Suzuki Alto SZ4

AM’s long-term Suzuki Alto SZ4 does everything you’d expect and more. 

To be frank, it’s never going to be a wow factor car, but put that aside and you have a reliable, good value model.

Best suited to the urban sprawl, the Alto doesn’t do badly on longer journeys either.

Despite being only 1.0-litre, push it up to speed and it holds it own among gas-guzzling motorway rides.

It is most likely still popular with the older generation, though Suzuki is no doubt trying to appeal to younger buyers along with other typically mature-minded manufacturers.

Available after a scrappage discount at £6,750, it can continue to take advantage of its low price point for the remainder of the scheme.

Even at full price (£8,750), this top-spec derivative offers plenty of modern-day comforts to sway buyers: these include air-con, alloys, electronic front windows, central locking and CD-player.

The boot is as small as you’d expect of an A-segment car and the manual boot keyhole seems tedious in a world where automatic boot opening has become the norm.

But overall, there is good space for passengers and luggage alike for a small car.

The interior of the Indian-built Alto has plastics and materials which reflect its budget value, but it is durable and has everything you need including a number of cubby holes.

The Alto needs a trip to AM’s local Suzuki dealer: Suzuki contacted us to say the car has been recalled due to an issue “detected in certain models with regards to the fuel tank”.

We’ll tell you what happens next issue.