Hello friends! I am Himanshu Vyas, and today I am here to talk to you about one of India’s most loved and most trusted vehicles, Maruti Suzuki Alto. For millions of Indian families, it is more than simply a car, it is a dream partner. Due to its affordable price, small size and unmatched mileage, this vehicle still rules the hearts of people. So let’s know the journey of Alto in detail in this article.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Overview
In the year 2000, Maruti Suzuki introduced the Alto to the Indian market, marking the beginning of what would soon become one of the country’s most popular and best-selling hatchbacks. At that time, it became a means for the common man to fulfill his dream of buying a car.
With time, Alto changed and improved itself. Keeping in mind the customer preferences and new regulations, many changes were made in it. Alto 800, which came in the year 2012, was a major update that gave it a new look and better features.
Key Milestones
- 2000: The first Maruti Alto is launched in India.
- 2012: Alto 800 is debuted with a fresh look and greater mileage.
- 2023: After the manufacture of the Alto 800 came to an end, the hatchback that was formerly known as the Alto 800 has been replaced by the Alto K10, which has taken over the designation of Alto 800.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Specifications and Features
Alto comes in many variants to suit every customer’s needs. Specifications may vary from model to model, but certain key features are common to every Alto.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Engine and Performance
Alto has an engine that produces about 47 horsepower and 69 Newton-meters of torque. This car comes in petrol as well as CNG, which makes it even more economical.
Fuel Efficiency
The biggest feature of Alto is its mileage. In petrol it gives a mileage of about 22.05 kmpl, while in CNG this figure increases to 31.59 km/kg. That is why it is an excellent option for daily travel.
Dimensions
- Length: 3445 mm
- Width: 1495 mm
- Height: 1475 mm
- Wheelbase: 2360 mm
- Ground Clearance: 160 mm
Maruti Suzuki Alto Price and Variants
There are several varieties of Alto, each with a unique set of features and a distinct pricing point. The last price of Alto 800 was between ₹ 3.25 lakh to ₹ 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a great option for first car buyers.
Variant Breakdown
| Alto Variant | Price (Ex-Showroom) | Engine Type |
|---|---|---|
| Alto 800 STD | ₹3.25 Lakh | Petrol |
| Alto 800 VXI | ₹4.42 Lakh | Petrol |
| Alto 800 LXI | ₹3.94 Lakh | Petrol |
| Alto 800 LXI CNG | ₹4.16 Lakh | CNG |
| Alto 800 VXI CNG | ₹4.89 Lakh | CNG |
Interior Comfort and Technology
Simplicity and practicality were essential objectives in the Alto’s interior design. It features a clear and effective interface for easy usage and convenience. It may not be fancy, but it provides enough capacity and comfort to accommodate four people.
Key Interior Features
- Seating Capacity: 4 passengers
- Dashboard Layout: Simple and useful
- Infotainment System: A basic audio system with Bluetooth connectivity
- Storage Compartments: Ample space to store stuff
Safety Features
Safety is a must in every car and Alto is no exception in this regard. It has some essential safety features, such as:
- Dual Front Airbags: Some variants get airbags for driver and passenger.
- ABS with EBD: It prevents the vehicle from skidding when sudden braking is applied.
- Rear Parking Sensors: Make parking easier.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Driving Experience
Alto is specially designed for the congested city roads. Its small size and light steering make it very easy to drive, especially for new drivers.
Handling and Ride Quality
The suspension setup of Alto is McPherson strut in the front and leaf spring in the rear, which gives a comfortable ride even on bad roads. Its cabin is also very quiet, which makes the driving experience good.
Competitors in the Market
Alto also competes with a few other cars in the market. Its main rivals are:
- Renault Kwid: Which is known for its SUV-like looks.
- Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Which is slightly taller than Alto and comes in a modern design.
- Tata Tiago: Which one is chosen due to the sturdy construction and safety it offers.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Alto has received a good response from customers. People appreciate its mileage and low maintenance cost, but some people feel that it lacks some modern features.
Positive Aspects
- Fuel Efficiency: The Alto’s greatest advantage is its mileage.
- Affordability: Its low price makes it accessible to everyone.
- Ease of Maintenance: Maruti’s large service network makes it very easy to maintain.
Areas for Improvement
- Interior Features: Some customers expect a modern touchscreen infotainment system in it.
- Space: Rear seat space might be a little less, especially for tall people.
The Future of the Maruti Suzuki Alto
After the Alto 800 was discontinued, the Alto K10 came in as its updated successor with higher power and functionality. It has a more powerful engine and more functionality than previous model. Maruti Suzuki is currently also working on electric and hybrid cars, so we are anticipated to see such models of the Alto in the future.
Upcoming Models
Maruti Suzuki is continuously working on new models, and it is certain that in the future they will bring new and better vehicles according to the needs of the customers and environmental regulations.
Conclusion
Friends, Maruti Suzuki Alto holds a significant place on Indian roads since it’s release. It is considered a symbol of Indian mobility. It has made the dream of buying a car come true for millions of people. Its reliability, affordable price and great mileage make it a strong choice even today. Alto may be coming in a new form now (as K10), but its legacy will always live on. It is not just a car, but a symbol of hope and trust of Indian families.
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FAQs
1. Why was Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 discontinued?
On account of the newly implemented Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) pollution and safety restrictions, the Alto 800 was taken off the market. Instead of making it compliant with these regulations, the company decided to focus on the new Alto K10.
2. What differ Alto 800 from the recently released Alto K10?
With a 1000cc engine, the Alto K10 is superior than the 800cc engine that was found in the 800. The K10 has a more modern design and also has some advanced features like a touchscreen infotainment system and dual airbags.
3. Is the mileage of Maruti Alto really that good?
Yes, mileage is the biggest feature of Alto. It gives a mileage of 22.05 kmpl in petrol and 31.59 kmpl in CNG, which makes it one of the most economical cars in India.
4. How is Alto for first time car buyers?
The Alto is a great choice for first-time car buyers. Its small size, ease of driving, low maintenance cost and affordable price make it perfect for new drivers.
5. Is it beneficial to buy the CNG variant of Alto?
If you use the car a lot in the city, then the CNG variant of Alto is very beneficial. Its mileage is better than petrol and it also causes less pollution.
6. Are the Alto equipped with adequate safety features?
The Alto now gets essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. However, this is an entry-level car and cannot be compared with more expensive and bigger vehicles.