New Suzuki Alto takes the eco-friendly route to success

Suzuki claims its new Alto model, due for launch at the Paris International Motor Show in October, builds on the strengths of Suzuki"s knowledge of small-car development. The new car combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. This new compact car offers light weight achieved through downsizing, yet provides ample interior roominess and comfort. For the compact body, Suzuki designers tailored a stylish, sporty and youthful look that simultaneously exudes solidity and urban energy. It is matched to European tastes and supports a low drag coefficient. With overall higher levels of quality, comfort and safety, Suzuki claims the new Alto is a response to the needs of today"s motorists. Suzuki says it is seeking to further strengthen the environmentally conscious advantages of its products and aims for further reductions of their impact on the global environment. One way to achieve this is fuel cell technology. The company"s latest two fuel-cell models will be exhibited in Paris: the first is the SX4 FCV which is equipped with a GM-made high-performance fuel cell stack, a Suzuki-developed hydrogen tank, and a light, compact capacitor. The second is the 'crosscage" that features a simple, compact, and lightweight air-cooled fuel-cell power system from British specialist company Intelligent Energy, plus a high-performance lithium-ion secondary battery.