Maruti Suzuki Alto 800’s Updated, Safer Models Spotted at Dealership

Maruti Suzuki had recently upgraded the Alto 800 entry-level hatchback as per the latest safety norms and now pictures of the units dispatched to dealerships have surfaced online. To let you know, the the company has still not launched the updated models officially. It appears that the brand will now begin selling the models directly via the dealerships. 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. With the addition of new safety features, the new Maruti Alto 800 will see a price hike in the vicinity of nearly Rs. 10,000-15,000.

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.

The minor aesthetic changes and safety features addition aside, there is no other significant change in the new Alto 800. Talking about the engine department, the updated model still comes with a 800cc 3 cylinder petrol engine rated to deliver 48 Bhp and 69 Nm. Mated to the engine is a 5 speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Maruti also sells a CNG-Petrol dual fuel option of the Alto 800 in select markets in India.

The company’s entry level offering is aimed mainly at new car customers who are making the switch from two-wheelers to a 4-wheeler. With the new safety upgrades, the Alto will continue to be sold unhindered till October this year, the time when more strict safety norms come into force. This makes the changes on the car only temporary.

Alto 800 and Alto K10 both are long due for a generation overhaul, and Maruti has also been testing the new version of the hatchbacks since quite some time now. The company had presented the Future S Concept at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo and there are reports that the new Alto models could be based on the same with a SUV-inspired design.

This new styling choice will arm the upcoming Maruti hatchback to take on the Renault Kwid in the segment. The new models of Alto will not only come with new styling but will also offer increased ground clearance and interior space than the current models.