Suzuki Alto: 30 years of proven fuel economy

First introduced in 1979, the Suzuki Alto has established a solid heritage in many international markets through its proven fuel economy.  In the Philippines, the Suzuki Alto topped the Department of Energy’s 2008 fuel economy run by delivering 34-Km/L in a controlled environment.  Its rated fuel consumption is 17-Km/L on combined city and highway driving. With the ever-increasing fuel prices, the Suzuki Alto is a smart choice for practical motorists who wish to have a reliable ride that is also easy on the pocket. 

One of the most popular compact cars worldwide, the Suzuki Alto is recognized for its fuel efficiency, stability and affordability.  It is powered by a sophisticated 796cc, 32-bit computer-controlled three-cylinder, 12-valve engine that delivers maximum output of 47hp @ 6,200rpm and maximum torque of 62Nm @ 3,000rpm, making it the perfect city car for zipping around crowded metro streets.

Its compact dimensions (L=3495mm, W=1495mm, H=1455mm) make the Suzuki Alto an extremely nimble and agile vehicle, with its small 4.6m turning radius giving it a definite advantage in tight parking spaces.

Comfortably seating four adults, the Suzuki Alto can be handily converted to carry small cargo through its 50-50 fold-down rear seats.  Safety features are not compromised, with 3-point ELR seatbelts, third brake light, side impact beams and childproof rear door locks.

Available in two variants, the Suzuki Alto Deluxe and Suzuki Alto Standard sport a 5-speed manual transmission, rack-and-pinion steering, McPherson strut with anti-roll bar on the front suspension and 3-link rigid suspension with coil spring on the rear, as well as front ventilated disc brakes and leading/trailing drum rear brakes.  Designed for durability, these features allow the Suzuki Alto to deliver solid and reliable driving performance on Philippine road conditions.

Thoughtful amenities include an in-dash CD audio system, powerful airconditioning, a headlamp leveling device, front cupholders, and a cargo cover.  Exterior features include multi-reflector halogen headlamps, multi-reflector taillights, and rear wiper-washer. The Suzuki Alto Deluxe variant also has electronic power steering, front power windows, power door locks, and color-keyed bumpers.

Possibly the most affordable Japanese sub-compact in the Philippine car market, the Suzuki Alto Standard, priced at P369,000.00, comes in Superior White, Virgin Blue Metallic, and Silky Silver Metallic.  The Suzuki Alto Deluxe is priced at P408,000.00 and comes in an additional color, Bright Red.

According to Mr. Hisashi Sunaga, Suzuki Philippines general manager for automobile sales and marketing, “Suzuki has long specialized in compact vehicles with excellent fuel efficiency.  With the current economic conditions and the increasing fuel prices, the Alto is a smart choice for the urban motorist, as proven by its strong sales performance in Europe and other global markets.” 

In its 30-year history, the Suzuki Alto has sold over 10-million units worldwide — testament to its solid performance and universal appeal.  It has a strong following in Europe, particularly in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and England, and is currently the best-selling car in India, with sales averaging 20,000 units monthly. 

Suzuki’s worldwide vehicle sales topped 40-million units in June 2009.  It is one of only two automotive companies which registered a profit in 2008, posting 30-billion yen in net earnings from its worldwide operations, the largest such earning among automotive companies.  It also takes pride in its unbroken track record of consistently profitable operations for the past 30 years, never registering a loss in its annual financial reports.

Globally, Suzuki employs over 45,000 people, has 35 main production facilities in 23 countries, and distributors in 192 countries.  Its manufacturing philosophy is grounded on providing value-packed, high-quality products offering both reliability and originality.  Suzuki R&D efforts are devoted to creating products that will meet the challenges of the next generation.

Suzuki Raider R150 : trailblazing sporty underbone

The new look of the Suzuki Raider R150 has revolutionized how motorcycles should be created and takes the rider one step closer to riding a true racing bike, the Suzuki GSX-R. Inheriting the looks of its more powerful big brother, this trailblazing sport underbone bike has been radically redesigned for a more edgy, race-track feel, in keeping with its GSX-R lineage.

The Suzuki Raider R150’s powerful twin-cam, 4-valve, 6-speed, 150cc engine delivers a class-topping maximum power of 16hp @ 9500rpm with maximum torque of 12.76Nm @ 8500rpm. Its lightweight frame (105kg), combined with telescopic front and rear mono-shock swing-arm suspensions, makes the Suzuki R150 one of the best road-handling bikes as well.


Sporting high-end features rarely found in the underbone category, the Suzuki Raider R150 features magnesium alloy wheels as well as front and rear disc brakes. A kick/electric starter system, electronic DC-CDI ignition, and a Mikuni BS 26-187 carburetor ensure smooth, reliable performance with excellent throttle response. Its 6-gear constant mesh transmission system is paired with a hydraulic multilayer clutch, making the Suzuki Raider R150 easy to operate.

Another advanced technology borrowed from its GSX-R heritage is the patented SALCS (Suzuki Advanced Cooling & Lubrication System), which uses a double oil circuit system as part of the fundamental engine design, resulting in more efficient heat dissipation and greater durability. Moreover, a redesigned, larger engine cowling or air scoops direct more air into the engine’s cooling fins, for a cooler engine and longer rides.

With new Suzuki GSX-R inspired headlights, enhanced instrument panel, new muffler design, and the latest sporty decals, the Suzuki Raider R150 not only feels like a racer, but looks like a racer too. Other thoughtful features include a grab bar for back-riders and a footrest guard. It also boasts of a new ECO or POWER mode with a bright shift timing light indicator to assist the rider in easy riding or power riding.

According to Benedict “Lakay” Arreola, senior manager for motorcycle marketing of Suzuki Philippines, “When Suzuki introduced the first-generation Raider in 2004, it created a ripple of excitement among local motorcycle fans. The second-generation Raider R150, which we launched in January this year, has also generated a lot of discussion among bike enthusiasts with its radical new design. The new Raider R150 embodies cutting-edge performance, power and design. We see this as a bridge between small and big bikes, and it is the perfect step-up model for experienced bikers looking for a more sophisticated ride.”

The Suzuki Raider R150 was also the launching model for Yoshimura Japan’s venture into small-bike upgrade kits. The Yoshimura performance kit consists of exhaust pipe, camshaft and racing gasket which, aside from enhancing the Suzuki Raider R150’s sporty looks, is also expected to provide a performance boost by maintaining maximum power at higher rpm.

The new look Suzuki Raider R150 is available in Metallic Dark Gray, Candy Autumn Red, and Candy Marine Blue.

MOLA BIRA! BIDA ANG TODA!

Suzuki reaches out to tricycle operators

Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida Ang Toda includes a service campaign offering free service check-ups for Suzuki motorcycles/tricycles. Participants get free engine oil plus snacks and give-aways.

Suzuki, one of the country’s leading motorcycle brands, is reaching out to tricycle drivers and operators with its Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida ang Toda provincial roadshow. During the three-day campaign, tricycle drivers and operators are treated to a fiesta-like celebration which includes a stunt show, fun games, trike-khana challenge, a talent contest dubbed as Talentadong TODA, as well as a safety riding and preventive maintenance seminar.

Suzuki owners get free engine oil plus snacks and give-aways when they avail of the service campaign which includes free oil change and service check-up. Several test units of the Suzuki Mola 150 and Suzuki Mola 125 are also available for test rides.

According to Suzuki president Satoshi Uchida, “Because tricycles are the most common means of public transportation, especially in the provincial areas, we would like to reach out to tricyle drivers and operators through the Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida Ang Toda program. As transport operators, we want to help enhance their safety and preventive maintenance awareness through our seminars. At the same time, we want to show our appreciation by entertaining them with our games and contests.”

The Suzuki Mola models are four-stroke motorcycles designed specially for the heavy-duty requirements of tricycle operators and delivery services. These livelihood models have been upgraded to make them more powerful and more durable.
Stylish decals and sporty mufflers give the Mola its distinctive look, and muffler guards thoughtfully protect passengers from accidental burns. The front and rear fenders are painted for improved rust resistance, giving long-term value to the Mola.

The Suzuki Mola 150 is powered by a fuel-efficient 145cc four-stroke air-cooled engine that delivers up to 67km/li, making it one of the most economical motorcycles for business use. The Suzuki Mola 125, meanwhile, features a 124.5cc four-stroke engine compliant with Euro 1 emission standards.

The first leg of the Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida ang Toda campaign, kicked off in Cabanatuan City last August 5 to 8, 2009 in partnership with Royce Motorcycle Trade Corporation. Other legs are scheduled for Tuguegarao, Bulacan, Zambales, Balayan, Lipa City, Roxas City, and Nasugbu. Interested tricycle drivers and operators may see posters and print ads for details.