Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Still A Strong Budget Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki India launched the budget hatchback Alto 800 in the Indian car market back in the year 2012. The small car successfully overpowered the most loved iconic car i.e the Maruti 800. So until the other competitive cars started joining the portfolio, Alto 800 had a tight grip in the A segment space. Its rivals such as Tata Nano and Hyundai Eon could not put a tough fight against the model but as Renault Kwid came in the competition, its monthly sales started to decline and Kwid can be called as segment disruption. However, the company has provided Alto 800 with mid-life update in 2016 that includes some cosmetic tweaks on the outside as well as inside. I bought the new Alto 800 in January 2017 and performance wise it is superb as well as fuel efficiency too, is quite good. The updated model gets the major change to its nose, the front bumper looks completely changed. The headlight now receives the amber turn indicators instead of clear lens ones while the trapezoidal air dam has been given 180-degree flip that makes the car look wider than before. Inside, it gets the new upholstery for the seats, digital clock in the speedometer display, power steering and air conditioning with heater. In terms of specifications, Alto 800 continues to be powered by the 0.8L petrol mill that can belt out the power output of 48PS and delivers the peak torque of 69Nm. It delivers the claimed mileage of 24.7kmpl which is excellent for a daily commuter like me. Overall, Alto 800 with new updates makes it a perfect budget car for the Indian customers, no matter how many players foray in. And the seal of Maruti is enough to allure any prospective buyer. For me, it is one of the best deals of my life.