Category: City Cars 
Price Range: £5,999 to £8,750
Price, running costs.
Rough ride, whiny, underpowered engine, poor build quality.
The Alto is one of the UK's cheapest cars to buy and run, but that's all it has going for it. Tinny and tacky, there are many better choices.
This is basic A-B transport, nothing more.
The non-power assisted steering is heavy at parking speeds, but gets overlight and woolly when you put your foot down. The lightweight little body bounces around, and is affected by crosswinds. But it's relatively hassle-free for doddering about.
The 993cc engine pulls away sharply enough, but lacks any punch mid-range, and higher speeds are a problem. The engine complains quite loudly if pressurised, with a grating whining tone. The optional three-speed auto gearbox slows it down even more. Destined for the slow lane.
