1979 Suzuki Alto I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Suzuki Alto I from 1979 to 1984 is approximately 600 to 650 kg (around 1,323 to 1,433 lbs), varying slightly depending on specific configurations and market versions. This light weight significantly benefits the car’s fuel efficiency, allowing the small displacement engine to operate with less effort, contributing to excellent mileage which was a strong selling point at the time. The light mass also aids its nimble handling and easy urban driving characteristics, though it may make the car feel less stable at high speeds or on rough roads compared to heavier vehicles.

The Suzuki Alto I is a small hatchback intended primarily for city use, seating four passengers in a tight but functional arrangement. Although exact interior dimensions vary, the compact exterior means that rear passenger legroom and shoulder room are limited, making it best suited for short trips or smaller passengers in the rear seats. The interior is designed for efficient use of space, with a simple yet practical layout. Cargo capacity with rear seats up is modest but sufficient for daily errands, and folding rear seats can increase storage space, enhancing its versatility despite its small overall size.

Yes, the Suzuki Alto I fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. Standard garage dimensions generally range from 2.4 to 3 meters (approximately 7.9 to 9.8 feet) in width and about 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) in length. Given that the Alto I measures about 3,195 mm (125.8 inches or roughly 10.5 feet) in length and 1,395 mm (54.9 inches or approximately 4.6 feet) in width, it occupies significantly less space than many modern cars, making parking straightforward and easy in typical residential garages.

The Suzuki Alto I introduced in 1979 was Suzuki's response to the growing demand for ultra-compact, economical cars. Since it was Suzuki's first Alto generation, there was no direct predecessor in the Alto lineup; however, compared to earlier Suzuki Kei cars, the Alto I offered a better balance of compactness with usable interior room. The Alto I’s dimensions positioned it as smaller than many subcompact competitors but larger and more practical than some Kei-class vehicles due to its particular length and width. It represented a step forward in Suzuki's approach to affordable and practical transportation in small dimensions.

During its production period from 1979 to 1984, the Suzuki Alto I was smaller than many of its contemporaries in the subcompact hatchback segment. For example, it was notably more compact than models like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 or the Ford Fiesta of the same era, which typically measured around 3,700 to 3,900 mm in length (145.7 to 153.5 inches). This smaller size made the Alto I particularly well-suited for dense urban environments prevalent in countries like Japan. Its compact footprint meant that while it didn’t offer as much interior space, it excelled in ease of parking and maneuverability—key advantages in its class.

The fuel tank capacity of the Suzuki Alto I is approximately 27 liters (about 7.1 US gallons), reflecting its role as a lightweight city car designed for efficient short trips. Thanks to its lightweight construction and small engine displacement (typically around 543 cc in early versions), the Alto I is capable of delivering excellent fuel economy figures, often in the range of 4 to 5 liters per 100 kilometers (47 to 59 miles per gallon US). This efficiency was a major selling point during the early 1980s when fuel economy was increasingly important to buyers, making the Alto I a cost-effective transportation solution.

The Suzuki Alto I has a ground clearance of around 160 mm (6.3 inches), which is typical for cars in its class during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This height provides sufficient clearance for everyday urban and suburban driving, including speed bumps and minor road irregularities. However, the moderate clearance means that the car is best suited to paved roads and light off-road conditions, rather than rough or uneven terrain. Its suspension setup prioritizes comfort and efficiency over rugged capability, reflecting its design intent as a city-friendly hatchback.

The Suzuki Alto I was commonly equipped with a small displacement two-cylinder engine, initially around 543 cc in most markets, producing approximately 28 horsepower. The small engine size helped keep the car’s overall weight low (around 600-650 kg or 1,323-1,433 lbs), contributing to its nimble handling and excellent fuel economy. The compact engine layout allowed Suzuki to maintain a small engine bay size, influencing the front end design and contributing to the car’s compact overall dimensions. These engines were designed for efficiency and economy rather than high performance, ideal for city use and short-distance travel.

Given the compact exterior dimensions of the Suzuki Alto I, the cargo area is understandably modest. With rear seats upright, the hatchback offers just enough space for small loads, such as groceries or a couple of bags, consistent with its role as an economical city car. However, the rear seats can be folded down, significantly increasing the usable cargo volume and adding a practical aspect that made it flexible despite its small size. Compared to other hatchbacks of its era, the Alto I's cargo capacity is on the smaller side, but its cleverly designed interior maximizes space efficiency, making it a practical option for daily errands.