Suzuki has given us our first glimpse of the new Alto. Based on the A-Star concept, the new will be seen for the first time in the metal at the Paris Motor Show in October before going on sale early in 2009.

While many manufacturers are increasing the sizes of their new models, Suzuki claims the new Alto is “a response to the needs of today’s motorists”, and as such it has been downsized to achieve a lighter kerb weight without compromising interior space.

Though no official word on the engine range has been made public, it’s fair to expect a newly developed 1.0-litre unit with CO2 emissions below 110g/km. And though no prices have been confirmed it’s expected the Suzuki Alto range to start at around £7000.