Suzuki Alto First generation
Suzuki Alto (First generation) was built from 1979 to 1984, as a 3/5-door hatchback; 3-door van. Powertrain: 539 cc T5B two-stroke I3 (SS30); 543 cc F5A I3 (SS40); 796 cc F8B I3 (SS80, export only). Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Size: 3,195 x 1,395 x 1,335 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 530 - 570 kg.
Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. The picture illustrates the body shape, not this car; a photograph is added when a licence-safe one exists.
Overview
The first generation (SS30V/40V), introduced in May 1979, is a three-door cargo version of the Fronte passenger car, equipped with a folding rear seat. Front suspension comprised coils struts, with leaf springs at the back. The steering was of the recirculating ball type, and four-wheel drums were used. On introduction, the Alto received the T5B two-stroke 539 cc (SS30) three-cylinder engine, producing 28 PS at 5500 rpm. The Alto was a "micro sensation" when introduced, largely due to its rock bottom price of ¥470,000 (circa $1,900 in 1979, at a time when the cheapest Ford Pinto cost $4,999 in the US).
Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.
Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.
Against the other van / MPV models in this database (40 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.
- 200 mm below the median of 3,395 mm, and shorter than 84% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
- 80 mm below the median of 1,475 mm, and narrower than 87% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
- 255 mm below the median of 1,590 mm, and lower than 92% of the 24 other van / MPV models in this database.
- 210 mm below the median of 2,360 mm, and shorter than 76% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
Who it suits
- Families, groups and shuttle work: the people-carrier body is built around seating and access.
- City and mixed driving: hatchbacks are compact outside and flexible inside.
Check before you buy
- Test the four-wheel-drive system (transfer case, differentials) and look for uneven tyre wear.
- Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
- Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
- Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
- Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator
General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.
Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
Other generations of the Alto
- Second generation · 1984-1988 (Japan); 1995-2010 (China); 1986-2014 (India); 1988-2019 (Pakistan)
- Third generation · 1988-1994; 1991-2001 (Daewoo Tico)
- Fourth generation · 1994-1998
- Fifth generation · 1998-2005 (Japan); 2000-2012 (Pakistan); 2000-2014 (India); 2000-2003 (Colombia)
- Sixth generation · 2004-2009
- Seventh generation · 2009-2014
- Eighth generation · 2014 2021 (Japan); 2019 present (Pakistan)
- Ninth generation · 2021 present
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- e Sky · 2026-present
- Spacia (Third generation) · 2023 - present (Spacia/Spacia Custom); 2024 - present (Spacia Gear)
- Wagon R Smile · 2021-present
- Hustler (Second generation) · 2020 - present
- Swace · 2020 - 2025
- Jimny (Fourth generation) · 2018-present
Can I import a Suzuki Alto (First generation) from Japan?
By production year alone, Suzuki Alto (First generation) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
What powers the Suzuki Alto (First generation)?
Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 539 cc T5B two-stroke I3 (SS30); 543 cc F5A I3 (SS40); 796 cc F8B I3 (SS80, export only).
How big is the Suzuki Alto (First generation)?
3,195 mm long and 1,395 mm wide and 1,335 mm tall, on a 2,150 mm wheelbase (3/5-door hatchback; 3-door van). For container loading, use the container packer.
Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.
- en.wikipedia.org (retrieved 2026-10-19)
Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.
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