Maruti Suzuki Alto 800

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 received a minor design tweak with the 2019 version being launched. The headlamps sport a petal-like design, while the rear bumper, boot lid and body panels are the same as the previous model. The new component here is the front bumper. This now has a big air dam, along with plastic mesh in the honeycomb layout. There are fog lamp slots, although you have to pay extra for adding them. There is a brand new front grille as well, while a black-colored surround is also available. The outside mirrors also look new on the 2019 version. The front fascia has thus received a minor tweak. The honeycomb grille covers the entire stretch between the headlamps. The car still does not have LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The side profile looks the same as the earlier model, with steel wheels in silver or black, based on the variant in question.

The rear design in the 2019 version also looks similar to its predecessor. The 800 moniker has been slashed off the rear, with the name only being Alto. This is the only change, with the rear bumper, tailgate, and fenders coming from the 2012 model itself. The tail lights, however, have been slightly revamped to exude a more premium feel, something that does well to attract buyers. Design-wise, while there are only a few minor bits that are new, the Alto 800 still looks cute enough on the roads.

The 2019 Alto has a similar dashboard and some other components as the more premium K10 version. The new Alto has a dual-tone dashboard in black and beige, which is aesthetically more pleasing than the earlier grey setup. The instrument console and steering wheel are similar to the earlier-2016 (pre-facelift) version of the Alto 800. However, there are dual-tone cream and black fabric for the door pads and seats this time.

The 2019 version has three variants in total. These are the base-level Std, which does not get any noteworthy features at all. The LXi variant and upwards come with power steering, power windows in front, and air conditioning. The top-end VXi variant comes with keyless entry and central locking, in addition to the SmartPlay Dock 2-DIN audio system for the higher trims, with support for AUX, USB, and Bluetooth. There is also an AM/FM radio option available, although the absence of a touch screen infotainment unit (present in a rival like the Renault Kwid for instance) is a big miss.

The cabin has already seen several updates over the last few years. The previous dashboard has made way for the new one as mentioned. There is a new paint scheme and the new audio system is a nice touch as well. The instrument console looks better in this version of the Alto as well.

The 2019 version of the Alto does not get a touch screen infotainment unit. However, the higher variants do get the SmartPlay Dock 2-DIN audio system. This is a nice touch, with its AUX, USB, and Bluetooth compatibility, along with its AM/FM radio. Music and connectivity-wise, it is an improvement over the previous versions of the Alto.

The Alto has the F8D petrol 796 cc engine that is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission system. There is no AMT option available for this model, and this is only available for the Alto K10 version. The gearbox and engine essentially remain unchanged, even after the shift to BS-VI. The exhaust does change for the car in order to adhere to the new regulations. The power and torque figures also remain exactly the same as the BS-IV version. Performance-wise, the Alto feels well-put together, being suitable for city rides and commutes. The engine is more refined at the moment, although it lacks the punch and power that an enthusiast may desire.

The Alto drives quite reliably on city roads, although you should not expect an ultra-luxurious experience. The car seems to be more refined when idling, without vibrations, even engine noise levels have come down significantly. However, there is still that sluggish pace and feel of the engine, while the throttle responses feel lethargic as well, particularly when the air conditioning unit is turned on. Power delivery feels jerky and choppy at times, with a spring-like clutch with short travel and adequate lightness. However, the five-speed manual transmission unit shifts smoothly, making the Alto a great option for city rides.

The ARAI-figures claim fuel economy of 22.05 kmpl which is lower than 24.7 kmpl earlier. This has resulted from emission-linked changes and the higher weight of the car.

The Alto has several additional safety features currently. Maruti Suzuki has already boosted the front fascia of the car to adhere to the new crash-testing regulations. The Alto is now 50mm longer than its previous version, which stood at 3,395 mm. This length increase has been necessitated by the new design for the bumper, which helps the car adhere to the regulations for pedestrian safety as well. The Alto offers driver’s airbags as standard features for all variants, in tandem with EBD, ABS, rear parking sensors, and front passenger and driver seat-belt reminders. There is also a speed alert system. These are now compulsory safety features in the country. The base and mid-range trims have optional passenger airbags, while the top-end trim (VXi) comes with dual airbags. These added safety features considerably enhance the appeal of the car to buyers at this price point.

The Alto has three variants available for buyers, namely the base model (Std), mid-range variant (LXi) and the top-end trim (VXi). The first two variants are also available with an optional package which integrates the passenger-side airbag in front, for an added cost. The base variant is truly affordable, getting ABS and EBD, reverse parking sensors, a driver’s side airbag, front seatbelt reminder, speed limit warning, and dual-tone interior theme as standard features. However, it does not have air conditioning and power steering. You can add a passenger airbag with the O variant. (optional)

The mid-range LXi trim is costlier and comes with the optional passenger airbag choice as well. This variant comes with power steering, powered windows in front, air conditioning, retractable seatbelts at the rear, silver interior accents, remote boot and fuel lid opener, rear child locks, and body-colored mirrors and handles. The top-end VXi trim is the priciest model in the line-up, although it is not priced a lot higher than the LXi variant. It gets all the features mentioned earlier, along with the factory-audio system with USB, Bluetooth, and other connectivity features. It also gets remote central locking, a rear parcel tray, 12V power socket, and two front speakers, along with internally adjustable mirrors.

If you do not mind paying slightly more for all the features and comforts, then you should go for the VXi variant of the Alto. However, if you are looking for something that saves you money, while being decently equipped, then the LXi variant is also a good option. This comes with all the basic features that you require. You only miss out on the audio system and power socket essentially, along with a few other extras. If you are comfortable skipping the same, then you can choose the LXi variant of the Alto.

The entry-level hatchback segment has been ruled by the Alto 800 for several years now. The revamped 2019 version of the Alto has been competing with the Renault Kwid and Datsun Redi-Go in its segment. All three hatchbacks have compact designs, although the Renault Kwid is still the biggest, by way of its length, wheelbase, and width. The Kwid also has the biggest boot, while the Datsun Redi-Go is the lightest and tallest car in this category. The Alto is the heaviest entry-level hatchback car, while also offering the smallest boot.

The Alto engine makes the same power and torque, while fuel economy has come down slightly. The Renault Kwid and Datsun Redi-Go both promise better fuel efficiency than the Alto, while the Kwid has a more powerful engine. All hatchbacks in the category have standard five-speed manual transmission systems. The top-end variants of all these cars have standard ABS, EBD and driver’s side airbags. The Alto takes it up a notch with its passenger airbag for the top-end trim (standard). The top-end variant of the car also has a 2-DIN audio unit with Bluetooth, while it is the only car with rear parking sensors. The Redi-Go only gets a 1-DIN audio unit, although it has LED DRLs for the top-end trim. The Renault Kwid has the highest number of features, offering a touch screen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with on-board navigation, a digital speedometer, and a reverse parking camera.

Putting these factors into consideration, that the Alto measures up favorably to its rivals, considering overall performance, reliability, and features. However, the Renault Kwid is still more feature-rich and may attract tech-savvy buyers who are looking for more connectivity options and navigation support.

The Maruti Alto comes with more safety features than before, along with some added extras for the top-end trim. It also gets optional passenger-side airbags for the entry-level and mid-range variants. It still drives and performs reasonably well, although fuel economy figures have come down slightly. The best part is that the Alto is now compliant with new-age emission, safety, and crash-testing regulations. It looks stylish enough, offering better interiors and performance. Yes, the cabin could have been more spacious and many other comfort and convenience features are missing.

However, first-time buyers or those buying small second cars will still view the Alto as the best possible option, for its overall efficiency, affordable running costs, reliability, and Maruti Suzuki’s vast servicing and repair network. Add a competitive price point to the mix, and the Alto seems like a value proposition from all angles. Its dominance in the entry-level segment should continue, in spite of the presence of well-packaged rivals like the Renault Kwid.