India's best selling car, Maruti Alto is one of the best wagon in terms of both-pricing and quality. Maruti Alto is the ideal car for first time average buyers and also for those who upgrade from a two wheeler to a four wheeler. What is appealing about this car is that it's easy to drive even in heavy traffic as the car has low turning radius. Maintenance is next to child’s play in Maruti Alto. Alto is believed to be the most beneficial car for beginners. Since its inception in Indian market, Maruti Alto has received immense votes and the list fans is burgeoning. Mileage, fuel economy and low price are the USPs of Maruti Alto undeterred in Indian market.
Although a new K10 engine has debuted in the market, the erstwhile version of the Maruti Alto is still available in the market. However, Maruti Alto has adapted to the changing car market and the car maker has given a refreshed look to the Alto to cater to masses. Mechanics are more or less the same. Maruti Alto is equipped with 796cc, 3-cylinder, and 4 valves per cylinder MPFI, FC engine with 32 Bit ECM. Its engine generates maximum power of 47 Ps at 6200 rpm and 62 Nm torque at 3000 rpm which enables it to touch the mark of 0-100 km/h in just 17.7 seconds and break the barrier of 130 km/h. An exuberant 19.73 kmpl mileage is claimed by Maruti Alto standard variants, ranking it the best-in-class mileage till date. However, new players like Hyundai EON boast to beat the figure with its 23 kmpl. The stupendous mileage is a result of a 32-bit on-board computer for dynamic computerized fuel injection. All the versions are BS1V only.
The company has added three more CNG variants in the Maruti Alto family which contribute in saving our ecosystem. The Maruti Alto Green STD BS IV, Maruti Alto Green LX BS IV and Maruti Alto Green LXI BS IV are the 3 variants plying on roads with CNG kit fitted in their boots along with petrol engine. The engine is compatible to BSIV emission norms. The CNG kit is powered by the i-GPI technology that ensures better combustion of gas and results in higher fuel efficiency, thus pushing Alto to some extra miles. With CNG fuel on driving mode, the 796 cc engine produces a top power of 39.4 Ps at 6200 rpm and generates a top torque of 54 Nm at 3000 rpm. The claimed fuel economy from CNG fuel is 20.2 kg/km along with lower running cost. The new CNG kit is also claimed to be more safe, reliable and environment friendly.
The interiors of Maruti Alto are rendered smart changes to attract more and more customers. The interiors of the car do not depict the price of the car which has been deliberately kept low to popularize the Alto. Though functional, Maruti Alto interiors are not stunning, but are competent enough to satisfy an average Indian buyer. In its instrument panel, the savvy fuel gauge helps to track the improved mileage. The dual tone decent dashboard comes with neat and clean placement of switches and dials. The instrument cluster also adorns an all-new speedometer with an ease to read along with a digital fuel indicator. Instead of an odometer, an electronic tripmeter is given in Maruti Alto that can be reset at any point in a journey, making it possible to record the distance traveled in any particular journey or part of a journey. However, tachometer is missing from the panel list. The Intelligent drive assist power steering calls for more fans of Alto. The multi flow cooling AC of Maruti Alto with heater is designed to turn the temperature of its tiny cabin into frozen meat within 5 minutes. However, engine performance suffers a tad in Maruti Alto due to AC eating up most of the power.
The exteriors of Maruti Alto are decent making it look like an ordinary hatchback. Stylish front bumper and front grille are provided to Maruti Alto exteriors. The new Maruti Alto is also equipped with active and passive safety features that increase the safety level for the driver and the passengers. The safety and security features include collapsible steering column, improved suspension system, booster assisted braking system, side impact beams, clean lens headlight with 4 step leveling device, i-CATS security system to minimize chances of burglary, tubeless tyres and high mounted rear stop lamp along with front and rear seat belts.
Considering all the pros and cons, Maruti Alto is the best entry-level car in the hatchback segment. If you are a first-time car buyer and are looking for a respectable, functional and inexpensive model, Maruti Alto is your cup of tea.
Exteriors
Maruti Alto is a mass car with simple exterior features. The chrome accentuated Suzuki Logo embossed on the front grille of Maruti Alto is well defined exhibiting people's trust and faith in the company. The stylish front bumper gives extraordinary looks to the car and the attractive front grille looks very elegant housed in between the clean lens headlights of Maruti Alto and makes it stunning and appealing.
Due to low price, the car comes missing with body color ORVMs and door handles, etc. Turn indicators are present on side panels above the wheel arches. The side profile has been highlighted with an impressive side impact beam running along the two doors . Doors look simple with black color door handles. The tubeless tyres are covered with 8 spoke cover. Sparkling tail lamps adorns the rear part of Maruti Alto. The paint finish used for dressing Maruti Alto is decent. Overall the exteriors remain unimpressive and do not have the thump to attract sales. It is only the performance which has given all the name and fame to Alto.
Exterior Measurement
The Maruti Alto has a seating capacity for 5. The exterior dimensions of this car are, Length - 3495 mm, Width - 1475 mm, Height - 1460 mm and a wheelbase of 2360 mm. The ground clearance of 160 mm in this car is pretty good . However, the key highlight of alto is turning circle radius which is a minimal 4.6 m .
Interiors
Unlike the exteriors, interiors of Maruti Alto leave a good impression on spectators. The small car Alto is stuffed with a lot of practical interior options. Maruti alto suits Indian customers and caters to all their needs from an entry level car. Maruti Alto has always upgraded its features and interiors have always been a well-off section in Alto.
To start with, the dashboard is done with two tone color-Black and Grey. The dual tone decent dashboard comes with neat and clean placement of switches and dials. A new speedometer and the savvy fuel gauge in its instrument panel, helps to track the improved mileage . The instrument cluster also adorns a digital fuel indicator. Instead of an odometer, an electronic tripmeter is given in Maruti Alto that can be reset at any point in a journey, making it possible to record the distance traveled in any particular journey or part of a journey. However, tachometer is missing from the panel list. The Intelligent drive assist power steering calls for more fans of Alto. The multi flow cooling AC of Maruti Alto with heater is designed to turn the temperature of its tiny cabin into frozen meat within 5 minutes. However, engine performance suffers a tad in Maruti Alto due to AC eating up most of the power. The ample storage space in the glove box on dashboard cabinet and front door pockets along with floor front console incorporating cup holders can be used to store bare essentials. There is enough plastic all around you in Alto to make a Greenpeace activist enraged. The boot space of Maruti Alto is also enough and can accommodate large luggage. Molded door trims and molded carpet give the interiors a very smart look and gives elegant touch to the ambience. The designed seats offer a comfortable driving. The door trim fabric present in Maruti Alto gives an elegant and stylish look to the interior.
Maruti Alto hatchback has overall impressive and dynamic interiors. The car has spacious interiors that not only make it a comfortable car to sit in but give it a classy look. The fabric upholstery of the Maruti Alto merges very well with the ambience of the car and gives it a trendy look with a touch of sophistication. The spacious interiors of the car give you a feeling of openness even in busy traffic snarls.
Some other interior features of Maruti Alto are Luggage Parcel tray, tinted glass front and rear seat head rests. The entire look is completed with the front and rear cabin lamps.
Interior Comfort
Maruti Alto is a decently comfortable car that offers a swathe of comfort and pleasure. The car is packed with many advanced comfortable features that offer a pleasant and comfortable drive. The all new Maruti Alto is packed with not only looks, style, interiors and exteriors but many comfort features to attract huge number of car lovers.
The electronic power steering present in high end variant of the car offers comfortable driving without having to steer the car too much. The AC with heater present in the car offers home like comfort even in hot sunny days. One can also find rotary controls on AC in Maruti Alto . The ORVM present in Maruti Alto offers comfort of driving with a clear view of traffic from behind.
The integrated front seats available in Maruti Alto give more comfort and support during long drives and reduce the strain, back pain or cramps. The tinted glasses in Maruti Alto offer very clear vision . Maruti Alto has also ample storage section with the availability of cup holders, front door pockets, glove box, huge boot space, etc. The fuel lid in alto can be operated by remote controls.
Interior Measurement
Maruti Alto is a hatchback segment car with a sitting capacity of 5 people. Maruti Alto is a very roomy and spacious car with elegant interiors that offers shoulder room of 1180 cm and rear knee room of 810 cm (max) and 540 cm (min). The car offers ample space in leg room for a comfortable drive.
Acceleration & Pick-Up
Maruti Alto thrives on a 796 cc petrol engine which assists the hatch to accelerate from a speed of 0kmph to 100 kmph is just 17.7 seconds with a top speed of 137 kmph . The car engine incorporates 5 Speed Manual gearbox that helps in easy shifting of gears without making any noise. This high power engine offers a very smooth and hassle free drive without any vibrations. Overall the acceleration of Maruti Alto is awesome.
As it is already discussed in the previous sections, at the CNG Mode, the engine produces a top power of 39.4 Ps at 6200 rpm and pumps out a peak torque of 54 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It is to be noted that you should not expect higher power and acceleration with this fuel system but mileage and low running cost is something that CNG assures of.
Engine and Performance
The Maruti Alto is packed with petrol engine with a displacement of 796 cc . The car is also endowed with MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) supply system that offers clear flow of fuel and hence makes the performance of the car mind blowing. The car engine is packed with 5 Speed Manual Transmission that helps in easy shifting of gear without making any noise and this high power engine offers a very smooth and hassle free drive without any vibrations. The engines of all the 3 variants of Maruti Alto generates maximum power of 47 Ps at 6200 rpm and 62 Nm torque at 3000 rpm which enables it to touch the mark of 0-100 km/h in just 17.7 seconds and break the barrier of 130 km/h. An exuberant 19.73 kmpl mileage is claimed by Maruti Alto standard variants, ranking it the best-in-class mileage till date. The stupendous mileage is a result of a 32-bit on-board computer for dynamic computerized fuel injection. All the versions are BS1V only.
The company has added three more CNG variants in the Maruti Alto family which contribute in saving our ecosystem. The Maruti Alto Green STD BS IV, Maruti Alto Green LX BS IV and Maruti Alto Green LXI BS IV are available with dual fuel systems-petrol and CNG. The engine is compatible to BSIV emission norms. The CNG kit is powered by the i-GPI bio-fuel technology that ensures better combustion of gas and results in higher fuel efficiency, thus pushing Alto to some extra miles. With CNG fuel on driving mode, the 796 cc engine produces a top power of 39.4 Ps at 6200 rpm and generates a top torque of 54 Nm at 3000 rpm . The claimed fuel economy from CNG fuel is 20.2 kg/km along with lower running cost. To carry the load of CNG system, the body of the vehicle and suspension system is modified. The new CNG kit is also claimed to be more safe, reliable and environment friendly.
Mileage
Mileage is the key area where Maruti Alto trumps on its competitors. A superb 19.73 kmpl of mileage is offered by Maruti Alto and is almost unmatchable in its segment. The 796 cc engine is composed of 3 cylinders and each having 4 valves that burn the fuel efficiently. The engine in Maruti Alto is endowed with a 5 Speed Manual Transmission. This gearbox comes with a cable type gearshift which is of great help while shifting gears. Maruti Alto is packed with MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) fuel supply system which offers great mileage and thus proves economical to run on roads. Adapting the latest technology, Maruti Alto come affixed with a 32 bit on-board computer for dynamic computerized fuel injection thus ensuring that all the fuel drunk by the car is utilized till the last drop and efficiently.
The Maruti Alto CNG is loaded with both petrol and CNG fuel system with the 796cc, 3 cylinder FC engine. The engine with the CNG fuel belts out a max power of 39.4 PS at 6200 rpm and torque of 54 Nm at 3000 rpm. When operated on CNG fuel, the car gives a mileage of 15.6 km/kg in the city and 20.2 km/kg on highways . The i-GPI technology is a Dual Engine Control Unit that sends accurate amount of compressed gas to the mill thereby promising good mileage and performance. The CNG variant of Maruti Alto can be operated on both petrol and CNG mode that means you need not worry about your drying petrol tank, you can switch on CNG mode and can continue your journey.
Power of Maruti Alto
One cannot say that Maruti Alto is very powerful car, however it isn’t that disappointing either. The 796 cc petrol engine in Maruti Alto is able to give away 47 PS of ace power at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of 62 Nm is generated at 3000 rpm. The power is coupled essentially to the front wheels of Alto. This petrol engine is endowed with 5 Speed Manual Gearbox that helps the engine to give good performance on the road without any vibrations even at high speed.
The engine with CNG fuel, pumps out a max power of 39.4 Ps at 6200 rpm and lays out a peak torque of 54 Nm at 3000 rpm . It becomes quite clear that the engine output is not as good as the petrol engine but it wins the race with its mileage figures and lower running cost.
Braking & Handling
Maruti Alto is a very safe car with a very sound and dynamic braking system. The braking system present in Maruti Alto with front disc brakes and rear drum type brakes helps in de-accelerating the car quickly , when it is moving at very high speed, even in busy traffic roads where brakes are in significant use. Booster assisted brakes for shorter brake distance are endorsed in the Maruti Alto hatchback . The suspension of Maruti Alto is very efficient and distinctive. The front suspension is of Mc Pherson strut with torsion type roll control device and rear suspension of coil spring gas filled shock absorbers with three link rigid axle and isolated trailing arms. This new frame type front suspension arms lead to better stability and driving comfort.
Safety & Security
Maruti Alto is a safe car, though advanced safety remains a key challenge in the car. Still the car maker has managed to put-in some safety features in the car to save lives during emergencies. The all new Maruti Alto is packed with both active and passive safety features to safeguard against unexpected mishaps that come our way. The collapsible steering column present in Maruti Alto is one of the best safeguard for driver against injury during collision. The Intelligent Computerized Anti Theft System (Immobilizer iCATS) helps to track the car and reduces the chances of unwelcomed guests by providing security against car theft. The car can be unlocked only by the original key in this respect. The booster assisted brakes present in the Maruti Alto are major part of safety while journey.
The clear lens headlamps with head lamp leveling device in 4 steps offer clear visibility on the roads and reduce the danger henceforth. The availability of clear lens tail lamps also offers a safer drive. The side impact beams of Maruti Alto also act as a safeguard for the passengers from collisions. Some other safety measures are front and rear seat belts, rear seat head restraints, tubeless tyres and unique high mount stop lamp.
The new CNG kit that is powered by i-GPI technology is regarded as the safest system compared to retro fitted kits . To enhance the security level, the kit's safety is reinforced with high quality components, integrated wiring harness, and CNG system leak-proofing and toughened suspension .
Wheels
Maruti Alto runs on tubeless radial tyres which are puncture resistant and offer you a hassle free journey. Maruti Alto has low turning radius of 4.6 metre for effortless turning and parking . The size of the tyre is 145/80 R12. Maruti Alto is packed with 12 inches wheels that not only enhance its looks but also help to drive the car with more ease.
This big sized tyre of Maruti Alto makes the look of the car very stunning and is very efficient in controlling the car in case of off- roading. It also helps in reducing the rate of skidding in slippery and watery roads.
Pros
Good fuel economy, Maintenance is easy, Easy to park, Easy to drive in high traffic, Service Station is easily available.
Cons
Power, Less spacious, Pick up with a/c is quite poor, Gear box is noisy, Less legroom in rear seat.
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