The Maruti Suzuki Alto is synonymous with the Indian car market and turns out to be the sought after choice for a first time car buyer. When Maruti Suzuki introduced the new Alto back in 2010, they offered it with two engine options, the 800cc three-cylinder engine and the new 1.0-litre K-series engine. In 2013, the 800cc Alto got revamped and was christened the Alto 800. In 2014, the 1.0-litre Alto was also revamped and was distinctly different than the Alto 800 and got K10 added to its moniker. What started as one car, the M800 replacement, the Alto has branched out into two distinct model lines in the Indian market – one for the entry-level car buyer and another for the one who can afford to stretch out a little bit.
It competes with the likes of the Hyundai Eon, Renault Kwid, Chevrolet Spark, Datsun RediGo and the Datsun Go in the Indian car market.
Further to this, read Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Road Test details by our expert.
Exterior
While the Alto has grown bigger over generations, it is still a compact hatchback. The updated version of the Maruti Alto K10 is now based on the Alto 800’s body shell. However, there are some key differentiating factors on the K10 from the Alto 800. The chrome grille is thicker than the Alto 800 and it has pulled back headlamps. The Alto K10’s side profile is boxy, however with the new 13-inch wheels the wheel-well doesn’t feel empty. The tail gate of the Alto K10 is a lot more stylish and it has body-coloured bumpers and small-sized tail lamps too.
Interior
The interior of the new Alto K10 is stylish and are brilliant when it comes to the styling. This is the first time Alto gets in-built 2-DIN music system, with USB and aux input. The features list on the Alto K10 include power-operated front windows, electric power steering and key-off reminder. The Alto even gets gear-shift indicator as well.
The Alto K10’s rear seats have some extra knee-room as the rear of the front seats have cut-slot. The Alto K10 has beige interiors while the Alto 800 has grey. The boot capacity of the Alto K10 is about 177 litres, and this is somewhat fine to carry luggage within the city.
Maruti Suzuki offers a driver side airbag as an option with every variant of the K10 except for the base trim (LX). The side impact protection beam, high mount stop lamp, 3-point seat belts and engine immobilizer are standard safety features. The braking department is taken care off by the disc brakes up front and drum brakes in the rear.
Engine and Transmissio
Powering the new Alto K10 is the same old 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, K-Next petrol engine that churns out a maximum power of 67bhp at 6000rpm with a 90Nm of peak torque at 3500rpm. It comes paired either with a 5-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels. The Alto K10 is now being offered with an automated manual transmission (AGS) which tries to bring in the convenience of an automatic and the efficiency of a manual gearbox together. The new model is 15 per cent more fuel efficient than the old model. It has electronic speed limit of 135-140kmph.
Mileage
The 998 cc CNG - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 16 km/kg in city and 18 km/kg on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 16 kmpl on urban roads and 18 kmpl and freeways, respectively.
