Maruti Suzuki Alto

The Alto is Maruti Suzuki Udyog's subcompact offering to India and the country's one of the most popular cars in the small car segment. It is exported to numerous Southeast Asian countries (including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) and Chile.

The Alto is available in three variants: Maruti Suzuki Alto Standard, Maruti Suzuki Alto LX and Maruti Suzuki Alto LXi. It borrows from Maruti Suzuki 800's tried and tested engine technology, therefore delivering optimal performance.

The Alto is also available in a limited edition, the Xcite. The Alto Xcite comes with body coloured bumpers and door handles as well as flaunts stylish graphics on its body. The limited edition Alto Xcite sports dual-tone seat covers and fabric inserts on the door panel and features like front power windows, internally adjustable ORVM, rear demister, new gear knob, chrome plated grill, rear qtr trim, manual central locking and remote boot opener. Central locking system and a rear parcel tray make into the new Alto Xcite limited edition.

The Alto, with its compact dimensions and sturdy built, is just right for the Indian roads. Besides, it needs minimal maintenance and is extremely fuel efficient, making it just the perfect car for the average Indian working class. In addition to this, Maruti Suzuki's wide service network and the lure of this little car is perfectly understandable (especially at its price).

The Alto has received a couple of minor upgrades on the interior as well as a new sporty looking grille and a much more substantial bumper. It has also received two new colors, Caribbean Blue and Wine Red.

The Alto is equipped with a 796cc engine that serves up 46 bhp worth of power and 62 Nm of torque. A 5-speed, all synchromesh, manual transmission is standard in the Alto. The car has both petrol and CNG options. The front suspension has a McPherson Strut with torsion type roll control device, while the rear sports coil spring gas-filled shock absorbers with three link rigid axle and isolated trailing arms.

The ride quality is pleasant and comfortable but handling does not exactly measure up. Steering is spongy at times. A stiff suspension soaks up bumps like a pro. Brakes are hugely responsive too. A stiff chassis gives the Alto its fabulous driving character.

Thanks to its partner Suzuki's competence in building small cars, Maruti Suzuki Udyog has been able to offer some of the best hatchbacks in the country. The Alto is based on the Wagon R's platform but has an identity of its own. It has a clean silhouette and a minimalist design minus any frippery. The word 'Unpretentious' would describe it the best. A chunky front bumper, a dashing front grille and a bold 'S' badge are among the new design cues on the front fascia.

Its interiors are noticeably cramped in comparison to those of the Zen. Headroom is ample though passengers in the rear may be hard pressed for legroom. Seats are comfortable enough.The dashboard is strictly utilitarian with an easy access to navigate large instrument cluster, besides a number of little niches and storage pockets. Cargo space is plentiful too. The décor, despite being uninspiring, is hugely practical; it works.

The Alto is equipped with ample interior comforts; a super cool A.C., electronic power steering, and convenient cup holders among them. It also offers fabric seats, a moulded carpet, a luggage compartment carpet, cabin lamp, an electronic tripmeter, a floor front console with cup holders, a floor rear console, a glove box and front door pockets.

The Alto's standard safety features include side impact door beams, a child safety lock, clear lens headlamps, rear caps, a collapsible steering column, a high rigid monocoque frame made of high tensile steel, front and rear seat belts, booster assisted brakes and rear seat head restraints.