First previewed as the A-Star concept at the New Delhi Auto Expo in January, the seventh generation Suzuki Alto will make its world debut in Paris this October.

The new Suzuki Alto packs a new Euro 5 compliant 1.0-litre aluminium petrol engine with CO2 emissions lower than 109g/km.

Positioned as Suzuki's new global car, the Alto will be produced at Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant, and sold mainly in Europe but also in India and other countries.

Initial production is due to start in October 2008, and full-scale production for Europe is due to start in December 2008 followed by expansion for other markets around the world.

In addition to the Alto, Suzuki will also display their latest two hydrogen fuel-cell models in Paris: the SX4-FCV which uses a GM-made fuel cell stack and the “crosscage” which features a lightweight air-cooled fuel-cell system from British specialist company Intelligent Energy.