Why I Chose Suzuki Alto After Driving a Santro for 17 Years – A Real 4-Year Review by Saad
Let me take you back to where it all started.
I had been driving a Santro for 17 years — yes, seventeen solid years. I bought it brand new and drove it for over 250,000 kilometers. It was a tank. Seriously. That car survived more heat-ups than I can count, had its head gasket changed, and still ran like a champ. So when the time came to finally let it go, the thought of switching to a new car — especially a Suzuki Alto — scared me a bit.
I'd heard things. “Alto is super lightweight,” they said. “The engine is weak,” they said. “If it heats up once, it's gone forever.” Naturally, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure if I could trust a car that people were calling a tin can on wheels.
But then came my mom’s wish — she really wanted a zero-meter car at home. It was time. So, I made up my mind to get one.
I approached the bank, got financing approved, and began hunting. I test-drove several cars and short-listed a couple that felt right. To be sure, I had them inspected through PakWheels, and the one that gave the best report? That’s the one I’m driving today — a 2021 end-model Suzuki Alto VXL (full high-grade).
And you know what? It exceeded my expectations.
The Drive: Lightweight but Surprisingly Smooth
This car isn’t what I imagined. Yes, it’s lightweight — no argument there. And sure, on the highway, especially when strong winds hit at 100+ km/h, it does feel a little floaty. But let’s be real — Alto was never meant to be a speed demon. It's not a car you race in.
In the city though? Oh man, it’s a joy. I drive it between 60–80 km/h with the AC on full blast, and it runs like butter. Super chill, smooth, and perfect for Karachi’s crazy traffic. That’s probably why it’s selling like hotcakes here.
What I Love About My Alto
-
Smooth city drive – If you’re driving within the city, this car is perfect.
-
Chiller AC – Seriously, even in the worst of Karachi summers, the AC is ice cold.
-
Retractable side mirrors – Small touch, big convenience.
-
Compact size = Easy parking – With how packed Karachi is, this feature alone is a blessing.
-
Amazing fuel average – You’ll love it when you’re cruising around with the AC on and still not bleeding money at the pump.
-
Upgraded tyres = Better control – I swapped the stock tyres for slightly wider Chinese ones and that made the ride even smoother.
The Downsides (Because Nothing’s Perfect)
-
Vibrates at 100 km/h – This is due to its weight, and honestly, I don't blame it.
-
Slightly less stable on highways – Again, due to it being so light, you can feel the car shift a bit during high winds.
-
Built like a tin can? Kinda. – But only if you’re being reckless. If you drive it how it’s meant to be driven — city commutes and not trying to be Vin Diesel — it’s solid.
My Real-Life Experience
In the past four years, I’ve claimed insurance five times — and I’ll admit, each time was my own fault (bumper hits mostly). Nothing major. Mechanically, the car has held up beautifully. No overheating, no breakdowns, no nasty surprises.
The fear I had in the beginning? Gone. In fact, I trust this car more now than I did in the first year.
A Sad Truth: Car Choices in Pakistan vs. India
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — the lack of options in Pakistan.
When you’re working with a budget of around PKR 30 lac, here’s what we’re stuck with:
Comparison at a Glance: Pakistan vs. India (Approx. PKR 30 Lac / INR 9 Lac)
| Category | Pakistan (PKR 30 Lac) | India (INR 9 Lac) |
|---|---|---|
| Body Styles | Compact Sedans, Premium Hatchbacks | Premium Hatchbacks, Compact Sedans, Compact SUVs |
| Popular Models | Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift | Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Punch, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Exter |
| Features | Basic to mid-range | Advanced tech: sunroofs, big touchscreens, connected features |
| Safety | 2 Airbags standard | 4-6 Airbags, ESC, Hill Hold Assist becoming standard |
| Engine Options | Mostly NA Petrol | NA Petrol, Turbo Petrol, and even CNG |
| Transmission | Manual, CVT | Manual, AMT, CVT, iVT |
Specific Model Showdown:
๐ Honda City 1.2L CVT (Pakistan) vs. Honda Amaze VX CVT (India)
-
Both have 1.2L petrol engines and nearly identical power.
-
But the Indian version gets automatic climate control, paddle shifters, cruise control.
๐ Toyota Yaris 1.3L ATIV CVT (Pakistan) vs. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT (India)
-
Pakistani Yaris has 2 airbags, Indian Baleno has 6.
-
Baleno includes 360° camera, keyless entry, ESP — features we only dream of.
๐️ Suzuki Swift GLX CVT (Pakistan) vs. Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT (India)
-
Swift has a 9" touchscreen and 6 airbags.
-
i20 adds rear cam, hill assist, auto climate control, and better overall tech.
Final Verdict – Was Alto Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you’re living in a city like Karachi and looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and low-maintenance car, the Alto is a rock-solid option. No, it's not for racing, but it is for peace-of-mind driving.
Would I recommend it? Yes — but only if you drive it within its design limits. Don’t expect it to be a Corolla or a City. Respect the machine for what it is, and it won’t disappoint.
Sponsored: Are you a Student, office worker or Teacher and get Lots of documents and PDF processing like Compressing, taking emails out of them, etc, then this tool is best for you. Try ILovepdf3.com
.jpg)
