Suzuki is expected to fully redesign the new Alto Lapin and release it around 2027. It was first released on June 3, 2015, and this will be the first full redesign in 12 years. We will explain in detail what kind of model it will be.
About the new Alto Lapin full model change
The exterior has been completely redesigned, retaining the boxy form that is characteristic of the Lapin. Development has been carried out with a focus on young women, with the concept remaining the same. The new Lapin incorporates technology introduced in the previously fully redesigned Alto. All vehicles are equipped with Dual Camera Brake Support and six airbags as standard. A camera package for all-round monitoring and a head-up display are also included. The standard engine is the R06A and Ene-Charge combination, but a new mild hybrid model combining the R06D engine and motor will be added as the “S Ene-Charge Model.”
Alto Lapin predicted CG
The predicted CG image of the Alto Lapin design suggests that it will keep the same concept.
New Alto equipped with dual camera brake support
Dual camera brake support is adopted. The collision damage mitigation brake uses a stereo camera system equipped with two cameras. It corresponds to the “wide” category of “Safety Support Car S (commonly known as Sapocar S).”
- Forward Collision Warning : When driving at speeds between approximately 5km/h and 100km/h, the stereo camera detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead. If it determines there is a possibility of a collision, it issues a warning with a buzzer and a display on the meter. It can also detect pedestrians at night.
- Forward Collision Warning and Brake Function : When the possibility of a collision increases, the system issues a warning and automatically applies gentle brakes to encourage the driver to avoid the collision.
- Forward Collision Mitigation Brake Assist Function : When the driver applies strong pressure to the brakes after determining that there is a high possibility of a collision, the brake assist function is activated to increase braking force.
- Automatic braking function : When it is determined that a collision is unavoidable, the system automatically applies strong brakes to avoid the collision or reduce the damage caused by the collision.
- False start prevention function : Helps avoid collisions caused by pedal or shift operation errors. The stereo camera detects obstacles within approximately 4m ahead. If the driver presses the accelerator hard while stopped or traveling slowly at approximately 10km/h or less despite the presence of an obstacle, the function automatically reduces engine output to prevent sudden starts and sudden acceleration. Engine output is automatically reduced for up to approximately 5 seconds.
- Lane Departure Warning : If the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane, a buzzer sounds and an indicator light in the meter warns the driver. When driving at speeds between approximately 60km/h and 100km/h, the stereo camera recognizes the lane markings on both sides. If the system determines that the vehicle is about to depart from its lane, a buzzer sounds and an indicator light in the meter alerts the driver.
- Sway warning function : If the vehicle sway, a buzzer sounds and an indicator light in the meter sounds to warn the driver. If the stereo camera determines that the vehicle is swaying based on the vehicle’s swaying pattern within the lane while driving at speeds between approximately 60km/h and 100km/h, a buzzer sounds and an indicator light in the meter sounds to alert the driver.
- Leading vehicle departure notification function : Notifies the driver when the leading vehicle starts moving with a buzzer sound and a display in the meter. When the vehicle is stopped, if the leading vehicle starts moving and moves away from the vehicle more than 4m away, but the vehicle remains stopped, a buzzer sound will sound and a display in the meter will notify the driver that the leading vehicle has started moving.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA) : A system that displays road signs recognized by the forward camera on the multi-information display.
- Reverse Brake Support : Four ultrasonic sensors built into the rear bumper activate the automatic brakes when they detect an obstacle behind the vehicle. Omnidirectional Monitor Camera Package (Omnidirectional Package, Manufacturer’s Option for Vehicles with Omnidirectional Monitor Camera Package) Cameras are installed in four locations on the front, rear, left and right of the vehicle. When a compatible navigation system (dealer-installed accessory) is installed, it becomes an “Omnidirectional Monitor” that displays bird’s-eye views of the vehicle on the monitor, as if seen from directly above. Areas that are difficult to see from the driver’s seat can be checked on the screen, which helps with parking in tight spaces.
- High Beam Assist : The stereo camera detects the brightness of oncoming vehicle headlights and automatically switches between high and low beams. This allows you to drive with high beams without having to switch between them, making nighttime driving safer even on roads with few streetlights.
- Omnidirectional Monitor Camera Package (manufacturer option for vehicles equipped with the Safety Package and Omnidirectional Monitor Camera Package) : Cameras are installed in four locations on the front, rear, left and right of the vehicle. When a compatible navigation system (dealer-installed accessory) is installed, it becomes an “Omnidirectional Monitor” that displays bird’s-eye views of the vehicle on the monitor, as if seen from directly above. Areas that are difficult to see from the driver’s seat can be checked on the screen, which is useful for parking in tight spaces.
New Alto Lapin fully redesigned with mild hybrid S-enecharge
The new powertrain combines the newly developed “R06D” engine (naturally aspirated) with a new CVT. This combination delivers nimble driving and excellent fuel economy across a practical range of speeds, from low to medium-high. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with the simplified hybrid system “S-ene Charge,” which utilizes an integrated generator (ISG) with motor function. This system reduces engine load and reduces fuel consumption by using electricity stored during deceleration to assist the motor during acceleration. Furthermore, the starter motor function enables quiet and smooth engine restarts, increasing the frequency of re-idling stops and improving fuel economy.
New Alto Lapin full model change specifications
| Specifications | New Alto Lapin | New Alto Lapin Mild Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | |
| Overall height | 1,525mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,460mm | |
| engine | Straight 3 660cc | Inline 3 660cc + motor |
| Maximum power | 36kW (49ps) / 6,500rpm |
36kW (49ps) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 58Nm (5.9kgm) / 5,000rpm |
58Nm (5.9kgm) / 5,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output | – | 1.9kW (2.6ps) / 1,500rpm |
| Motor Max Torque | – | 40Nm (4.1kgm) / 100rpm |
| mission | CVT | CVT |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 29.4km/L (2WD) 28.7km/L (4WD) |
33.1km/L (2WD) 30.2km/L (4WD) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 25.2km/L (2WD) 23.5km/L (4WD) |
27.7km/L (2WD) 25.7km/L (4WD) |
About the new Alto Lapin concept model
The eWX light wagon EV was unveiled at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 26 to November 5, 2023. I got a close look at it, and it looked a lot like the Alto Lapin EV. However, since its release in mid-2025 is too soon, it seems unlikely that it will be released at the same time as the Alto Lapin undergoes a full model change.
Light wagon EV “eWX”
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The history of Alto Lapin
Suzuki has completely redesigned the Alto Lapin and released it on June 3, 2015. The Lapin is based on the Alto, but with a focus on design and the concept of a slow life, it has been developed with a focus on “relaxation,” “comfort,” and “comfort.” The model is targeted at women, and its name comes from “rabbit.”
The previous Lapin also has the rabbit logo on its emblem. The previous second-generation model was released on November 26, 2008, and now, about seven years later, the third-generation model will be released on June 3, 2015. The third-generation model was developed based on the previous new Alto, and this is the first full model change in six years and six months, with a dramatic improvement in fuel efficiency.
The Alto Lapin was designed based on the Alto. The first and second generations underwent a full model change every six years and ten months, while the second to third generations underwent a full model change every six years and six months. However, the current model is now in its ninth year, but there are no plans for a full model change, so a full model change is expected in the tenth year.
Released on January 22, 2002.
Partially improved on September 3, 2003. Partially improved on October 5, 2004. Partially improved on December 5, 2005. Partially improved on April 12, 2006. Partially improved on May 12, 2007. Production ended in October 2008.
Full model change on November 26, 2008.
Specification change: October 2009. Specification change: May 1, 2010. Minor improvement: August 20, 2010. Minor improvement: May 17, 2012. Minor improvement for 2WD vehicles: October 10, 2012. Specification change: May 1, 2013. Minor improvement: June 19, 2013. Specification change: October 1, 2014. Production ended in May 2015.
Full model change on June 3, 2015.
Specification change on December 1, 2016. Specification change on May 1, 2017. Specification change on September 1, 2017. Specification change on July 2018. Some specifications changed on June 17, 2019. Some specifications changed on October 14, 2020. Specification change on April 2021. Some specifications changed on June 17, 2022. Alto Lapin LC released. Collision mitigation braking system changed to stereo camera type “Dual Camera Brake Support”. Some specifications changed on November 20, 2023. A rear parking sensor operation indicator light has been added to the meter panel in compliance with regulations.
A word from the editorial department
The first generation Lapin was released in January 2002 as a derivative of the Alto. Its cute looks made it extremely popular with female users. However, it has not undergone a typical model change cycle to date, and if it does not undergo a full model change by around 2027, it could disappear entirely. Cars designed with women in mind are becoming increasingly rare, with models featuring sliding doors, such as the Toyota Wagon R Smile and Daihatsu’s Move Canvas, becoming mainstream. While sliding doors are convenient, they increase the vehicle’s price, weight, and may affect fuel economy, making them important considerations for users. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Alto Lapin
