Suzuki Motor Corp. on Monday took the wraps off a restyled Alto minicar that features a low price tag and high fuel efficiency.

The Alto, which is 3.4 meters in length and has a 658cc engine, costs between 650,000 yen and 750,000 yen before tax for the manual transmission model and features fuel economy of 24.5 km per liter.

It also comes standard with twin frontal air bags and air conditioning, the automaker said.

Suzuki said it aims to sell 6,000 Altos a month.

The carmaker said the new Alto features "a young and warm design targeting female users, and high seat positions that make it easier for people to get in and out of the car, while providing a wide range of vision."

It said its designers gave the new Alto "soft round lines to its hood, back door and front and rear fenders" and angular lines to the exterior of its passenger compartment.

Mitsubishi truck delay

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp. has not been able to release any new trucks because serious accidents caused by defects in previous models have led to tighter government screening, industry sources have said.

Stricter checks by the transport ministry not only cover large Mitsubishi Fuso trucks that have caused accidents, but also small and midsize trucks, preventing the company from selling any brand-new models, the sources said.