Suzuki Alto makes a comeback

The Suzuki Alto is on the comeback path. The brand will preview a close to production-ready replace­ment for its city car at the Geneva Motor Show in March and the finished model is planned to arrive in the UK by the end of 2008.

Bosses have yet to confirm what it will be called but sources inside the Japanese firm say that it’s likely to keep the Alto badge.

It will be based on an all-new Suzuki platform and will feature six airbags as standard. Three engines will be offered, including the three-cylinder 1.0-litre from the Splash. It emits 124g/km of CO2 in the Splash but less than 120g/km in the Alto replacement. Other options include a more powerful 1.2-litre petrol unit and a small-capacity diesel.

The newcomer will firstly be offered as a five-door hatchback but a sporty three-door will join the line-up in 2009. Prices are likely to start from roughly £7,000