Buyer's guide

6 min read

Suzuki Alto

Buyer's guide & specs

Model span
1979-present
For sale
2
active now
1987 Suzuki Alto Works RS-R, front right view
A 1987 Japanese-market Alto Works RS-R (CC72V, full-time 4WD) in a museum display at Suzuki Plaza, as described on its Commons file page. Image by Mr.choppers Third party CC BY-SA 3.0 Original file
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Key takeaways
  3. Shared traits
  4. Generation timeline
  5. Chassis codes
  6. JDM vs USDM
  7. Technical specs
  8. Variants & trims
  9. Gallery
  10. FAQ
  11. Sources & references

Quick answer

The Suzuki Alto is Suzuki's Japanese kei hatchback, on sale since May 1979, and Suzuki's own list reaches a ninth generation in 2021. This site covers four: the CA71 (1984), CL11 (1988), HA11 (1994) and HA36 (2014). Each has an Alto Works, and no Works in Suzuki's tables exceeds 64 PS net.

Background

Overview

The Suzuki Alto went on sale in Japan in May 1979, and Suzuki's history now counts nine generations. JDMBUYSELL covers four: the CA71 from September 1984, the CL11 from September 1988, the HA11 from November 1994 and the HA36 from 22 December 2014. Each has an Alto Works, rated at most 64 PS net. The generation pages separate commercial and passenger registrations, engines and codes.

Quick read

Key takeaways

  • Suzuki counts nine Alto generations; this site covers the CA71, CL11, HA11 and HA36.
  • No Works in Suzuki's tables exceeds 64 PS net, a voluntary maker ceiling, and some grades are lower.
  • A code can mislead: CA72V is shared by several grades, and HA21S is the K6A while HA11S is the F6A.
  • The 1980s Works are commercial V codes; passenger Works codes appear in Suzuki's March 1990 table.
  • On the HA36, AGS is an automated manual, and two recalls need a frame-number check.
  • US and Canadian age rules are judged on each car's own manufacture date.
From JDMBUYSELL

Import a JDM car — step-by-step guide

Read the guide

Constants

Common across all Alto generations

  • Japanese-market kei hatchback; generations covered here: CA71, CL11, HA11, HA36
  • Alto Works rated 64 PS net at most in Suzuki's tables; some grades are lower
  • Engines by generation: F5A; F5B then F6A; F6A and K6A; R06A
  • Commercial (V) and passenger registrations use separate codes

Chassis history

Generation timeline

Dates are Suzuki's Japanese launch or sale-start dates. Each generation page has its own specification tables, codes and checklist.

CA71V / CA72V

Second generation — CA71V/CA72V (Alto Works from 1987; 1984–1988)

CL11V / CN21S / CP21S

Third generation — CL11V/CN21S/CP21S (1988–1994)

HA11S / HA21S

Fourth generation — HA11S/HA21S (1994–1998)

HA36S

Eighth generation — HA36S (Alto Works revived 2015; 2014–2021)

Identification

Chassis-code reference

Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Suzuki Alto guide data.

Second generation — CA71V/CA72V (Alto Works from 1987; 1984–1988)
Chassis codes: CA71V, CC71V, CA72V, and CC72V
Third generation — CL11V/CN21S/CP21S (1988–1994)
Chassis codes: CL11V, CM11V, CL21V, CM21V, CN21S, CP21S, CR22S, and CM22V
Fourth generation — HA11S/HA21S (1994–1998)
Chassis codes: HA11S, HB11S, HC11V, HD11V, HA21S, and HB21S
Eighth generation — HA36S (Alto Works revived 2015; 2014–2021)
Chassis codes: HA36S and HA36V

Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.

Market

Differences between JDM & USDM

This hub describes the Japanese-market Alto using Suzuki's Japanese specification tables, in PS and kgf·m or N·m. Alto models sold new in other markets have different specifications and are not described here.

Specs

Technical specifications

Engine options

  • CA71V Alto launch range Sep 1984 launch table

    F5A
    Displacement
    543 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, SOHC 6-valve, carburettor
    Power
    31 PS @ 6,000 rpm (gross or net not stated)
    Torque
    4.4 kgf·m @ 3,500 rpm
    Transmission
    4MT, 2AT or 5MT by grade, front-wheel drive

    62.0 × 60.0 mm, 9.7:1. Vehicle weight 540 to 570 kg by grade.

  • CA72V Twincam 12 RS 1987 table

    F5A
    Displacement
    543 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, EPI, DOHC 12-valve
    Power
    42 PS net @ 7,500 rpm
    Torque
    4.2 kgf·m @ 6,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT, front-wheel drive

    Not a Works. A 4WD version is listed under CC72V.

  • CA72V Turbo S/SX 1987 table

    F5A
    Displacement
    543 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, EPI
    Power
    48 PS net @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque
    6.5 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT, front-wheel drive

    Not a Works. A 4WD Turbo SX is listed under CC72V.

  • CA72V/CC72V Works RS-X, RS-S, RS-R Feb 1987 launch table

    F5A
    Displacement
    543 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, EPI, DOHC 12-valve
    Power
    64 PS net @ 7,500 rpm
    Torque
    7.3 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT; RS-X and RS-S front-wheel drive, RS-R full-time 4WD

    Vehicle weight 610 kg (RS-X, RS-S) and 650 kg (RS-R).

  • CL11V/CM11V Alto, SOHC 6-valve Sep 1988 launch table

    F5B
    Displacement
    547 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, carburettor
    Power
    34 PS net @ 6,500 rpm
    Torque
    4.3 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    4MT, 5MT or 3AT by grade

    65.0 × 55.0 mm. Commercial codes.

  • CL11V/CM11V Alto, SOHC 12-valve Sep 1988 launch table

    F5B
    Displacement
    547 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, carburettor
    Power
    42 PS net @ 7,500 rpm
    Torque
    4.4 kgf·m @ 6,000 rpm
    Transmission
    4MT, 5MT or 3AT by grade

    Fitted to the Ib and Slide Slim grades. Commercial codes.

  • CL11V Twincam Rl, DOHC 12-valve Sep 1988 launch table

    F5B
    Displacement
    547 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, EPI
    Power
    46 PS net @ 7,500 rpm
    Torque
    4.5 kgf·m @ 6,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT or 3AT by grade

    Commercial code. Not a Works.

  • CL11V/CM11V Works RS/X, RS/R Sep 1988 Works table

    F5B
    Displacement
    547 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, EPI, DOHC 12-valve
    Power
    64 PS net @ 7,500 rpm
    Torque
    7.8 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT; RS/X also 3AT

    RS/X front-wheel drive, RS/R full-time 4WD. Commercial codes.

  • CL11V/CM11V Works S/X, S/R Sep 1988 Works table

    F5B
    Displacement
    547 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, EPI, SOHC
    Power
    58 PS net @ 6,500 rpm
    Torque
    7.4 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT; S/X also 3AT

    Below the 64 PS agreement ceiling. Commercial codes.

  • CL21V/CM21V Alto van, SOHC 6-valve Mar 1990 table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, carburettor
    Power
    36 PS net @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque
    5.1 kgf·m @ 3,500 rpm
    Transmission
    4MT, 5MT or 3AT by grade

    65.0 × 66.0 mm. Commercial van codes.

  • CN21S/CP21S/CL21V/CM21V Alto, SOHC 12-valve Mar 1990 table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, carburettor
    Power
    42 PS net @ 6,500 rpm
    Torque
    5.3 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    4MT, 5MT or 3AT by grade

    Passenger sedan and commercial van codes.

  • CN21S/CP21S Works RS/X, RS/R Mar 1990 Works table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, EPI, DOHC 12-valve
    Power
    64 PS net @ 6,500 rpm
    Torque
    8.7 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT; RS/X also 3AT

    RS/X front-wheel drive, RS/R full-time 4WD. Passenger codes. 8.3:1 compression.

  • HA11S/HB11S Alto, SOHC 6-valve Nov 1994 launch table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, carburettor
    Power
    42 PS net @ 5,500 rpm
    Torque
    5.6 kgf·m @ 5,000 rpm
    Transmission
    4MT, 5MT or 3AT by grade

    65.0 × 66.0 mm. Passenger codes.

  • HA11S Alto, SOHC 12-valve, front-wheel drive Nov 1994 launch table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, carburettor
    Power
    52 PS net @ 7,000 rpm
    Torque
    5.7 kgf·m @ 4,500 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT or 3AT by grade

    Passenger code.

  • HB11S Alto, SOHC 12-valve, 4WD automatic Nov 1994 launch table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, EPI
    Power
    55 PS net @ 7,500 rpm
    Torque
    6.1 kgf·m @ 4,500 rpm
    Transmission
    3AT, full-time 4WD

    The only ordinary engine listed with fuel injection.

  • HC11V/HD11V Va, Vs, Vl van Nov 1994 launch table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, SOHC 6-valve, carburettor
    Power
    40 PS net @ 5,500 rpm
    Torque
    5.5 kgf·m @ 3,500 rpm
    Transmission
    4MT, 5MT or 3AT by grade

    Commercial codes; payload 200 kg with two occupants, 100 kg with four.

  • HA11S/HB11S Works turbo ie/s Nov 1994 Works table

    F6A
    Displacement
    657 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, SOHC 6-valve, EPI
    Power
    64 PS net @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque
    10.0 kgf·m @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT; front-wheel drive also 3AT

    Weight 650 kg (manual), 670 kg (automatic), 710 kg (4WD). Rear drum brakes.

  • HA21S/HB21S Works RS/Z Nov 1994 Works table

    K6A
    Displacement
    658 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, DOHC 12-valve, EPI
    Power
    64 PS net @ 6,500 rpm
    Torque
    10.5 kgf·m @ 3,500 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT, front-wheel drive or full-time 4WD

    68.0 × 60.4 mm. Weight 650 kg (front-wheel drive) and 710 kg (4WD). Four-wheel discs.

  • HA36S F 5MT, HA36V VP Dec 2014 launch table

    R06A
    Displacement
    658 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, DOHC 12-valve, EPI
    Power
    49 PS (36 kW) net @ 6,500 rpm
    Torque
    58 N·m net @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT; VP also 5AGS

    64.0 × 68.2 mm, 11.5:1.

  • HA36S F 5AGS, L, S, X Dec 2014 launch table

    R06A
    Displacement
    658 cc
    Aspiration
    Naturally aspirated, DOHC 12-valve, VVT, EPI
    Power
    52 PS (38 kW) net @ 6,500 rpm
    Torque
    63 N·m net @ 4,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5AGS (F) or CVT (L, S, X)

    64.0 × 68.2 mm, 11.5:1.

  • HA36S Works Dec 2015 Works table

    R06A
    Displacement
    658 cc
    Aspiration
    Intercooled turbo, DOHC 12-valve, VVT, EPI
    Power
    64 PS (47 kW) net @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque
    100 N·m (10.2 kgf·m) net @ 3,000 rpm
    Transmission
    5MT or 5AGS, front-wheel drive or full-time 4WD

    9.1:1. Weight 670 kg (FWD 5MT), 690 kg (FWD 5AGS), 720 kg (4WD 5MT), 740 kg (4WD 5AGS).

Lineup

Variants & trims

Generation Trim Engine Key features
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Alto B, A, L, C (Sep 1984) F5A, 31 PS Commercial hatchback, four-speed manual or two-speed automatic; 540 to 560 kg; rigid leaf-spring rear axle.
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Alto S (Sep 1984) F5A, 31 PS Commercial hatchback, five-speed manual; 570 kg.
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Alto five-door (Aug 1985) F5A CA71V and CC71V. Introduced among special models for one million domestic Alto sales, later a regular model. Suzuki sources disagree on its output and weight.
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Alto walk-through van (1987) F5A, 30 PS CA72V, 660 kg, tall roof and sliding side door; a van derivative, not a Works.
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Twincam 12 RS (1986) F5A DOHC, 42 PS net CA72V front-wheel drive; the 1987 table also lists a 4WD version under CC72V.
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Turbo S and SX (1987 table) F5A intercooled turbo, 48 PS net CA72V front-wheel drive; the 1987 table also lists a 4WD Turbo SX under CC72V. The Alto Turbo itself dates to 1985.
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Works RS-X and RS-S (Feb 1987) F5A DOHC intercooled turbo, 64 PS net CA72V, front-wheel drive, five-speed manual, 610 kg.
CA71 (second generation, Japan) Works RS-R (Feb 1987) F5A DOHC intercooled turbo, 64 PS net CC72V, full-time 4WD, five-speed manual, 650 kg.
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Alto 3-door, 5-door and special brands (Sep 1988) F5B 547 cc, 34 to 46 PS net Commercial CL11V and CM11V; grades include B, Pe, Ib, Twincam Rl, L'EPO and REGINA; 2,335 mm wheelbase.
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Alto Slide Slim (Sep 1988) F5B 547 cc, 42 PS net Sliding doors on both sides and a rotating driver's seat; 610 kg; Suzuki says the 1990 version slid on the driver's side only.
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Works RS/X and RS/R (Sep 1988) F5B DOHC intercooled turbo, 64 PS net Commercial CL11V (RS/X) and CM11V (RS/R, full-time 4WD); 610 kg (RS/X manual), 630 kg (RS/X automatic), 660 kg (RS/R).
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Works S/X and S/R (Sep 1988) F5B SOHC intercooled turbo, 58 PS net Commercial CL11V (S/X) and CM11V (S/R, full-time 4WD).
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Alto sedan (Mar 1990) F6A 657 cc, 42 PS net Passenger CN21S (front-wheel drive) and CP21S (full-time 4WD); 3,295 mm long.
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Alto van (Mar 1990) F6A 657 cc, 36 or 42 PS net Commercial CL21V (front-wheel drive) and CM21V (full-time 4WD); two-seat payload 200 kg.
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Works RS/X and RS/R (Mar 1990) F6A DOHC intercooled turbo, 64 PS net Passenger CN21S (RS/X) and CP21S (RS/R, full-time 4WD); 630 kg (RS/X manual), 650 kg (RS/X automatic), 690 kg (RS/R).
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Alto Hustle (1991) F6A 657 cc Tall-roof derivative, 1,660 mm (Le) and 1,685 mm (Hu); CR22S passenger and CM22V commercial; six passenger and four commercial types.
CL11 (third generation, Japan) Works R (Jun 1992) F6A, dedicated turbo Competition base planned by Suzuki Sport: larger intercooler and radiator fan, closer ratios, limited-slip differential, simplified equipment.
HA11 (fourth generation, Japan) Alto sedan: Sa, Se/Le, Se-4/Le-4, Sf/Lf, Sg/Lg (Nov 1994) F6A 657 cc, 42 to 55 PS net Passenger HA11S (front-wheel drive) and HB11S (full-time 4WD); three- and five-door; 2,335 mm wheelbase.
HA11 (fourth generation, Japan) Alto van: Va, Vs, Vl (Nov 1994) F6A 657 cc, 40 PS net Commercial HC11V (front-wheel drive) and HD11V (full-time 4WD); three-door; 200 kg payload with two occupants.
HA11 (fourth generation, Japan) Works turbo ie/s (Nov 1994) F6A intercooled turbo, 64 PS net Passenger HA11S and HB11S; five-speed manual, front-wheel-drive automatic; front discs and rear drums; 650 to 710 kg.
HA11 (fourth generation, Japan) Works RS/Z (Nov 1994) K6A DOHC intercooled turbo, 64 PS net Passenger HA21S and HB21S; five-speed manual; four-wheel discs; ABS a factory option on front-wheel drive; 650 kg (front-wheel drive) and 710 kg (4WD).
HA36 (eighth generation, Japan) F (Dec 2014) R06A, 49 PS (5MT) or 52 PS (5AGS) net HA36S passenger car; 5MT or 5AGS, front-wheel drive or full-time 4WD; the F 2WD 5MT is the lightest launch passenger car at 610 kg.
HA36 (eighth generation, Japan) L, S, X (Dec 2014) R06A, 52 PS net HA36S passenger car; CVT, front-wheel drive or full-time 4WD. JC08 laboratory economy 37.0 km/L (front-wheel drive) and 33.2 km/L (4WD).
HA36 (eighth generation, Japan) VP van (Dec 2014) R06A, 49 PS net HA36V commercial van; front-wheel drive 5MT or 5AGS, 4WD 5AGS; payload 200 kg with two occupants, 100 kg with four.
HA36 (eighth generation, Japan) Turbo RS (11 Mar 2015) R06A intake-VVT turbo, 98 N·m at 3,000 rpm 5AGS only, front-wheel drive or 4WD; reinforced body, dedicated suspension and brakes, paddle shifts, standard Radar Brake Support.
HA36 (eighth generation, Japan) Works (24 Dec 2015) R06A turbo, 64 PS net, 100 N·m Four combinations: front-wheel drive or 4WD with 5MT or 5AGS; Recaro seats, KYB dampers, 15-inch wheels; ventilated front discs and rear drums.
HA36 (eighth generation, Japan) 40th Anniversary L Limited (13 Jun 2019) R06A, 52 PS net L with Suzuki Safety Support, black interior, anniversary tailgate emblem, five colours including Brisk Blue Metallic.

Gallery

Editorial

The buyer's read

Pick the generation first, then confirm the code. The CA71, CL11, HA11 and HA36 pages give the codes, engines, Works grades and checklist for each, and every import age is judged from the car's own manufacture date.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many Alto generations are there?
Suzuki's history lists nine, from 1979 to the 2021 generation. This site covers the second (CA71, September 1984), third (CL11, September 1988), fourth (HA11, November 1994) and eighth (HA36, 22 December 2014).
What is the 64 PS limit?
A voluntary agreement among Japan's kei makers, not a statutory limit on engine power. Suzuki's Works tables rate the Works at 64 PS net, and some grades are lower, such as the 1988 S/X and S/R at 58 PS net.
Does CA72V always mean an Alto Works?
No. Suzuki's 1987 table also gives CA72V to the Twincam 12 RS, the Turbo S and SX and the walk-through van. Check the full code, the grade and the output.
Which engine does each generation use?
CA71: 543 cc F5A. CL11: 547 cc F5B, then 657 cc F6A from March 1990. HA11: 657 cc F6A, with the 658 cc K6A in the Works RS/Z. HA36: 658 cc R06A.
What does the five-million figure mean?
Suzuki's 5,000,000 on 12 December 2016 counts cumulative domestic Alto registrations across all generations, excluding the Lapin. It is not the production of any generation.

Citations

Sources & references

Sources (39)
  1. Suzuki Digital Library: Alto (model history) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  2. Suzuki Digital Library: Alto Works (model history) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  3. Suzuki: second-generation Alto launch specifications (Sep 1984) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  4. Suzuki: Alto five-door specifications (Aug 1985) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  5. Suzuki: first-generation Alto Works specifications (Feb 1987) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  6. Suzuki: third-generation Alto and Slide Slim launch specifications (Sep 1988) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  7. Suzuki: Alto Works specifications (Sep 1988) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  8. Suzuki: Alto specifications (Mar 1990) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  9. Suzuki: Alto Works specifications (Mar 1990) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  10. Suzuki: fourth-generation Alto launch specifications (Nov 1994) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  11. Suzuki: Alto Works specifications (Nov 1994) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  12. Suzuki: engine application periods — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  13. Suzuki: F-series engine history — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  14. Suzuki: K6A engine history — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  15. Suzuki news release: Alto, 7 October 1998 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  16. Suzuki news release: new Alto, 22 December 2014 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  17. Suzuki: HA36 Alto launch specifications (Dec 2014) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  18. Suzuki news release: Alto Turbo RS, 11 March 2015 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  19. Suzuki news release: Alto Works, 24 December 2015 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  20. Suzuki: HA36 Alto Works specifications (Dec 2015) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  21. Suzuki news release: Alto five-million milestone, December 2016 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  22. Suzuki news release: Alto safety update, 13 December 2018 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  23. Suzuki news release: Alto 40th Anniversary L Limited, 13 June 2019 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  24. Suzuki news release: ninth-generation Alto, 10 December 2021 — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  25. Suzuki recall notice 5511 (18 July 2024) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  26. Suzuki recall notice (19 November 2020), fuel-tank ventilation — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  27. Suzuki: recall, improvement-measure and service-campaign search — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified
  28. Monster Sport: Alto Works history, episode 1 — Monster Sport Verified
  29. Monster Sport: Alto Works history, episode 2 — Monster Sport Verified
  30. Monster Sport: Alto Works history, episode 3 — Monster Sport Verified
  31. Motor Fan: Alto Works and the 64 PS agreement — Motor Fan Verified
  32. Web Motor Magazine: Alto Works retrospective — Web Motor Magazine Verified
  33. Carsensor: Alto Works editorial — Carsensor Verified
  34. 49 CFR 591.5 (eCFR) — US Government Publishing Office Verified
  35. NHTSA: vehicles imported from other countries (non-Canadian) — NHTSA Verified
  36. EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines — US EPA Verified
  37. Transport Canada: importing a vehicle from countries other than the United States and Mexico — Transport Canada Verified
  38. Transport Canada: importing older vehicles into Canada — Transport Canada Verified
  39. Suzuki Japan: Alto (current model page) — Suzuki Motor Corporation Verified

Sources last verified:

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