Mr. Bean, your car has arrived. The modest size and exterior design of the Suzuki Alto are reminiscent of the 1970s BMC Mini frequently used in the Mr. Bean TV series.

NOWADAYS, vehicles that use alternative fuels or those that use as little petroleum as possible are the norm. For certain manufacturers (such as Kia, General Motors and Hyundai), they have taken the latter ethos to the extreme, creating a new breed of car—the supersubcompact hatchback—that not only saves fuel big-time, but saves space as well.         

One recent example is the Suzuki Alto. Although late to the game, the Alto has piqued motorists’ curiosity, with regard to mass and fuel efficiency. But can it do well on the local roads, given its Kia Picanto and Chevrolet Spark competition?

As with any supersubcompact, interior dimensions are small. But the Alto (specifically the Standard variant) takes dimension frugality—even frugality per se—to new levels. There’s no power assist for the side mirrors, steering, locks and windows. Door storage is narrow. The sound from the OE head unit that came with the car (a JVC CD/FM/AM unit) is tinny. There’s no lighter plug, deterring the sound enthusiast who’s tired of what’s on the airwaves, and wishes to listen to music from his MP3 player via a lighter plug-based FM radio transmitter. If the people in front have long legs, there’s definitely no room for extra passengers—a big plus, as people sitting at the back can and will block vision from the rear-view mirror. In fact, as you try to get a hold of the front-passenger armrest and go backward, you might actually hit the fellow riding shotgun with your elbows—not good if you’re on a date.  

But the piddling interior has advantages. All knobs, buttons, dials and levers are easy to reach and read. The Alto does have room for two, and with the cold air conditioning, storage places galore (including a huge cavity above the glove box), wide dashboard and comfortable seating, a dinner-and-discussion opportunity with the fairer sex is not far-fetched.

Should you need to stretch one’s legs, deliver cargo or spend a night inside the unit, the rear backrest folds down in a 50/50 split fold and can handle a large balikbayan box, plus three to four large travel bags (or two people sitting upright, with their legs straightened out). Mind you, sitting inside the Alto does feel like riding in Mr. Bean’s late 1970’s BMC (British Motor Co.) Mini.  

The car was meant to go from point A to point B, period. It takes one-half to full throttle to get decent acceleration, and the whine from the 800cc three-cylinder at speed tends to drown out inside conversation. If there is one major weakness in the Alto’s performance, it is getting the power to the wheels. Clutch pedal feel is too soft, requiring a lot more effort on the throttle. Also, throw feel from the five-speed M/T is rather tricky, like it could break with every throw. Not helping either is the M/T stick’s look, which resembles a testament to testosterone.

Handling and ride comfort are middling, but a given considering the short wheelbase (2360 mm). The Alto shows little body roll, but succumbs to snap-on oversteer when the wheels hit road alterations during cornering. The 145/70R13 tires provide a bouncy ride, and break traction at 65 to 68 kph. Steering is blunt overall (exacerbated by the lack of power assist), but the vehicle has a small turning radius (4.6 meters).

The brakes and handbrake are grippy, and the former displays minimal fade during sudden, hard stops. The exterior lighting is great enough to see what’s ahead, but the bright setting needs a little adjustment when it comes to illumination angles. On the other hand, the sole interior light above the rear-view mirror tends to hamper vision when driving, especially when the sun goes down.

If you look past what the Alto doesn’t have, the hatchback can be considered as a worthy first car or fleet car. With its bargain price, it may be regarded as a potential sleeper in a small supersubcompact arena.   

IT won’t be long before we see a Filipino car designer in the glamorous world of car production.

Those could be prophetic words coming from a Filipino marketing guru who has overseen the unprecedented growth of her company through the years in the local car-manufacturing industry.

I ONCE said that one of the most salient features of a BMW upgrade is that you know something has changed, but you just can’t put your finger on it.

Well guess what? The Honda Accord has accomplished this feat for its next offering in 2008.

Eyes on the Road: Why switch the lights off?

I AM really at a loss as to why big business establishments in the city switch off all lights in their respective vicinities at night.

Government officials should tell those companies not to switch off all the lights in their areas at night. We know that they, too, want to keep their electrical consumption down but they must also share in the responsibility of protecting the people who patronize their establishments.

NOWADAYS, vehicles that use alternative fuels or those that use as little petroleum as possible are the norm. For certain manufacturers (such as Kia, General Motors and Hyundai), they have taken the latter ethos to the extreme, creating a new breed of car—the supersubcompact hatchback—that not only saves fuel big-time, but saves space as well.         

HYUNDAI Motor Co.’s (HMC) new hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concept, the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), made its world debut during the recent 62nd International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany.