About Maruti Suzuki Alto

Choosing a new car in India is a big decision. You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what it will cost every month for maintenance, what cool features it offers, and how good the company service is. All these points are super important. Today, we are taking a close look at a car that often comes to mind when you think about affordable and reliable travel in India: the new Maruti Suzuki Alto. Let us dive in and see if this popular small car checks all the right boxes for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The latest Maruti Suzuki Alto, specifically the Alto K10, is powered by a modern and efficient engine.

• Engine Type: 1.0-liter K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Maximum Power: Around 66 bhp (Brake Horsepower)
• Maximum Torque: Around 89 Nm (Newton meters)
• Fuel Efficiency: Known for excellent mileage, often above 24 kmpl depending on the variant and driving conditions.

Design Overview

Exterior

The new Alto K10 gets a fresh, more appealing look. It is built on Suzuki latest Heartect platform, which makes it lighter and safer.

• Front: Features a large honeycomb grille and swept-back halogen headlamps, giving it a friendly yet modern face.
• Side: Simple lines, compact dimensions, and 13-inch steel wheels with wheel covers for most variants.
• Rear: Redesigned taillights and a slightly more upright stance compared to its predecessors.

Interior

Step inside, and you will find a practical and functional cabin.

• Dashboard: A minimalist design with an all-black theme, making it feel airy.
• Infotainment: Top variants feature a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen.
• Seating: Comfortable fabric seats for four adults, though five might be a squeeze on longer journeys.
• Storage: Decent storage spaces for a car of its size, including door pockets and a glove box.

Key Features

While the Alto K10 is a budget-friendly car, it offers some essential modern features:

• Infotainment Screen: 7-inch SmartPlay Studio Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Connectivity: USB, Aux-in, Bluetooth.
• Power Windows: Front power windows are available on higher variants.
• Keyless Entry: Available on top variants.

Digital Instrument Cluster: A simple, clear digital display for speed and other information.No Sunroof: Like most cars in this segment, it does not offer a sunroof.No 360-degree camera: Not available.No Wireless Charging: Not available.Manual Climate Control: It comes with a manual AC, not automatic climate control.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Maruti Suzuki Alto?

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 offers a practical ground clearance of 160 mm. This is good enough for most Indian road conditions, allowing it to clear small bumps and speed breakers without much fuss.

What is the Boot Space of the Maruti Suzuki Alto?

For a small car, the Alto K10 has a respectable boot space of 214 liters. This is adequate for your weekly groceries or a couple of small bags for a weekend trip.

What are the Dimensions of the Maruti Suzuki Alto?

The Alto K10 is designed to be compact and easy to manoeuvre in city traffic.

• Length: Around 3530 mm
• Width: Around 1490 mm
• Height: Around 1520 mm
• Wheelbase: Around 2380 mm

Powertrain Options

The Alto K10 offers flexibility in transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT): The standard choice, offering direct control.
• 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) or AMT: For those who prefer the convenience of an automatic without breaking the bank.
• CNG Option: A factory-fitted S-CNG variant is also available, offering even lower running costs.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has improved the safety package on the new Alto K10, making it compliant with current safety norms.

• Dual Front Airbags (standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Seat Belt Reminder
• High-Speed Alert System

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car safety rating is crucial. Here is how the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has performed in crash tests.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP	2 Stars (Under older protocol)	2 Stars (Under older protocol)	Tested in 2022. It is important to note that the test protocols have become stricter since then.
Bharat NCAP	Not Tested Yet	Not Tested Yet	The Alto K10 has not yet undergone testing by Bharat NCAP.

Rivals of Maruti Suzuki Alto

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 competes in the entry-level hatchback segment. Its main rivals include:

• Renault Kwid: Known for its SUV-like styling and slightly more features.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: An internal rival with a mini-SUV stance and similar mechanicals.
• Tata Tiago: While slightly higher priced, it is often cross-shopped for its strong safety rating and features.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed choice.

Pros

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: One of the best in its class, especially with the CNG option, leading to low running costs.
• Easy to Drive: Compact size, light steering, and good visibility make it perfect for city driving and parking in tight spots.
• Affordable Price: One of the most budget-friendly cars in India, making it accessible for first-time buyers.
• Reliable Maruti Service: Maruti Suzuki has an extensive service network across India, ensuring easy and affordable maintenance and spare parts availability.
• AMT Option: The AGS automatic option makes daily commutes less tiring.
• Proven K10 Engine: A refined and peppy engine for its size, offering good performance within city limits.

Cons

• Basic Features: Lacks some modern features like automatic climate control, push-button start, or rear power windows even in top variants.
• Safety Rating: While it has improved, the 2-star Global NCAP rating might be a concern for some buyers looking for higher safety standards.
• Limited Space: Rear seating can be cramped for three adults on longer journeys. Boot space is also adequate but not generous.
• Highway Performance: Best suited for city commutes. On highways, it might feel a bit underpowered, and stability can be a concern at very high speeds.
• Basic Interior Feel: While functional, the interior uses hard plastics and can feel a bit basic compared to some rivals.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 continues to be a strong contender in the entry-level hatchback segment for very good reasons. It is incredibly fuel-efficient, extremely easy to drive in bustling Indian cities, and comes with the unmatched peace of mind that Maruti Suzuki service brings. If your priorities are a tight budget, low running costs, and a reliable city commuter with basic modern conveniences, the Alto K10 is definitely a car worth considering. While it might not be the feature-richest or the safest car out there, it delivers exceptional value for its price. Take it for a test drive and see if this popular little car fits your lifestyle perfectly.