It's very clean, frugal and has air-conditioning. It also costs €11 500 (about R128 000) but in most other markets would be an awful lot cheaper. The colour it came in was also lovely, although it definitely didn't need such a long title as Paradise Blue Pearl Metallic.
And, if I was a nice person, that's where I would stop describing the five-door Suzuki Alto - due for South African release in the third quarter of 2009, but I'm not and despite the Suzuki people being some of the most decent and likeable people in the car industry in Ireland I have to say the Alto is pretty much rubbish and not up the standards of many of its competitors.
The aircon, which is still a rarity in such a small car, was a blessing during the hot weather at the end of last month. This was just as well, because the rest of the time the Alto ran out of puff going up hills and overtaking unless you work the gears and three-cylinder engine very hard.
It was pretty uncomfortable in the back (where the windows didn't open properly) and overall, it's a pretty basic package. My partner still has a 2000 Nissan Micra which, apart from the obvious aircon factor, seemed better equipped than the Alto although, of course, it doesn't have the claimed amazingly low figure of 103g/km emissions.
Yet, just like the 10-year-old Micra, it has the enormously annoying need to use the ignition key to open the boot.
The Alto may appeal to serious downsizers who want a bright-looking new car which will keep them cool. For the rest there is no hope.
This Suzuki, which has a long history as basic motoring around the world, doesn't go anywhere near making its mark as did the Suzuki Swift, which won Irish Car of the Year title - or the more recent Splash.
It is very easy to drive but I feel you would soon get bored with it. It isn't versatile enough for life as a family car or for taking on a decent holiday.
The basic nature of so much of the interior annoyed me. I couldn't even get my hands in the side pockets, there was no lockable glovebox, and the lack of a rev counter was just silly. There was a massive over-pervading feel of cheap plastics and cost-cutting.
TRYING TO BE NICE
There are a lot of better cars out there as well as a massive choice of good secondhand vehicles which will probably last you much longer as I think you will kick the Alto to death one bad morning. This will be just to get some personality out of a package that promises more on the outside than it ever delivers.
It's a pity, but the Alto just hasn't got what it takes to succeed. The Delhi-built, European-styled Japanese car, which in its different guises has been around for 30 years, will be dependable and comes with a three-year warranty.
I'm trying to be nice but I can't any more. Thanks for the lift anyway. - Irish Independent