Suzuki Regina City Car Previewed In Tokyo Lead-up

Is this the next Alto? Suzuki has pulled back the virtual sheets on its new Regina concept, set for a debut at next month's Tokyo Motor Show.

The Regina concept is a touch smaller than the already lilliputian Alto, measuring 3550mm long and 1630mm wide - but it gets a longer wheelbase, at 2425mm. The Alto is 3580mm long, 1680 wide and rides on a 2360mm wheelbase.

At 730kg, the Regina is also 155kg lighter than its (possible) forebear.

Just like the Alto, which is also one of Australia's most affordable cars, development of the Regina is focused on "excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions thanks to lightness and superior aerodynamics."

In concept form, the Regina is not fitted with an engine, but Suzuki says that fuel consumption figures in the range of 3.0 l/100km would be possible with a small petrol engine.

The Australian-delivered Alto returns 4.7 l/100km, with a 50kW three-cylinder 1.0 litre engine.

Whether the Regina will replace the Alto is unclear, but Suzuki has at least confirmed that the new concept offers a preview of its next-generation city-car plans. The current Alto is less than three years old, so a replacement is likely sometime away.