Nov 28, 2008 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- SZKMF | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Suzuki Motor has launched the new Alto Lapin city car in Japan. The company is targeting domestic monthly sales of more than 4,000 units.

According to Suzuki, the new Alto Lapin is based on a concept of creating a city car that engenders the same kind of emotional attachment as a favorite fashion accessory or ornament.

Suzuki stated that in developing the new Alto Lapin,... // Trading Markets

Tech-On English (Enlarge photo)

Suzuki Motor Corp released the fully remodeled "Alto Lapin" minivehicle Nov 26, 2008. The new model inherits the rounded box body from its predecessor while featuring a more spacious interior realized by using a new platform developed for the "Wagon R." The company aims to sell 4,000 units per month. Pricing starts at ¥1,047,900 (approx US$11,017).

The body dimensions are 3,395 (L) x 1,475 (W) x 1,510mm (H), and the wheelbase is 2,400mm. The height is lower than the Wagon R by 150mm. The wheelbase was extended by 40mm from the preceding model by adopting the new platform. The length of the interior was extended by 170mm to 1,870mm, while the distance between the front and rear seat passengers was increased by 75mm to 840mm.

As for the previous model, 70% of its users were women who... // Tech-On English

TOKYO - November 26, 2008: For more than six years, Suzuki's boxy kei Alto Lapin has been a hit with young Japanese female buyers. Now the second generation went on sale in Japan.

There's no radical change in the shape - it looks similar to the Nissan Cube.

The Alto Lapin is based on the platform of the new Wagon R, which has just been elected Car of the Year in Japan. There's a new suspension, bigger 14" tires but the basic, kei car... // Autochannel