Suzuki Alto Global Green Challenge update

At the half way mark of the 3000km Global Green Challenge, the Suzuki Alto is powering ahead of its small car rivals with an impressive 16.72 per cent improvement on its official fuel consumption rating.

The achievement translates to an economy figure of just 3.99 litres per 100km – or 60.4 litres of fuel usage – a far cry from its official 4.8 litres per 100km that already ranks it amongst the most fuel efficient petrol cars on the market.

Despite extremely trying conditions for drivers and cars alike, with many opting to turn off air conditioning systems to save on fuel in spite of temperatures soaring as high as 40 degrees, the Alto – powered by a three cylinder 1.0-litre engine – continues to defy expectations by showing more expensive diesel cars the true meaning of fuel efficiency.

With a price tag of just $14,490 drive away, well below any other competitor in the field, the Alto is also proving fuel efficiency needn’t come with the expensive price tag.

Using a simple combination of lightweight design, small engine size and outstanding aerodynamic efficiency the Alto has managed to hold its lead over the Red Centre against other comparable diesel cars including the Fiesta Econetic turbo diesel and Mini Cooper D, both recording average improvements at the Alice Springs pit stop of 13.97 per cent and 10.18 per cent respectively.

“With a further 1,500km of highway cruising left to go Suzuki is extremely confident of even better engine performance. Overseas the Alto has performed superbly in fuel economy trials, with numerous tests returning fuel figures of less than 3 litres per 100 kilometres,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers. “We are keenly anticipating the Alto’s return to suburbia on the last day for the final 100km urban loop through the streets of Adelaide. This is where the Alto will really come into its own.”

The Global Green Challenge is an evolution of the former World Solar Challenge and pits conventional and alternative fuel cars against each other in a real-world test of fuel consumption across the grueling 3000 km drive between Darwin to Adelaide.

The winner is the vehicle judged to have recorded the biggest average gain over its official fuel consumption rating.

With: Suzuki Australia