suzuki Alto Works ie for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $2,700 on December 16, 2025 (Lot #223,707) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  43. [A222655]アルトワークス ＲＳ／Ｚ[16.0万km/2000年式]のオークション実績（2024年2月に成約）[総合評価 : 3][内装評価 : B][外装評価 : B] | 中古車を高く売るならセルカ(SellCa) sellca-sellcar.com
  • globalsuzuki.com
  • monster-sport.com
  • webcg.net
  • suzuki.co.jp
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • marutisuzuki.com
  • car.watch.impress.co.jp
  • globalncap.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motor-fan.jp
  • autocarindia.com
  • zigwheels.com
  • autojournal.fr
  • clicccar.com

Photo credits

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