| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1994 |
| Production Years: | 1994 - 1998 discontinued in 1998 |
The Suzuki Alto IV, produced between 1994 and 1998, is a compact hatchback designed primarily for efficient urban mobility and economy. As part of the fourth generation of the Alto series, it continued Suzuki’s tradition of creating small, practical vehicles suited for city environments. This generation was characterized by its nimble dimensions and lightweight construction, making it easy to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces.
In terms of size, the Suzuki Alto IV fits comfortably within the compact car segment, with a length typically around 3.4 meters (approximately 134 inches), a width close to 1.4 meters (about 55 inches), and a modest height near 1.4 meters (around 55 inches) as well. These dimensions reflect its kei car spirit, emphasizing a small footprint to maximize interior space efficiency without compromising maneuverability. The relatively low weight further contributed to its fuel efficiency and agile performance.
Inside, the Alto IV offered a straightforward, functional interior layout catering to drivers seeking affordable and reliable transportation. Though compact, it provided adequate seating for four passengers and a flexible hatchback cargo area for everyday loads. Its design prioritized economy over luxury, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers and city dwellers during the mid to late 1990s.
Overall, the Suzuki Alto IV (1994-1998) remains representative of the small, efficient hatchbacks of its era. It stands out for its balance of compact size, lightweight construction, and practical usability, encapsulating the essence of a versatile urban vehicle. Its dimensions and design continue to be referenced in comparisons to modern small cars, illustrating how Suzuki has evolved its compact car offerings while maintaining core principles of economy and convenience.
Discover the standout features that make the 1994 Suzuki Alto IV a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Suzuki Alto IV, produced from 1994 to 1998, is a compact hatchback well-regarded for its small footprint. Its length measures approximately 3,395 mm (133.7 inches), width about 1,435 mm (56.5 inches), and height roughly 1,400 mm (55.1 inches). These compact dimensions made the Alto IV an ideal choice for urban driving, tight parking spaces, and efficient maneuverability, especially in crowded city environments.
The Suzuki Alto IV features a wheelbase of around 2,250 mm (88.6 inches), which contributes to its nimble handling and stability on the road despite its small size. The ground clearance is approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches), which is typical for city hatchbacks and sufficient for navigating uneven urban surfaces and minor speed bumps without difficulty.
The curb weight of the Suzuki Alto IV ranges roughly between 700 to 800 kilograms (1,543 to 1,764 pounds), depending on the trim and market specifications. This relatively low weight facilitates excellent fuel efficiency, easy handling, and decent acceleration for its class, making it an economical choice for those prioritizing budget-friendly urban commuting.
Given its compact dimensions—length about 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) and width 1,435 mm (56.5 inches)—the Suzuki Alto IV easily fits into a standard residential garage. Most residential garages are designed to accommodate vehicles up to approximately 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width, so parking the Alto IV is convenient even in tighter spaces, making it well-suited for urban dwellers with standard garage accommodations.
The Suzuki Alto IV is designed to seat four passengers comfortably with a simple but functional cabin layout. While it is compact, clever design maximizes the interior space, providing adequate headroom and legroom for front and rear occupants typical for a 1990s small hatchback. However, rear seat space is relatively limited compared to larger subcompacts, making it ideal mainly for short trips or smaller passengers.
The cargo space in the Suzuki Alto IV is modest, reflecting its small hatchback design. With the rear seats upright, the trunk offers roughly 200 liters (7 cubic feet) of luggage volume, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. This flexibility allows the Alto IV to handle everyday grocery loads or small luggage efficiently but is not well-suited for large cargo or bulky items without folding seats.
Compared to the Suzuki Alto III, the Alto IV introduced in 1994 saw a slight increase in length and width for a more modern and spacious feel while maintaining its compact urban-friendly size. The IV generation had a more rounded, contemporary exterior design compared to the boxier Alto III, contributing to improved aerodynamics and aesthetics. Dimensionally, changes were subtle but aimed at enhancing cabin comfort and road presence without sacrificing ease of parking and maneuverability.
The Suzuki Alto IV shares close dimensional similarities with contemporaries like the Honda Today and Daihatsu Mira, all being kei cars or small hatchbacks popular in Japan and urban markets. The Alto IV is competitively sized with a slightly longer length than the Honda Today but marginally narrower than the Daihatsu Mira. All offer compact footprints under 3.4 meters (11.2 feet) in length, prioritizing efficiency and ease of driving in dense city conditions.
The Suzuki Alto IV features a simple, rounded exterior styling characterized by a small grille, large headlamps for its size, and smooth body lines that were a shift from the more angular designs of its predecessor. This contemporary, minimalistic approach enhanced its aerodynamic performance and gave it a friendly, approachable look attractive to budget-conscious buyers. The hatchback tailgate and compact rear overhangs provided practicality along with its form.
Absolutely, the Suzuki Alto IV is exceptionally well-suited for city driving. Its compact dimensions (about 3.4 meters long and 1.4 meters wide), light curb weight, and tight turning radius make it nimble in traffic and convenient for parking in tight urban spaces. Additionally, its fuel-efficient small engine options and straightforward mechanical components support low running costs and easy maintenance, which are advantages for city commuters.
Suzuki