Hear the name Suzuki and the chances are that you think of one of its popular 4x4s, but the Japanese car maker also boasts a proud history of budget city cars.

The introduction of a new model in January 2003 heralded the third generation of the Alto, which in the UK dated back as far as 1986. While these most recent models were without doubt the best, their failure to sell well saw the car withdrawn from sale in June 2005.

With limited numbers on the road it’s a car that is easily forgotten, but for buyers after a simple and low-cost solution to their motoring needs it could still represent a great used-car purchase.

The model range, with just one engine and two gearboxes available, is hardly extensive. The 1.1 litre petrol engine produces a reasonable 53bhp, enough to push it from 0-62mph in 16.8sec and on to a theoretical top speed of 96mph. But this is a car designed for town driving, and performance is likely to impress owners less than fuel efficiency. On this count it does well, averaging close to 60mpg in mixed motoring.

While the five-speed manual gearbox is the most popular option some buyers may be drawn to the auto gearbox. The £700 premium when new has eroded to £200 and, combined with the standard power steering, could be a tempting option for those who spend most of their time in stop-start town traffic.

With a list price of just £5,500 when new the manual Alto was among the cheapest cars you could buy. Those economies show when you sit inside: the cabin is sparse and the materials uninspiring, though the controls are well laid out and simple to use. The passage of time has proven the car to be pretty durable and with few mechanical complexities you are unlikely to suffer much in the way of problems. In fact on low-mileage examples it is the lack of use that is more likely to cause trouble, so pay special attention to exhausts that may be rusty and brakes that may be seized.

Despite its size the Alto manages to pack in five doors and a reasonable boot. Rear legroom is tight but no worse than a new Mini’s, and the split-fold rear seat and large tailgate give the car some genuine practicality. The seats may be on the thin side but you do get the benefit of height adjustment on the driver’s side, and the boxy shape results in better than average headroom for a car of this size.

On the road the 1.1 litre engine buzzes along with enthusiasm although it gets harsh under hard acceleration and at higher cruising speeds. Wind and road noise also become intrusive as the speed builds but at least the standard stereo is capable of drowning out the worst of it.

As it struggled to meet sales targets Suzuki added equipment to the standard features. Post January 2004 all models boasted ABS, twin airbags, CD player and central locking. Take your time to hunt one of these down with a full service history and the balance of manufacturer’s warranty and for less than three grand you can hardly go wrong.

Warranty Three years/60,000 miles from new provided the 6,000-mile servicing schedule has been adhered to

Insurance Group 5 — due in part to the absence of deadlocks or an alarm — is not as low as many competitors, so shop around for a quotation before buying

Steering Power steering standard on all models since June 2003 and all variants are blessed with a tight turning circle

Safety No Euro NCAP crash tests were completed but antilock brakes became standard from January 2004, along with twin front airbags

Gearbox Five-speed manual gearbox is light and easy to use; three-speed auto box is less convincing

Wheels Check wheels and tyres for uneven wear, particularly on the inner edge due to kerbing when city driving

Stereo Reasonable quality stereo was enhanced with the addition of a CD player from January 2004

Boot Reasonable space with good access thanks to decent-sized tailgate. Split-fold rear seats are standard

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Suzuki Alto 1.1 GL 5dr
Engine 1061cc, four cylinders
Power 53bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption 57.6mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 16.8sec
Top speed 96mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Suzuki Alto 1.1 GL 5dr 2004 04 with 20,000 miles and full service history. Pay £2,925 at a dealer £2,250 privately

OR, FOR THE SAME MONEY

2003 03 Daihatsu Charade 1.0 EL 3dr
2001 X Ford Ka 1.3i Collection 3dr
2001 51 Hyundai Amica 1.0 GSi 5dr
2004 04 Perodua Kelisa 1.0 GXi 5dr
2003 52 Vauxhall Agila 1.0i 12V Expression 5dr

VALUES