| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1984 |
| Production Years: | 1984 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Suzuki Alto II, produced between 1984 and 1988, represents the second generation of the popular Alto hatchback series. Designed primarily as a compact and economical city car, the Suzuki Alto II features a small footprint that suits urban environments and tight parking spaces. This generation continued the tradition of lightweight and practical design, focusing on efficient use of interior and exterior space to maximize passenger comfort within a compact frame.
Measuring approximately 3295 mm (129.7 inches) in length, the Suzuki Alto II is notably short compared to modern hatchbacks, contributing to its excellent maneuverability in urban traffic. The width is typically around 1395 mm (54.9 inches), and the height stands at roughly 1370 mm (53.9 inches), giving the car a low, boxy profile that enhances interior headroom and visibility. These dimensions make the Alto II a perfect example of 1980s kei car principles, emphasizing small size and ease of use without sacrificing the utility of a hatchback layout.
Weight-wise, the vehicle stays lightweight, which helps with fuel efficiency and agile handling. Although exact curb weight figures may vary slightly depending on the market and trim levels, the Suzuki Alto II is generally classified among lightweight hatchbacks of its era.
As a practical hatchback for its time, it offered simple yet functional interior space with rear seats that could fold down to increase cargo capacity, further underlining its versatility despite its modest overall size. The Suzuki Alto II remains a classic representation of compact city cars designed to combine affordability, efficiency, and practicality for daily use and short-distance commuting.
Discover the standout features that make the 1984 Suzuki Alto II a leader in its class
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The Suzuki Alto II, produced between 1984 and 1988, is a compact hatchback known for its small footprint ideal for city driving. Its length measures approximately 3,295 mm (129.7 inches), width is about 1,395 mm (54.9 inches), and the height stands around 1,380 mm (54.3 inches). These dimensions make it very maneuverable and practical for tight urban environments while providing enough interior space for passengers and small cargo.
The Suzuki Alto II typically weighs around 680 kg (1,499 lbs), making it a very lightweight vehicle. This low weight contributes significantly to its nimble handling and excellent fuel efficiency, both of which are essential characteristics of kei and small city cars. The lightweight nature supports better acceleration relative to its engine size and reduces overall emissions, making it economical to run and an environmentally friendlier option during its production era.
The Suzuki Alto II offers a ground clearance of approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches). This clearance is reasonably good for a compact hatchback, enabling the car to handle mild rough patches and uneven urban road surfaces with minimal underbody contact. However, it remains best suited for well-maintained roads and city streets rather than off-road conditions.
The Suzuki Alto II is designed primarily as a small city hatchback with seating for four passengers. Despite its compact external size, the interior space is optimized to comfortably accommodate four occupants in tight quarters. The cargo capacity behind the rear seats is modest, generally sufficient for everyday errands or small luggage and shopping. The rear seats can often be folded down to increase the cargo space, enhancing utility for larger items, although exact cargo volumes can vary depending on specific trim and configuration.
Yes, the Suzuki Alto II fits very comfortably into a standard single-car garage. The average single-car garage is about 3,050 mm (10 feet) wide and 6,000 mm (20 feet) long, while the Alto II measures approximately 3,295 mm (129.7 inches) in length and 1,395 mm (54.9 inches) in width, making it compact enough to allow room for opening doors and some maneuvering space inside typical garages. This makes the Alto II convenient for urban homeowners with standard garages.
Compared to the original first-generation Suzuki Alto (1979-1984), the Alto II maintained very similar small exterior dimensions to continue serving the kei car segment demand. While the exact numbers varied slightly by market and model year, the Alto II typically saw modest dimensional changes, often with slight increases in length and width for improved interior comfort. These incremental dimensional adjustments helped improve cabin space and safety without compromising the Alto's signature compactness and city-friendly size.
In comparison to other small hatchbacks of the mid-1980s, such as the Honda City or Daihatsu Mira, the Suzuki Alto II was one of the most compact vehicles on the market. Its smaller overall dimensions made it particularly well-suited for the kei car category in Japan, emphasizing city maneuverability and parking ease. While many competitors offered slightly larger dimensions for increased interior comfort, the Alto II remained a favorite for buyers prioritizing size efficiency and low running costs.
The Suzuki Alto II was typically equipped with a small 547 cc inline-three engine, designed for efficiency rather than power. This lightweight engine enabled excellent fuel economy, often achieving around 20-22 km/l (approximately 47-52 mpg US) depending on driving conditions. The engine produced modest horsepower suitable for urban commuting, with a focus on low emissions and affordability. This makes the Alto II an economical and practical choice for budget-conscious drivers in urban environments during its production era.
The Suzuki Alto II is best suited to small families or urban commuters due to its compact size and seating capacity for up to four people. While it offers adequate legroom and headroom for front passengers, rear passenger space is more restricted, especially for taller individuals or adults on longer trips. Its compact size makes it highly practical for city driving, parking, and short to medium distance trips. However, for larger families or longer journeys, a more spacious vehicle would be preferable.
The Suzuki Alto II is designed as a 3-door hatchback, which emphasizes a compact and lightweight package ideal for city driving. This body style allows for easy access to a flexible cargo area through the rear hatch, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. The hatchback configuration encourages practicality and versatility in a small footprint, making the Alto II a popular choice for urban drivers seeking economy and maneuverability without sacrificing everyday usability.
Suzuki