CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
Average Price: Around £3,000

Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Running costs don't get much lower	Limited space and versatility
Easy to drive and park	Cabin feels rather low-rent
Should be enormously reliable	Not flush with equipment

Quick Summary

The Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) is a small, light, and frugal city car designed for urban driving and short trips. Launched in March 2009 with an exceptionally low starting price of £6,795, it features a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. The five-door layout offers 129 litres of boot space and seating for four adults, though practicality is limited compared to rivals. The Alto scored three stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, which was passable but underwhelming against competitors offering four- and five-star ratings.

Running costs are exceptionally low, with manual models achieving up to 64.2mpg and real-world figures around 50mpg, whilst CO2 emissions of 103g/km provide favourable VED rates. The K10B engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt, reducing maintenance costs to routine fluid and filter changes. Parts are inexpensive, and the car's lightweight construction means brakes, suspension, and tyres last considerably longer. However, the Alto feels most content in urban environments; on longer motorway journeys, its lack of power, refinement, and comfort can prove tiring. A lightly revised version launched in 2012 brought minor improvements including engine upgrades for better flexibility and efficiency.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, economical city car for short trips and around-town driving, and those prioritising low running costs above all else.

Not ideal for: Drivers requiring spacious interiors, those planning frequent motorway journeys, buyers seeking modern safety ratings, or those wanting well-equipped cabins with contemporary features.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Alto if: You're on a tight budget, seeking an exceptionally economical city car for short trips and around-town driving, and prioritising low running costs and reliability above all else.

Consider alternatives if: You require spacious interiors, plan frequent motorway journeys, want modern safety ratings, or desire well-equipped cabins with contemporary features.

Competitive Position: The Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) is an affordable entry point into car ownership with genuinely low running costs and impressive reliability. However, it lags behind rivals in several key areas. The Hyundai i10 offers superior expert and user ratings with better value, whilst the Toyota Aygo and Kia Picanto provide more competitive deals. The Alto feels most content in urban environments; for drivers tackling longer journeys or seeking more refinement, alternatives like the Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii are better suited. That said, if budget is paramount and your driving is primarily urban, the straightforward Suzuki remains a sensible choice.

Read our full Suzuki Alto Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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