CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
Average Price: Around £2,800

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 the UK in March 2009 at just £6,795, it features a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. The five-door layout offers 129 litres of boot space and seats four adults comfortably. Whilst it scored three stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, the Alto prioritises affordability and simplicity over premium features or advanced safety ratings.

Running costs are exceptionally low, with manual models achieving up to 64.2mpg and real-world figures around 50mpg. The K10B engine uses a timing chain, reducing maintenance costs to routine fluid and filter changes. Parts are inexpensive, and the car's light weight 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 and refinement can prove tiring. The cabin feels basic, and equipment is minimal, though higher-spec models offered air-conditioning and electronic stability control. A lightly revised version launched in 2012 brought minor improvements and better 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 planning frequent motorway journeys, those needing spacious interiors or modern equipment, or buyers seeking premium safety ratings and refinement.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

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

Consider alternatives if: You plan frequent motorway journeys, need spacious interiors or modern equipment, or require premium safety ratings and refinement.

Competitive Position: The Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) is an affordable entry point into car ownership, offering exceptional running costs and reliability. However, it lags behind rivals in overall appeal and capability. The Hyundai i10 outperforms it significantly with superior expert and user ratings, whilst the Toyota Aygo and Kia Picanto offer better value propositions. The Alto's basic cabin, limited space, and three-star safety rating make it less competitive than modern alternatives. It remains a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable urban runabout, but those with slightly more flexibility should explore the more rounded offerings of its competitors.

Read our full Suzuki Alto Review

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

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