Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT

Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners. Are you searching for your perfect first car or a reliable city companion? In India, buying a car involves many considerations: budget, safety, maintenance, features, and company service. Today, we dive into a car that aims to tick these boxes: the new Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT. This popular hatchback's latest automatic avatar promises even more convenience. Let us explore if the Alto K10 automatic, specifically the VXI Plus AT, is the right fit for your garage.

Engine Specifications

The Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT runs on Maruti Suzuki's proven K10C series petrol engine. This 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine is known for refinement and fuel efficiency. It produces 65.7 bhp of power and 89 Nm of peak torque. This engine pairs with Maruti's Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology, an automated manual transmission (AMT). This setup provides a smooth, convenient driving experience, especially in city traffic, making it a great option for an affordable automatic car in India.

Design Overview

Exterior

The new Maruti Alto K10 boasts a fresh, modern look. It features a larger honeycomb mesh grille, swept-back halogen headlamps, and neat character lines. Its compact design ensures easy manoeuvrability in city spaces. The VXI Plus AT gets body-coloured door handles and ORVMs, adding a premium touch.

Interior

Step inside the Alto K10 VXI Plus AT to find a simple, functional, and user-friendly cabin. The all-black interior with silver accents looks smart. The ergonomic dashboard places all controls within easy reach. Seats offer decent comfort for city commutes. The main highlight is the 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system, modernising the cabin.

Key Features

For its segment, the Alto K10 VXI Plus AT offers a good list of features:

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Manual AC
• Front power windows
• Remote central locking
• Digital instrument cluster
• USB and AUX ports
• Internally adjustable ORVMs

What is the Ground Clearance of

The Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT has a healthy ground clearance of 160 mm, practical for Indian roads and speed breakers.

What is the Boot Space of

Boot space is 214 litres, adequate for daily errands or a small weekend trip.

What is the Dimensions of

Compact dimensions are:

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

Ideal for urban driving and parking.

Powertrain Options

While this blog focuses on the Alto K10 VXI Plus AT, the Alto K10 is available with both a 5-speed manual and the 5-speed AGS (automatic) gearbox. The engine remains the same 1.0-litre K10C petrol unit, balancing performance and fuel efficiency across variants.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority, and the Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT includes essential safety features:

• Dual front airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Rear parking sensors
• Speed sensing auto door lock
• High-speed alert system
• Seat belt reminders

NCAP Rating Table

Crash test ratings are vital for understanding safety. Here is what we know about the Alto K10:

Test Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	2 Stars	2 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not yet tested	Not yet tested

Note that the Global NCAP test was under older protocols.

Rivals of Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT

The Alto K10 VXI Plus AT faces competition in its segment. Key rivals in India include:

• Renault Kwid (automatic variants)
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio (as an alternative automatic Maruti)
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (entry-level variants)
• Tata Tiago (entry-level variants)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

How does the Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT perform in real-world scenarios? Here is a balanced look:

Pros:

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: Best in class, saving running costs.
• Affordable Automatic Transmission: AGS makes city driving convenient.
• Compact Dimensions: Easy to navigate and park.
• Low Maintenance Costs: Maruti's widespread service and affordable parts.
• Refreshed Design: Modern and appealing.
• Feature-Rich for its Segment: 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity.
• Strong Resale Value: Excellent resale in India.

Cons:

• Limited Space: Rear seat space tight for three adults on long trips.
• Basic Safety Rating: 2-star GNCAP might concern some.
• Noisy at High Speeds: Three-cylinder engine can be loud when pushed.
• AMT Quirks: AGS can feel jerky at low speeds.
• Lack of Premium Features: Misses rear power windows, day/night IRVM, or rear wiper.

Conclusion

The Maruti Alto K10 VXI Plus AT is an ideal entry-level automatic car for India. It offers convenience, fuel efficiency, and Maruti Suzuki's reliability. If you are a first-time car buyer, seeking an easy-to-drive city car, or value low running costs, the Alto K10 automatic, especially the VXI Plus AT, deserves a serious look. While it has limitations in space and advanced safety, its strengths make it a practical and smart choice. We hope this review aids your decision. Happy motoring!