JDM-spec Suzuki Alto to receive a facelift in November

From a discussion board on Kakaku.com, it has emerged that the company will give the minicar a facelift next month.

With the facelift, the Suzuki Alto could receive tweaks to the headlamps, grille, bumpers and tail lamps for a more appealing exterior. Inside, the new model may have fresh trim and upholstery. Japanese media suggests that Suzuki will improve the car's safety with the refresh.

The 2015 Suzuki Alto debuted with Radar Brake Support as standard across the range. The 2018 Suzuki Alto should feature Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS). The new collision-mitigating system in the facelifted Alto should have a monocular camera and laser sensor to detect pedestrian and vehicle ahead. If the DSBS system determines a risk of collision with a forward obstacle, it issues an audio and visual warning. In case the situation involves high risk of collision and the driver panic brakes, the system deploys brake assist to increase the braking force. If the risk increases even more, the system applies full automatic braking to avoid the collision or at least reduce damage.

The JDM-spec Suzuki Alto is a completely different model from the one sold in the emerging markets like India. The kei car is 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide and 1,475 mm/1,500 mm tall. Its wheelbase spans a length of 2,460 mm. Under the hood, is the R06A 0.66-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It is available in 49 PS/58 Nm and 52 PS/63 Nm versions. A 5-speed manual transmission, a 5-speed automated manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission sends the drive to the wheels. A 4WD option is available.

The JDM-spec version's range includes a performance variant as well – the Suzuki Alto Works. It sports a turbocharged version of the R06A engine that produces 64 PS and 100 Nm of torque. 5-speed manual and 5-speed automated manual are the transmission choices. 4WD is available. Any changes to the engine and transmission choices of the regular Alto and Alto Works with the facelift, if planned, are currently unreported. Reports speculate Suzuki employing its SHVS mild-hybrid tech with the mid-cycle refresh to further improve the mileage.