Maruti Suzuki Launches New Updated Version of Alto 800 Hatchback in India

India’s largest automaker Maruti Suzuki has finally launched the updated version of one of their best selling models -- Alto. The prices for the new version of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 begin at Rs. 2.93 lakhs, ex-showroom. This marks a hike of around Rs. 30,000 for the new version of the small hatchback.

Along with the updates the new version of Alto also comes with aesthetic upgrades. The engine of the new version of Alto also now complies with the latest BS-VI emission norms that are set to kick in from April next year. The 796cc petrol engine on Maruti Alto 800 now has a mileage of 22.05 Kmpl. This is nearly 2.7 kmpl less than the previous version of the Alto 800. However, there is no change in the output numbers of the Alto 800 and the 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox still remains available only with the bigger engine K10 model of the Maruti Alto.

Maruti Suzuki’s senior executive director of the marketing and sales division, R S Kalsi spoke on the occasion of the launch of new Alto 800 and spoke,

At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to bring innovations in India’s best-selling car brand Alto, which now has a  stylish makeover with additional safety features. With cumulative sales of over 3.7 million since launch in 2000,  Alto has been a symbol of pride for Indian car users. Nearly 58% of Alto customers have chosen it as their first car purchase. The New Alto is India’s first BSVI compliant entry segment car with a powerful engine and high fuel  efficiency of 22.05 km/l. We are confident that the New Alto will be a car that young Indians will be proud to own.

With the new safety update, there is a new grille and a bumper on the front of the car. The badge sees a change on the rear and the internals have new dual tone dashboard to boast of. This is the same dashboard found on the more powerful Alto K10 variant of the car. A new infotainment unit by the name of Smart Play Dock is also available that comes with Bluetooth music and calling features. Apart form these the dock also allows mobiles to be docked and used as a navigation display.

The new Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) rules mandated some basic safety features and hence Maruti had to update the Alto 800 with driver airbag, ABS, reverse parking  sensors, seat belt reminders and speed alerts. The top variants will also come with a passenger side airbag. The updated version of Alto 800 also complies with the crash test safety norms that are set to be enforced from October this year.