Although Americans have just recently found a sweet spot for small, economical vehicles, Europeans have loved them for years. In fact, the small hatchback segment is one of the most competitive on the European continent – kind of like the mid-size sedan segment in the U.S. In order to keep up with the competition, Suzuki is updating its smallest European car for 2009 – the Alto – which made its world debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Suzuki is no stranger to the European market, having launched its first vehicle there in 1968. Over those 40 years, Suzuki has learned a lot about what a European buyer demands from a small vehicle, culminating in the all-new 2009 Alto.

Taking the title of Suzuki’s smallest offering, the Alto obviously has a tiny footprint. Measuring in at 3,555 mm long, 1,470 mm high and 1,600 mm wide, the Alto is similar in size to Fiat’s 500.

But the Alto isn’t just a tiny design, it’s is also a highly efficient design. Although not the sleekest looking car on the market, the Alto managed a rather slippery 0.3 Cd in the wind tunnel. That combined with the car’s 65 horsepower 1.0L three-cylinder gas engine results in 52 mpg (U.S.) on the European cycle. CO2 emissions are equally low, checking in at 103 g/Km.

Despite the Alto’s economy car image, it can actually be pretty well equipped. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but buyers can also opt for a four-speed auto. Power equipment is also readily available, with USB MP3 player connectivity standard.

The Japanese-built 2009 Alto is slated to hit the European market in the spring of 2009, with pricing expected to be announced just before the Alto’s launch.

Of note, the new Alto will also be sold in India — as well as other developing regions — but that model will be slightly down-level from the European car and will be built in India.

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