Maruti Alto 800 launched in India at Rs 2.44 lakh

New Maruti Alto fully outfitted to threat Eon this Diwali

28, June 2012 : The launch of New Maruti Alto this Diwali got some solid backing from the un-camouflaged pictures of the small car that was spotted testing. The car with company emblem in front was taller in design and inside it looked spacious and of course, with incorporation of some modern features, an ideal Hyundai Eon rival is ready. As per the reports, the car with Ford Figo-like headlamps and curvy rear is believed to go into production by next month. Hence it will see a 2012 Diwali launch.

Maruti Alto surpasses sales of 20 Lakh units

Maruti Alto Review by Expert

The auto market leader Maruti Suzuki had originally launched their bestselling car in the year 2000. The car that offered true value for money and was regarded as exceptional in every aspect since decades is expected to get some tough rivalry from its impending stable-mate Maruti Cervo, which expect a Diwali launch this year. Not only this long serving Maruti Alto also got another jolt when its title of ‘bestselling car’ was taken away by Maruti Swift recently.        
Its launch was basically a sort of up-gradation to that time’s bestselling car Maruti 800, which is still manufactured in small numbers. The Maruti Alto has been through a series of face lifts and modifications in the recent times. Currently, Maruti Alto competes with the likes of Hyundai Santro Xing, Hyundai EON and Chevrolet Spark.

The petrol version of the car comes powered by a 796cc, 3-cylinder, 4 -Valves per cylinder MPFI, FC engine that is capable of generating maximum power of 47 PS at 6200 rpm with a peak torque of 62 Nm torque at 3000 rpm.  The car takes just 17.7 seconds to reach the speed mark of 100 km per hour, and has a top speed of 130 km/h. The Maruti Alto Petrol offers a considerably high mileage of 19.73 km per liter. All petrol variant of the car are compatible with the new generation BS-IV emission norms in India.

The CNG variants of the car, which are called Maruti Alto Green, carries a CNG kit fitted with its engine that is blessed with highly fuel efficient i-GPI technology. In the CNG mode, the Maruti Alto Green delivers a peak power of 39.4 PS at 6200 rpm along with a peak torque of 54 Nm at 3000 rpm. The Maruti Alto Green model delivers an exceptional fuel economy of 20.2 kg/km, offering a considerably lower running cost.

The major attractions of the car in terms of features include with iCATS or Intelligent Computerized Anti-theft System, collapsible steering column, tubeless tyres, AC with heater, Intelligent Drive Assist power steering, and booster assisted braking system, side impact beams and clean lens headlight carrying 4 - step leveling device, etc.

Maruti Alto Rivals

The largest selling small car in India- Maruti Alto - enjoyed a rival-free life for nearly two decades apart from some namesake challengers from its own stable like Maruti Wagon R and Maruti Zen. But still a head-to-head competition was missed that came in the year 2011 in the form of Hyundai Eon. Compared to Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon has got every aspect better than that of aged small car. Be it never before seen exteriors or spacious and feature filled interiors and on top that an unbeatable mileage, which has been unsurpassed for long by any car in segment.

The looks of Alto are a bit old-school sorts comparatively, while the fluidic designed Eon is mesmerizing from every angle. The compact size has made it a favorite for urban commuters, but what about long rides on highways, here Eon lacks and comes to rescue is old war horse Maruti Alto. The other issue with Eon is its acceleration that is not as good as Alto, whereas if talked about gear-shifting Hyundai small car scores over. Inside the car the seating arrangement and style will never make you realize that it’s a small car, against low quality and basic looking Maruti Alto’s. Coming to mileage part Korean mini offers better figures with 21.1 kmpl and Maruti Alto is just below with nearly 20 kmpl. But one can not forget the load dragging capacity of Maruti’s engine along with the nationwide service assurance after sales. Also the low maintenance has made it the favorite or the starters/first time car buyers and youngsters.

Maruti Alto Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Maruti Alto Models and Features

Maruti Alto Colors

India’s favorite entry level small car Maruti Alto is not only limited to proving with a reliable performance and frugal mileage but also way ahead when it comes to offering some exclusive shades. There are in all 6 colors available and that includes Ecru Beige, Fire Brick Red, Silky Silver, Midnight Black and Superior White along with Blue Blaze. In the Maruti Alto color lineup the best sellers are Superior White and Midnight Black.

 

Fire Brick Red	Ecru Beige	Superior White	Sikly Silver	Midnight Black	Blue Blaze

 

Click Here to see Maruti Alto Photos

 

Maruti Alto Engine, Power and Performance

Maruti Alto Petrol Models

Maruti Alto CNG Models

Maruti Alto Pickup and Acceleration

The Maruti Alto small car has a seating capacity of 5 adults (including driver). It hosts a duel tone - Black & Gray - dash board and a well shelved set of dials and switches. The interior of the car look much more stylish as compared to the exterior of the car, thanks to the features like molded door trims with molded carpet, fabric upholstery and door trim fabric.

The Interior of the car is blessed with a range of comfort & convenience features including stylish speedometer and fuel gauge, digital fuel indicator, electronic tripmeter, intelligent drive assist power steering, front and rear cabin lamps, tinted glass and multi flow cooling AC with heater.

 

The Maruti Alto designers have made sure that each and every inch of the car’s interior space fully utilized, by offering a number storage spaces throughout that comprises of cup holders, glove box, Luggage Parcel tray, etc. Moreover, the boot has enough space to accommodate large size luggage. 

 

The Maruti Alto model promised a high level of comfort and convenience for both passengers and driver, thanks to the features like AC with heater to keep the climate comfortable for passengers, outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs) for driving comfort, integrated front seats, and rear seat head rests etc. The Maruti Alto is comparatively spacious car in its segment as its dimensions are as follows - shoulder room of 1180 cm and knee room of 540 cm (min) to 810 cm (max).

Maruti Alto Exterior and Features

Safety Features in Maruti Alto

A superior suspension system and a number of safety features make sure the Maruti Alto a safer and easy to handle car. The is loaded with Mc Pherson strut with torsion type roll control device at front and coil spring gas filled shock absorbers with three link rigid axle and isolated trailing arms at rear. With clear view tinted glasses and clear lens headlamps, the handling of the car become considerably easier in the city traffic.

On safety front, the Maruti Alto lacks many of the new age safety features including ABS and airbags. However, the features like Immobilizer iCATS and booster assisted brakes, headlamp leveling device, side impact beams, rear seat head restraints and seat belts for all passengers, make sure a safer drive for both driver and passengers.  Even the CNG variant of Alto is one of the safest cars run on CNG in India with leak proof CNG kit, integrated wiring harness and toughened suspension.

Maruti Alto Driving & Handling

The Maruti portfolio cars in India have always been known for their being easy to drive and handle on Indian road conditions. With quick paddle response and effective braking system, the Maruti Alto can be handled very effectively, be it on high speeds or be it bumper to bumper traffic of cities. The Maruti Alto is blessed with an effective suspension system including Mc Pherson strut with torsion type roll control device at front and coil spring gas filled shock absorbers with three link rigid axle & isolated trailing arms, at the rear. Moreover, the four - step leveling in the clear lens headlamps offer a clear visibility while driving in low light conditions.

Maruti Alto Accessories

Though the company doesn’t offer any stereo or speakers with the standard package of Maruti Alto, but there are provisions both music system and surround sound effect speakers. Moreover, as far accessories are concerned, the company comes – up with free accessories offers with Maruti Alto time to time including floor mats, seat – covers, steering covers, car cover, and many more.

Maruti Alto Conclusion

There is no second thought that even today Maruti Alto is the bestselling car in the country. The sales has always seen an upward movement, be it sluggish market or festive season, it has always enjoyed mammoth numbers since its launch a decade back. The small car from the reliable den of No.1 automaker, Maruti, has proven its mettle against competitors like Hyundai Eon and Tata Nano in India.

It has been admired for its outstanding blend of well-organized performance, high fuel efficiency and affordable price. What adds glitter to the gold is the superior after sales service assurance from the company, easy availability of spares alongside exceptional resale value. Now, a chapter will begin with the launch of Maruti Alto 800 in India, with a under Rs 2 Lakh price tag it is expected to sell like hot cakes. Though the new generation cars like Hyundai’s Eon and Chevrolet Spark, have been rivaling aggressively with the Alto, but these models are not likely to pose any threat to the supremacy of small car king Maruti Alto in near future.