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The Suzuki Alto has been the most grossing car model since it’s launch in 2019. According to PAMA’s report, it keeps breaking all the YoY and MoM sales records, becoming the #1 car model in terms of sales and demand. Although this car has been criticized for its low build quality and lack of standard features. But we have brought you the best of both worlds in this comparison.
Yes, there’s a JDM version of Alto known as “L Upgrade,” which offers some cool upgrades. The “L version includes a CVT transmission, heated seats, heated steering, parking sensors, fog lights, and a semi-hybrid battery under the passenger seat.
But, along with the goodies, it has also got a price upgrade.
The starting price of the 2021 model Alto L Upgrade is 3.1 million PKR, and the brand new Alto AGS will also cost you 3.1 million PKR on the road.
So technically, you’ve got two choices:
You can spend money on a brand-new Alto with no cool features and not-so-good drive quality or get a JDM L version with a solid build, good ride quality, and cool features for the same money.
To clear your bushes, here’s the comparison based on our market research.
Value For Money
Winner: Alto L Version
The L version is the simple winner. The locally made AGS one only gives you 2 airbags, AGS, and entertainment, which is not Android or Apple CarPlay. The driver quality of the local one is also not so good, and it wobbles when you take it to 80 km/h.
The JDM L version sounds like a value-for-money deal. For the same price as AGS, you get:
- Better built
- Complete insulation sheet in the doors
- CVT transmission
- Parking sensors
- Immobilizer
- Airbags
- Semi-hybrid battery under the passenger seat
- Heated seats
- Heated steering
- Better paint quality
- Better handling at high speeds
Although it’s used and might have been accidented, a professional mechanic with original parts restored in it; the L version could be a good value-for-money deal.
Resale Value
Winner: Alto AGS
People would definitely prefer the AGS variant in the used market. First of all, the AGS will be locally built and non-accidental with the official support of Suzuki 3s. This gives a sense of security and assurance that the car is risk-free and has 3s dealership support from the official company.
Alto L, although it’s a better choice with more features, a better build, and some cool flagship features, its resale isn’t that good compared to AGS. You might have to face a hard time reselling it.
Parts Availability
Winner: Alto AGS
Suzuki locally makes Alto AGS, so every bolt is available at the Suzuki 3s dealership.
Alto L is technically the same as Alto AGS, with literally the same exterior and engine; some mechanical parts are an issue. CVT transmission, heated seats, fog lights, and front bumper are some of the parts where you’ll face trouble if they need replacement.
The only source is to import them from Japan or Dubai, and that’s not cheap. The delivery will also take at least 15-30 days.
Drive Quality
Winner: Of course, Alto L
The Local Alto AGS is no match for the Alto L. Just do a 5-minute drive in AGS and then in Alto L, and you’ll get an idea of what we’re referring to. At the speed of 80 km/h, where Alto AGS starts wobbling and you hear a lot of wind noise in the cabin, Alto L remains stable, firmly gripped, and there’s no wind noise in it.
Another issue is the engine noise in the local Alto. In Alto AGS, you don’t need a rev meter; your ears are enough to identify the engine’s RPMs. But in Alto L, the cabin is silent, and almost no engine noise gets into it.
Features-wise, Alto L is far superior to AGS. The L version offers those goodies that locally made cars don’t even offer in a 5-6 million budget, e.g., semi-hybrid battery.
