ADVANCEMENT in engine management technology is seeing more performance, better economy and reductions in C02 emissions from the smallest of motors.

This is the case with Suzuki’s new Alto, the seventh generation of the popular runabout which has just been launched.

It couldn’t have arrived at a better time as it not only meets the lifestyle requirements of many motorists wanting to cut costs, but also the pressing global need for a reduced environmental impact.

The Alto offers wonderful economy. A combined everyday fuel consumption of 64.2mpg and C02 emissions of only 103g/km in five-speed manual form is one of the lowest emitting small petrol family cars.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit is a gem of engineering and a far cry from earlier three-cylinder motors that often lacked a smooth power delivery and were noisy when working hard.

With a best return of 74.3mpg on the extra urban cycle, the 96mph Alto clearly shows that economy and low emissions need not be detrimental to good performance.

There is a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission, a proposition not often seen with city cars.

Prices go from £6,795 to £7,960 with three grades of specification and with automatic transmission costing an extra £600.

While sales of large cars are being hit badly by the recession, small cars continue to sell very well and Suzuki is confident that the Alto will comfortably achieve its sales target.

On the road, the Alto is lively and good to drive. With its smooth manual gearbox, it accelerates strongly up through the gears and has a widely-spaced third gear which is useful for overtaking.

The 70mph speed limit comes up fairly swiftly but, as one might expect, it takes a while to reach higher speeds.

Updates to the suspension have certainly improved the ride and handling so that the car is very chuckable into corners.

Overall, however, the Alto is best in a more urban environment where it will nip in and out of the traffic with efficiency and can be parked with ease. The positive power steering does give good feedback and the driver can obtain a comfortable position with the help of a tilt adjustable steering column.

The new Alto is far better equipped than the previous no-frills runabouts. Its new styling is sporty and very aerodynamic for a small car while inside the Alto gets a fresh and casual-looking layout with the accent on ease of use and storage.

The cabin has plenty of plastic and, although not to everyone’s taste, it should prove hard-wearing.

The cabin is easy to live with and also roomy, though rear seat passengers are not so well off, with comfortable seats but restricted leg room. The boot offers reasonable space with access via a fairly small but well-designed tailgate. The equipment list is far more generous than in previous Altos with the top two specification cars getting air conditioning.

Security and safety measures are commendable with enhanced active and passive safety features.

At-a-glance.

ADVANCEMENT in engine management technology is seeing more performance, better economy and reductions in C02 emissions from the smallest of motors.

This is the case with Suzuki’s new Alto, the seventh generation of the popular runabout which has just been launched.

It couldn’t have arrived at a better time as it not only meets the lifestyle requirements of many motorists wanting to cut costs, but also the pressing global need for a reduced environmental impact.

The Alto offers wonderful economy. A combined everyday fuel consumption of 64.2mpg and C02 emissions of only 103g/km in five-speed manual form is one of the lowest emitting small petrol family cars.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit is a gem of engineering and a far cry from earlier three-cylinder motors that often lacked a smooth power delivery and were noisy when working hard.

With a best return of 74.3mpg on the extra urban cycle, the 96mph Alto clearly shows that economy and low emissions need not be detrimental to good performance.

There is a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission, a proposition not often seen with city cars.

Prices go from £6,795 to £7,960 with three grades of specification and with automatic transmission costing an extra £600.

While sales of large cars are being hit badly by the recession, small cars continue to sell very well and Suzuki is confident that the Alto will comfortably achieve its sales target.

On the road, the Alto is lively and good to drive. With its smooth manual gearbox, it accelerates strongly up through the gears and has a widely-spaced third gear which is useful for overtaking.

The 70mph speed limit comes up fairly swiftly but, as one might expect, it takes a while to reach higher speeds.

Updates to the suspension have certainly improved the ride and handling so that the car is very chuckable into corners.

Overall, however, the Alto is best in a more urban environment where it will nip in and out of the traffic with efficiency and can be parked with ease. The positive power steering does give good feedback and the driver can obtain a comfortable position with the help of a tilt adjustable steering column.

The new Alto is far better equipped than the previous no-frills runabouts. Its new styling is sporty and very aerodynamic for a small car while inside the Alto gets a fresh and casual-looking layout with the accent on ease of use and storage.

The cabin has plenty of plastic and, although not to everyone’s taste, it should prove hard-wearing.

The cabin is easy to live with and also roomy, though rear seat passengers are not so well off, with comfortable seats but restricted leg room. The boot offers reasonable space with access via a fairly small but well-designed tailgate. The equipment list is far more generous than in previous Altos with the top two specification cars getting air conditioning.

Security and safety measures are commendable with enhanced active and passive safety features.