Serious Suzi

In a recent article (Wicked Alto Works) we introduced you to the 1987 – 1988 Suzuki Alto Works RS/X – the first Japanese Kei car to reach the elevated 64ps (47kW) regulation output. This li’l beast is an absolute ball of fun but, as we stated, the ’87 – ’88 CA-series body feels loose (it was never intended to handle so much grunt!) and some of the interior/exterior styling is pretty adventurous...

The newer-bodied Alto Works model has a more modern and sophisticated design that gives the package even more appeal. Yep - a great thing just got better!

This particular vehicle – provided by Adelaide’s Yahoo Motorsport – is a 1988 Alto Works RS/X. It’s another Japanese import that’s available under the rules for 15+ year old vehicles. The Works RS/X is a front-wheel-drive that was offered as a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic (as tested). Chassis code for this model is CL11V. A rarer RS/R all-wheel-drive version (coded CM11V) was also produced.

So how does the CL-series Works RS/X go with the optional auto trans?

Well, it’s a strange mix. At around one-third throttle our test car surged ahead so strongly we had to keep backing off to avoid rear-ending other cars. Certainly, the mid-range torque is impressive and the little turbocharger is on boost given the slightest whiff of throttle. There is a noticeable low rpm torque deficit but, to some extent, you can get past this thanks to the auto car’s relatively high rpm stall converter.

The Suzi Alto Works engine loves to rev. In normal acceleration the tacho regularly swings to 5000 rpm – which, looking at it another way, is still well below the 9000 rpm redline. But there’s not much point revving the engine to that kinda speed – torque falls off after about 7500 rpm.

In real-world driving the automatic Alto Works always feels responsive and spritely but it’s disappointingly slow from a standing start - 0 to 100 km/h sprints take around 11-seconds... We can assure you that the 5-speed manual version – which you could clutch dump off the line – would be much quicker.

So, yes, the optional auto trans does take its toll on performance but the fundamental ingredients of a great buzz-box are very evident. The engine is Suzuki’s F5B twin-cam, 12-valve three-pot, which is essentially the same as found in the earlier CA-series Alto Works that we tested. The newer model varies with an extra 4cc (making a total of 547cc) and a different top-mount air-to-air intercooler. It also sports MAP-based multi-point injection system, an IHI RHB51 turbocharger and the static compression ratio is 8.0:1.

Peak power is 47kW at 7500 rpm and there’s 77Nm of torque on tap at 4000 rpm.

Suzuki fans might notice that the later RS/X makes a bit more torque than the previous model. This gain comes without any ‘buts’ - the CL-series RS/X weighs exactly the same as the earlier CA-series (both weigh around 600kg). On the other hand, the auto model adds about 20kg and the all-wheel-drive RS/R tops 660kg.

A pint-size turbo hatch weighing 600-odd kilograms is just the machine to fling around in urban conditions. There’s fun at every corner apex! The CL11V RS/X will understeer when pushed, but not to the extent we experienced in the previous model. The standard tyre size is 155/65 13. A look beneath reveals MacPherson struts at the front and an isolated trailing link coil sprung beam axle rear. There’s good suspension travel for this sort of vehicle.

Similar to the previous Alto Works, our test RS/X had non-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with a very direct feel. Low-speed steering takes some effort and it does load up when working hard.

The braking arrangement is simple but quite effective – there’s nothing more exotic than discs at the front and drums at the rear. Pedal response is sharp although our test car would lock a rear wheel on occasions.

The CL-series shows a major increase in interior refinement. The new model has sensible interior trim colour, better space utilisation and more storage. There’s also a surprising amount of interior space – headroom isn’t a problem unless you’re a world-class basketball player. Standard features include air conditioning with economy mode, a tacho marked to 12,000 rpm, a thick-rimmed sports steering wheel and comfortable sports seats. One novel feature is the removable shoulder supports on the front seats.

A two-person rear seat comes fitted to the Alto Works but this was not installed at the time of our test. We can’t tell you anything about rear passenger space but we can tell you there’s a heap of rear cargo space with the rear seat absent...

Visually, the CL11V Alto Works RS/X is another attention-getter. It’s not as sticker-plastered as its predecessor but it does have impact thanks to its integrated bonnet scoop, sports bumpers, rear spoiler, 13-inch alloys, dual outlet muffler and two-tone paint. We also like the smooth look created by the ‘wrap over’ rear quarter windows. Overall, the body is much less overtly a commercial-vehicle design.

Our summary? Well, like the model before, the CL11V Alto Works RS/X is an absolute hoot to drive. And it doesn’t matter if you drive it fast or slow – you can have fun just tootling to the shops for milk! The biggest advantage over the older model is the massive step up in overall refinement and styling. It’s not vastly superior in any one aspect of performance but it is very much a better all-rounder. Oh, and – depending how you plan to use the car - we’d suggest holding off for a manual gearbox version.

And price?

Yahoo Motorsport has our 89,000km test vehicle for sale at AUD$3800, which includes completed ADR work and registration. It’s fair to say the price is relative to the size of the car – but inversely proportional to the amount of fun it provides!

Contact:

Yahoo Motorsport

www.yahoomotorsport.com

+61 8 8345 0939/ 0416 080462