Suzuki Alto running costs are pretty low. List prices compare well with cars of a similar size and there’s equipment offered on the Alto that’s not available on other models.

Fuel economy is impressive – manual models will return upwards of 64mpg, while the auto still returns an impressive 55mpg. The Alto’s engine is also low on CO2 emissions, which means that road tax costs are low.

Parts and servicing are reasonably priced and it falls into a very low insurance band. As demand for small cars that are cheap to run, like the Alto, is strong, you can expect it to hold onto a significant amount of its value, too.

With Suzuki Alto emissions starting at just 99g/km of CO2, the Alto takes its place as one of the greenest petrol cars on the road. A version with stop-and-start technology – which cuts off the engine in stationary traffic and produces just 95g/km – is in the pipeline.

There’s little to worry about regarding Suzuki Alto reliability. The Japanese firm has an excellent reputation for reliability and there’s no reason to doubt that the Alto won’t continue this. It uses tried-and-tested technology, while the interior plastics feel robust.

There have been two recalls – one in 2009 to avoid a potential leak when refueling and one in 2010 on automatic models for a potential brake light fault.