Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited was officially formed in August 1983 as a joint venture between Pakistan Automobile Corporation Limited (PACO, represented by the Government of Pakistan) and Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) Japan. Today, it is a significant player in small passenger and commercial vehicles. Suzuki currently has the highest market share in the Pakistani automobile industry. Its cars are primarily known for being economical and easy to maintain. Today we make a side-by-side comparison of its entry models in Suzuki Cultus vs Suzuki Alto.
Overview
Alto
In December 2021, Suzuki launched the 9th generation Suzuki Alto has a boxy design and larger dimensions. It is also expected to have several modern features. Alto comes with new engine options, with the base variant having an in-line 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated 660cc petrol engine and the upper variants having a mild hybrid system.
The Pakistani Suzuki Alto comes in four variants, VX, VXR, VXR AGS, and VXL AGS. Price range for Alto starts from PKR 1,700,000 to PKR 2,220,000.
Cultus
In 2007, the Suzuki Cultus was revamped with a 4-cylinder EFI engine. This automatically improved the car’s fuel average and made its popularity soar. It was further enhanced in 2012 with a Euro II engine. It remained in production till 2017. This version of Cultus is considered 2nd generation Suzuki Cultus in Pakistan.
In 2017, Suzuki launched the third-generation Suzuki Cultus, known as Celerio, worldwide. The third-gen had a total revamp in its design and aesthetics.
The car is available in three variants, VXR, VXL and Cultus Auto Gear Shift. The price range for Cultus starts from PKR 2,750,000 to PKR 3,230,000.
Suzuki Cultus vs Suzuki Alto
Let’s dive deeper by segmenting both cars to understand their potential and offerings better.
Exterior
Suzuki Alto comes with a boxy design that has aerodynamic curves and lines. The car has an exterior that is pleasing to the eyes. The front of the Alto sports a new grille with broad vertical lines. The rear has a stylish spoiler which gives the car a modern look. The VXL variant also comes with retractable mirrors.
Suzuki Cultus is a supermini car that has a compact hatchback design. The car’s front comprises an angular-shaped chrome grill nestled between sleek headlights. These halogen multi-reflector headlights are placed above the standard circular-shaped fog lights.
The overall exterior of cultus 2023 is unique and well-proportioned. The rear end houses a trapezium-shaped, upswept, stacked tail light with a high-mount stop lamp on the rear spoiler. The Suzuki Cultus VXL also comes with electrically adjustable side mirrors.
Interior
Suzuki Alto has a single-tone interior colour in the VX and VXR variants, while the interior of VXL is dual-toned. The car supports the keyless entry and has a security system and immobilizer for better security. The air conditioner is not available in the base variant but is a standard feature in VXR and VXL.
Power windows are available only in the VXL variant. The VX variant has a 1 Din audio system without speakers, the VXR has a 2 Din audio system with two front speakers, and the VXL has an MP5 touchscreen with two front speakers.
All the variants have high-mounted stop lamps, front disc brakes, childproof rear, and central door locks. The instrument panel displays low fuel warning lamp, accessory socket, door-ajar warning light, and dial-type climate control. The VXR and VXL variants have dual airbags and a front seatbelt force limiter.
Suzuki Cultus has a comfortable interior. With a capacity of 5 passengers, the five-door car has a 3-spoke, urethane-wrapped power steering wheel. The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable.
The instrument panel displays information about the fuel consumption and distance to empty indication and has a digital clock. There are warning lights for seat belt reminders, headlamp reminders, door-ajar warnings and low fuel warnings. The Suzuki Cultus comes with central door locking and electrically powered windows. Remote control door locks add to the security of the car.
There are two speakers in the VXR variant and 4 in the VXL variant. The car supports Bluetooth, AUX, and USB connectivity. Security features include seatbelts, an anti-brake locking system (ABS) with an immobilizer, and SRS front airbags in the VXL trim. The rear seats have the part of a 60/40 split, which increases boot space. The luggage area also has a shopping hook.
Engine and Fuel Economy
Suzuki Alto has a 0.6 litre 658 cc engine in all variants. All the variants are 2WD with the VX and VXR having 5-speed manual transmission and VXL having AGS transmission. The DOHC 12 Valves can boast the engine up to 39 hp @ 6500 RPM horsepower with 56 Nm @ 4000 RPM torque. Suzuki Alto 2023 has an estimated mileage of 16 to 20 km/l.
Suzuki Cultus has a 998 1.0 litres cc 3-cylinder engine. It generates a power of 50/6,000 kW/rpm at a torque of 90/3,500 Nm/rpm. Cultus has an impressive mileage of 14 km/l in the city and 18 km/l on the highway.
Pros & Cons
Alto
The best aspects of the Alto are its economic and quick resale value. Top variants on the 9th generation also provide added safety features like ABS and airbags. The overall strong dealership of Suzuki Pakistan makes parts readily available.
However, Alto does lose its credibility regarding the build quality—spare parts are generally expensive. Also, paying PKR 1,700,000 to get no air-conditioning feels. Cultus
Being a part of the same car company, Cultus has the same pros. The complete revamp of its design gave consumers a breath of fresh air.
Drawbacks include a sloppy paint job and a not-so-efficient AGS gear shift that requires time to get accustomed to.
There you have a detailed analysis of Suzuki Cultus vs Suzuki Alto.
