Suzuki Alto L Upgrade vs. Suzuki Alto AGS: The Comparison
The Suzuki Alto is the highest-grossing car model since its launch in 2019. According to the PAMA report, it has consistently broken all year-on-year and month-on-month sales records, becoming the number 1 model in terms of sales and demand. Although this car was criticized for its poor build quality and lack of standard features,. But in this comparison, we brought you the best of both cars.
Yes, there is a version of the Alto JDM known as the “Suzuki Alto L Upgrade” that offers some great features. The “L” version includes a CVT transmission, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, fog lights, and a semi-hybrid battery under the passenger seat. Along with the gadgets, it also gained a price hike.
The starting price of the 2021 Alto L Upgrade model is PKR 3.1 million, and the brand new Alto AGS will also cost you PKR 3.1 million on the road. So technically, you have two options:
You can spend money on a brand new Alto with no great features and not so good drive quality, or for the same money, get a JDM Suzuki Alto L version with a solid build, good ride quality, and great features.
To clear your scrubs, here’s a comparison based on our market research.
Value For Money (Winner: Suzuki Alto L Version)
The Suzuki Alto L version is simply a winner. The locally made Suzuki Alto AGS only gives you 2 airbags, AGS, and entertainment, which is not Android or Apple CarPlay. The driving quality of the local one is also not so good, and it wobbles when starting at 80 km/h.
The JDM L version sounds like a bargain. 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 the Suzuki Alto L version is used and there may have been some accidents, it has been restored by a professional mechanic with original parts; the L version could be a good value for money.
Resale Value (Winner: Alto AGS)
People in the used market would definitely prefer the AGS variant. First, the AGS will be locally built and non-random, with official Suzuki 3s support. This gives a feeling of safety and security that the car is risk-free and has 3S support from the official company.
The Suzuki Alto L, though a better option with more features, a better build, and some great flagship features, its resale is not that good compared to AGS. You may have to face tough problems in resale.
Parts Availability (Winner: Alto AGS)
Suzuki manufactures the Alto AGS locally, so every bolt is available from a Suzuki 3S dealer. The Alto L is technically the same as the Alto AGS, with literally the same exterior and engine; some mechanical parts are a problem. CVT transmission, heated seats, fog lights and front bumper are some of the parts that you will face problems if they need to be replaced.
The only source is to import them from Japan or Dubai, and that is not cheap. Delivery will also take at least 15–30 days.
Drive Quality (Winner: Suzuki Alto L)
Local Alto AGS is no match for Alto L. Just drive for 5 minutes in AGS and then in Alto L, and you will get an idea of what we mean. At 80 km/h, when the Alto AGS starts swaying and you can hear a lot of wind noise in the cabin, the Alto L remains stable, firmly clamped, and free of wind noise.
Another problem is the engine noise in the local Alto. You don’t need a tachometer in the Alto AGS; your ears are enough to identify the engine speed. But in the Alto L, the cabin is quiet, and almost no engine noise gets into it.
In terms of features, the Alto L is much better than the AGS. The L version offers those goodies that locally produced cars in the budget of 5–6 million do not offer, for example, a semi-hybrid battery.
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