The Financial Express (Delhi Edition)
STAY GOLD, ALTO, STAY GOLD
NEW MARUTI SUZUKI ALTO 800
If you do a simple random sampling of a group of Indians who know how to drive, chances are a majority of them would have lear nt driving on an Alto. Ever since Maruti Suzuki first launched it in September 2000, as many as 30 lakh units of this entry-level hatchback have been cumulatively sold in the country. The car’s unique selling points have been its remarkable fuel efficiency, peppy engine, attractive price and low maintenance. Add to that Maruti’s countrywide sales network— you can practically buy an Alto even if you live in the remotest town in India!
Yet another reason for its success is that the Alto has been evolving to reflect the changing India. Over the years, Maruti has been ar ming it with just the right features a buyer looks for in an entry-level car, and subtle but timely design updates; these have been appealing to customers. Until now. In October 2015, Renault launched its radically-styled car, the Kwid. It’s clocking average monthly sales of 8,000 units. Last week, Renault’s alliance partner Nissan launched an Alto 800 rival under its Datsun sub-brand—called the redi-GO, it undercuts the Alto 800 by about R6,300 for the entry-level model. In the face of competition, Maruti has developed the new Alto 800. We drive it. claims, returns a mileage of 33.44 km per kg—an improvement of 10%.
Maruti makes some of the best small petrol engines in the world and this 796cc motor proves that.
Enhanced safety
Driver airbag is available as an option from the base variant onwards. It is priced only R6,000. The passenger side ORVM is now a standard feature. On higher trims, the new Alto 800 comes with a rear door child lock that makes travelling with children safer. The good thing is that important safety features such as high-mounted stop lamp, collapsible steering column and tubeless tyres are standard across all variants.
Maruti has made the car safer, but there is no option of an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The car which has successfully and convincingly beat competition over the years—including Tata Nano and Hyundai Eon—has now run into far younger and tougher rivals. In some areas, such as engine performance and ride quality, the new Alto 800 enjoys an edge. In others, such as design and cabin space, it loses out.
Prices start from R2.45 lakh for the STD variant and go up to R3.30 lakh for top-end VXi (O). The car is available in CNG (only LXi trim) from R3.66 lakh to R3.72 lakh.
Our verdict
(Prices are ex-showroom, Delhi; metallic colours cost R3,761 extra)