Small wonder

MANILA, Philippines - The Suzuki Alto K10 doesn’t make any excuses. It looks and plays the part of the frugal, entry-level vehicle that it is. For a paltry P439,000, you expect to get the basic assurance of getting from here to there and little else.

But that would be an unfairly sweeping statement. Suzuki is Suzuki, after all. It is not a Johnny-come-lately company that worries about the bottom line more than brand equity. Suzuki has some pride.

So what you get with the new version of the Alto is a little more than you expect. Armed with a modest three-cylinder power plant with a displacement just shy of a liter (996 cc, to be precise) delivering 68 ponies, the K10’s engine actually betters its progenitor by 196 cc and 21 hp. It’s a tad heavier by 30 kilograms, but its decent acceleration and manners show the engine matches well with the frame.

Stylistically, the K10 improves on the rather sullen disposition of the previous Alto. Its front fascia is color keyed – including the bumper; same thing with the rear bumper and side mirrors. New side moldings embossed with “Alto” provide a more premium feel.

Inside, the Alto sports a utilitarian, amber-colored instrument cluster – composed of an analog tachometer and speedometer, and a backlit digital fuel gauge. Even as I appreciated the complement of warning lamps, a temp gauge was noticeably absent from the affair.

An otherwise decent JVC stereo head unit was underwhelming because it found limited expression through a couple of tinny speakers on the dash. An auxiliary input jack was thankfully available for some quick iPod mainlining.

The air-conditioning saves the day for its ample cooling power even on a sweltering day. Surprisingly, it doesn’t throttle the small engine. Two comfortably nippy thumbs up!

Power steering is a surprising standard, which makes extra light work of the 155/65 tires, slapped on 13-inch rims.

Despite the spartan promise, there are some surprising touches that show this petite Suzuki reaching past its price point. The adjustable rear head rests, the rear wiper and washer, four sets of seatbelts, and side impact beams add some semblance of premium for this city dweller. Centralized locking and front seat power windows are also nifty additions.

The K10’s fuel tank takes in 35 liters of the good stuff, which it frugally sips at a manufacturer-claimed 34 kilometers per liter. That’s not bad at all. This small but capable vehicle is also a joy to park – no need to sweat over tight squeezes.

As you would imagine, the Alto can’t hope to lug all your paraphernalia. Right? Well, not exactly. If you went overboard with your shopping, simply collapse the two rear seats for some additional room. Obviously, this works with only two people in the premises.

All told, the Alto K10 is a wee performer to be taken seriously. Despite its limitations, its capabilities and surprising niceties will make you feel you got more than what you paid for.