Is the engine of the Alto imported?
3 Answers
The engine of the Alto is not imported. Alto Power: The power is sufficient and abundant. It accelerates quickly on uphill and mountain roads with just a slight press on the gas, without any pressure. Driving in the city is even more effortless, with quick overtaking and acceleration. The power fully meets personal needs. Alto Space: The space is a bit small, especially the headroom in the rear seats and the trunk. Alto Handling: The chassis tuning is excellent. Worthy of being a global car. However, the build quality by Changan is subpar, often resulting in strange noises. The tires are narrow, and the ABS frequently activates when braking. It’s better to replace them with Bridgestone 165/60/R14 tires if possible. But this makes the steering heavier at low speeds, much heavier compared to the Fit’s steering wheel. At high speeds, lane changes and cornering steering feel just right.
Regarding whether the Alto's engine is imported, as a car enthusiast, I've done quite a bit of research and find it quite interesting. In the early 2000s, certain models, like the first-generation imported versions, did indeed have engines imported from Japan, as localized production was just starting at that time. However, as Changan Suzuki expanded production in China, most domestically produced Alto models shifted to local assembly, with engines primarily being domestic parts, which lowered costs and facilitated after-sales service. Nowadays, the new Altos you can buy on the market are almost all equipped with domestic engines, unless they are used cars or special limited editions. I recommend checking the vehicle manual or the VIN code when buying a car to confirm the engine's origin, as this affects warranty and maintenance costs—don’t overlook it. In short, the era of imported engines is over, and domestic engines are just as reliable and fuel-efficient, making them ideal for city commuting.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've encountered many issues with Alto engines. Whether it's imported depends on the specific year and model. Older models like the 1990s three-cylinder Alto engines were mostly pure imported parts – when you open them up, you can see Japanese markings on the components. But for the newer models nowadays, the engines are basically all locally produced. After localization, chain matching has become more straightforward, and parts are easier to find. Although there were slight quality fluctuations when they first launched, repairs are quicker now. In actual repairs, I recommend owners check the nameplate more often. For example, the code on the engine cover can directly indicate the place of production. Domestic products save money on daily maintenance, and their durability is up to standard. Don’t worry about the import issue—it’s more reliable now that they’ve switched to domestic production.
